As members and supporters will be aware, the union is currently supporting a former teacher at Escape Campus, a school based in Russell Square in London. Sheela alleges that she was consistently underpaid, had her contract unlawfully changed, and was so badly treated after returning from maternity leave that she had no option but to resign and claim constructive dismissal. Here she tells her story.
It is with deep disappointment and concern that I reflect on my experience with Scape Campus/ Verbo Education. While the organization continues to expand rapidly—opening a new branch in Colombia, operating in Bari and Spain, and visibly accumulating assets abroad—it’s increasingly difficult to ignore the stark disparity between how the company allocates its financial resources and how it treats its core academic staff.
The fact that Escape Campus can afford to rent high-end, premium office spaces like WeWork in Colombia—widely known for their high costs—makes it clear that the company is not struggling financially. On the contrary, there is every indication of significant financial capability, as seen not only in overseas expansion but also in the presence of luxury vehicles for company owners abroad. Yet, many teachers remain on minimum wage contracts, with little recognition or compensation reflective of their qualifications and commitment.
Even more troubling is the pattern of restructuring and rebranding that appears to be unfolding. A new branch* has been launched under the name Verbo Education, which raises questions—especially in light of growing speculation that Escape Digital may be heading toward liquidation. The launch of Verbo Education gives the impression of a “Phoenix” company—a new entity that conveniently continues operations under a new name, possibly to avoid financial accountability from the previous one. If true, this would raise serious concerns about transparency and ethical business practices.
It is particularly disheartening to witness the privileged treatment given to those in sales—commonly referred to internally as “the Queen and the ladies in sales”—who receive generous commissions and enjoy visibly comfortable lifestyles, while teachers are consistently underpaid, ignored, and left to navigate the financial pressures of minimum wage. This stark imbalance sends a clear message about where the company’s values truly lie.
As someone who was named Teacher of the Year, promoted to Senior Teacher, and who proudly upheld the public image of the organization, I experienced unpaid wages, denied holiday accrual, and felt unsupported during my return from maternity leave—all while on a permanent 30-hour contract. Sadly, my experience is not unique. Many qualified, passionate teachers have left the organization citing a toxic and unsupportive work environment.
Attempts to raise concerns through proper channels, such as HR, were routinely ignored. Messages were left unanswered. In public communication spaces like WhatsApp, colleagues who dared to speak up about their rights or wages saw their messages deleted—silencing voices and preventing solidarity among staff.
The overall picture is difficult to ignore: an organization that increasingly prioritizes sales, image, and financial expansion over the well-being of its educators and the genuine care of its students. It is painful to say, but it feels as though teachers and students are no longer the heart of the school—replaced instead by marketing metrics and profit margins.
Teachers are not asking for anything excessive. We are asking for what is fair: to be respected, compensated properly, and treated with dignity. We are educators who give everything to our students and our profession. I share this not out of anger, but in the hope that transparency will lead to accountability, and that positive, meaningful change will follow—for the sake of the staff, the students, and the future of education.
*Note: Escape Owner Raff Misceo has disputed that Verbo Education and Escape Campus are linked companies, despite Sheela being told in writing by her line manager that Verbo Education is “basically a branch of the company [Escape Digital].”