If you think you might have a budding Gigi Hadid or David Gandy on your hands, you might be considering signing your child up to an agency specialising in modelling jobs for kids. But how do you know which ones are trustworthy at a time when so many stories are circulating about rip-off agencies?
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We've compiled a list of top children's modelling agencies across the UK who we've worked with in the past and who we know are reliable, professional and can be trusted 100%. It doesn't automatically mean that if your child is gorgeous-looking or loves the camera, you'll have a contract in your hand after contacting an agency. There are a number of criteria an agency will look for. We've spoken to many agency bosses and child fashion photographers to find out what they're looking for.
One of the first things you'll need to do is have a few photos of your child showing their potential. Read our guide to what model agencies are looking for in a photograph. Choose your agency carefully. A good model agency will save you time, money and stress, and help your child’s modelling career. It should help you find the best jobs for your child, whilst making sure his/her needs are put first and the law is complied with.
10 of the Best Child Model Agencies: our pick of trustworthy child modelling agencies in the UK * (in alphabetical order)
1. Alphabet Kidz Ltd.
Alphabet Kidz Ltd. is a London Talent Agency representing young talent, teens and baby models (photographic, fashion shows, catwalk), actors (across TV, film, commercials and theatre) and voice artists (in animations, radio, and commercials). Established in 2003 by Lisa Balcombe (Managing Director) who felt there was an imbalance of diversity in the creative industry and, wanted to help reflect this change. Inspired to make a difference, she created a unique space for all young people to be represented equally and fairly by the media – embracing diversity at all levels.
WHAT THEY SAY: "From the beginning, Lisa wanted to concentrate on being a positive catalyst for change in young lives by creating avenues and opportunities to develop self-confidence and self-esteem through the arts and media."
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HOW TO APPLY: Alphabet is always looking for enthusiastic, energetic, friendly, happy and chatty young talent for commercials, modelling and voiceovers. However, they do only consider artists who live within 2 hours journey time from Central London and have an extensive online application form.
IS THERE A FEE?: The agency does not charge a joining or registration fee. However, they do require the artist to cover the costs of setting up and creating the artist’s portfolio on the agency’s online website publication. The total fee of £150.00 will cover the cost of the online portfolio and will include a shoot with the agency photographer (this fee will cover film, tv, stage, commercials and others0. For photographic modelling only, the fee will be taken from your child's first earnings.
CONTACT:
- Alphabet Agency, Alphabet Kidz Ltd. Daisy Business Park, 19-35 Sylvan Grove, London SE15 1PD
- Tel: 020 7252 4343
- Email: contact@alphabetkidz.co.uk
- Website: www.alphabetkidz.co.uk
- Instagram: @alphabetkidz
2. Bonnie & Betty Agency
Bonnie and Betty agency was set up in 2009 by Bonnie Lia, who had already worked within the industry for a number of years. The agency has quickly grown to be one of the most well-known and busiest kids' agencies in England due to their huge variety of work across both the modelling and acting industries. The agency is now split into various divisions covering modelling, talent/casting, acting & extra work. They supply babies, children and teenagers from newborn to 16 years for a range of assignments across the board including photographic, commercial, TV, film and stage work. They have both North and South divisions in London and Manchester. They also have a real families division.
With a friendly, yet expert approach, they are known for being extremely selective so it can prove difficult getting spotted by this agency. They only open their books for each age group once a year, for a few days at a time at most, and regularly receive thousands of applications each time, from which, the overall percentage of acceptances tends to be in the region of just 5%.
THEY SAY: “We are one of the only kids' agencies to cover both the modelling and acting areas of the industry on par with each other; which is where we have a real niche. Our inclusive, down to earth ‘family feel’ of the agency is what we are probably known best for and we strive to ensure our communication with our models and artistes is always 100%, as this is often where we are told we excel over others. We engage with all our clients on a regular basis and try to regularly offer help and advice, including to those not registered with us, via social media and live events”.
HOW TO APPLY: It is vital you read their Child Modelling FAQ page and the information on the website thoroughly before you apply.
IS THERE A FEE?: If your child is accepted to join the agency, they do not charge 'registration/joining fees', but the cost of an individual, fully searchable web page for your child, which is currently £75 including VAT for one year (for the talent division, which covers commercials, TV, film, stage and any other) is required. If you would prefer your child to just be submitted for photographic modelling, this fee will be taken from your child's first earnings.
CONTACT:
- Bonnie & Betty Model Agency, 5-7 Tanner Street, London, SE1 3LE
- Tel: 020 3848 4180
- Email: agency@bonnieandbetty.com
- Website: www.bonnieandbetty.com
- Instagram: @bonnieandbetty
3. BOSS Model Management Ltd.
Founded by Debra Burns in 1988, Boss Model Management has pioneered the management and marketing of home grown talent to a worldwide audience. For over three decades they have evolved to become one of the most dynamic and respected Model Agencies in the UK and are well-known in the great fashion capitals of the world. Their philosophy is simple. "We conduct our business based on the traditional values of honesty, trust, respect, transparency and integrity. We care about results, which is what drives our passion for excellence."
THEY SAY: "We will treat every enquiry with respect and courtesy. Please check with us BEFORE engaging with any individual or organisation claiming to work on our behalf. We are based in UK and do not operate from offices elsewhere."
HOW TO APPLY: Read the instructions, fill in the online application and upload the picture requirement here.
IS THERE A FEE? No.
CONTACT:
- Boss Model Management Ltd., 33 Turner Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1DW
- Tel: 0161 237 0100
- Email: info@bossmodels.co.uk
- Website: www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk
- Instagram: @bossmodelmanagement
4. Bruce and Brown
Bruce and Brown is the one of the UK’s leading kids' agencies, established in 1988 by former model Kipsey Owen and based in West London. They work with UK & International clients booking kids for photographic, commercial, film & TV work for clients such as VOGUE bambini, Stella McCartney and Boden.
THEY SAY: "Bruce and Brown are currently recruiting children of all ages but only take on babies and children who live within a comfortable commute to London. We do not charge any joining fees and we do not require a portfolio"
HOW TO APPLY: To apply email newapplicant@bruceandbrown.com with the following information: child’s date of birth, home address, a contact number and child’s height measurement (heel to top of head). Attach at least 4 recent, clear images with no no hats, face paint, dummies (no larger than 1mb).
IS THERE A FEE?: No.
CONTACT:
- Bruce & Brown, Unit g.20, The Lightbox, 111 Power Rd, Chiswick, London W4 5PY
- Tel: 020 7624 7333
- Email: info@bruceandbrown.com
- Website: www.bruceandbrown.com
- Instagram: @bruceandbrown
5. Elisabeth Smith
The first child modelling agency in the UK was set up by Scottish born ex-model Elisabeth Smith in 1960. The main focus of the Elisabeth Smith agency is children - from babies to teenagers - but, now they also welcomes families to join. Elisabeth also saw success as an author, with her expertise and years of experience allowing her to publish the book 'Your Child as a Model'. In the book, Elisabeth shared her knowledge of child modelling and accompanies this knowledge with working photographs from the agency. Following the sad death of Elisabeth in 2009, the agency continues to be a family run business with her daughter, Charlotte, now following in her mothers' success and legacy by continuing to run the agency.
THEY SAY: "Please remember, life as a child model is not easy, nor is it so easy for you as a parent, but it can be great fun and very rewarding. Babies and toddlers should be calm, relaxed in front of a camera and happy to go to strangers and children should be well behaved, confident and enjoy meeting people."
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must live within 1 hour's travel time of Central London. Apply online here at Elisabeth Smith with all upload images under 5mb or by post.
IS THERE A FEE?: No.
CONTACT:
- Elisabeth Smith Ltd. PO Box 806, Rickmansworth, WD3 0PR.
- Tel: 01923 269 477
- Email: models@elisabethsmith.co.uk
- Website: www.elisabethsmith.co.uk
6. Grace & Galor
Grace and Galor is a boutique agency for children in London and Ibiza. Founded by Amanda in 2008, it has now established itself as one of the leading agencies for children, providing established and fresh new faces of the highest calibre. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years Amanda started as a booker in her teens at a leading London agency and worked her way up to agent. This wealth of experience and knowledge is reflected in the company's vast portfolio of clients, including The Little White Company, M&S, Huggies, Milk Magazine and Harrods.
THEY SAY: "Grace and Galor will only take on a child if we feel they have a strong look that is right for our clients, or at least show good potential. We do not charge a joining or admin fee so only take on a child if we feel we can get them work. To apply for your child we do require that you live in or near London and are available during the week for castings and bookings. A parent, legal guardian or licensed chaperone is required to take a child to a shoot and most bookings and casting take place on a weekday."
HOW TO APPLY: Email snap shots to children@graceandgalor.com with files no bigger than 1mb. Be sure to include your child’s name, age and your contact details.
IS THERE A FEE?: No.
CONTACT:
- Grace and Galor, 16 The Old Dairy, Godstone Green, Godstone, Surrey RH9 8DY
- Tel: 01883 744 488
- Email: info@graceandgalor.com
- Website: www.graceandgalor.com
- Instagram: @graceandgalormodels
7. Kids London Model Agency
Kids London Model Agency was founded in 1996, by Sue Walker who had worked nationally and internationally as a model herself during the 80’s and 90’s. With an idea to fill what she saw as a gap in the child modelling sector and reflect a more diverse cross-section of kids who represented what was really happening in society - urban, cosmopolitan, interesting, kids with an edge - she set up her agency. Kids London clients now include all the major names in fashion, the top designer brands, department stores, magazines, film and TV!
WHAT THEY SAY: "We have a reputation for being the best and we maintain that position by continuing to strive for excellence through professionalism, reliability and creativity, in the face of our changing society."
HOW TO APPLY: If you wish to apply for your child to be on their books follow the instructions and online application for London and Manchester divisions on the how to apply page.
IS THERE A FEE?: No.
CONTACT:
- Kids London Ltd. 67 Dulwich Road, London SE24 0NJ
- Tel: 0207 924 9595
- Email: info@kidslondonltd.com
- Website: www.kidslondonltd.com
- Instagram: @kidslondonltd
8. MOT Models
MOT Models has been a market leader since 1985 and are highly committed to their ethos of fairness, friendliness and efficiency in business, obtaining most new clients and models through referral. Their long-standing reputation is based on trust and has been hard-won and testament to this is that many of their leading models joined them whilst they were still at school and remain with them still today. As one of the top 10 child model agencies in London they represent models ranging in age from infants to pre-teens and families with experience in pretty much every advertising category, including sportswear, e-commerce, TV commercials, fashion campaigns, catalogue and editorial.
THEY SAY: "What drives us is that enough is never enough, so we are constantly striving to improve. We're proud of our skill at developing new talent and ensure models find a nurturing, considerate and thoughtful management team that aims to ensure a successful long career."
HOW TO APPLY: Submit NATURAL, colour photographs and a headshot taken front-on, fully showing the face (no professional studio photos are required and digitally enhanced photographs will NOT to be accepted). You can apply online at become a model or on the Junior applications email at: Junior@motmodel.com
IS THERE A FEE?: No.
CONTACT:
- MOT Models Limited, The Stables, Ashlyns Hall, Chesham Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2ST
- Tel: 01442 863 918
- Email: agency@motmodel.com
- Website: www.motmodel.com
- Instagram: @motmodels
9. Norrie Carr Agency
The Norrie Carr Agency (NCA) is a model agency and talent agency based in London. NCA is also one of the UK's longest-established and most reputable agencies having been founded in 1963. Initially specialising in representing children, the Agency helped put notables such as Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz and Spice Girl Emma Bunton on the road to stardom.
WHAT THEY SAY: "We have steadily expanded our areas of expertise, and are now recognised as one of the UK's leaders in the supply of professional, personable and reliable models and actors of all shapes, sizes and ages - from newborn babies to octogenarians - from all walks of life."
HOW TO APPLY: NCA only consider applicants who live within approximately one-hour's travelling time of Central London. We only recruit in the London, Greater London and most Home Counties regions (including Bucks, Beds, Essex, Hampshire, Herts, Kent, Middlesex, Northants, Surrey & Sussex). Email applications (one email per applicant) to apply@norriecarr.com For updated information read more here.
IS THERE A FEE?: The NCA photoshoot provides professional promotional photograph(s) to see how children perform in front of the camera, and in a busy professional studio environment. For 1 year on the NCA talent web directory (including regular picture editing and updating of web and e-card and direct mail promotion) the fees are £45 for babies and pre-schoolers and £75/£45 for siblings for school age children from reception onwards.
CONTACT:
- Norrie Carr Agency, Holborn Studios, 49 Eagle Wharf Rd,, London, N1 7ED
- Tel: 020 7253 1771
- Email: info@norriecarr.com
- Website: www.norriecarr.com
- Instagram: @nca_artists_models_norriecarr
10. Urban Angels
Urban Angels was set up in 2003 by Alysia Lewis, as a new concept in child modelling - an agency with a strong philosophy behind it. With many years in Fashion PR behind her, Alysia saw a major gap in kids' agencies when a friend’s little boy who was mixed race got turned down by 3 London kids' agents. Today, Urban Angels continues to represent and reflect child models that make up the diverse urban society we live in and now has a 2nd generation of Urban Angels. This family run agency offers a friendly, down to earth, yet totally professional approach that ensures models (and their parents) always feeling valued and part of the Urban Angels family. They offer a North and South division.
WHAT THEY SAY: "It’s important that we do the consultations in the studio as we can get a real feel of the kids personalities and if the industry is for them. It’s about fun and happiness and SHOULD NEVER BE FORCED, they need to be comfortable having their pictures taken. As there are so many positives that come from modelling, the confidence building that it brings is unreal."
HOW TO APPLY: Visit the website for updated information and how to join the mailing list. They offer consultations where they decide who will be offered contracts.
IS THERE A FEE? Successful children receive an EXCLUSIVE contract with them for one year and the annual administrative fee is £100 (* if you would like your child registered with both the North and South divisions the annual fee is £125.) This cost covers their professional studio photo shoot, inclusion on the website and up to 4 high resolution images from the shoot session, enabling you to have as many prints as you want.
CONTACT:
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- Urban Angels, Unit F32 B Parkhall Business Centre , 40 Martell Road, London SE21 8EN
- Tel: 0208 249 9242
- Email: south@urbanangelsagency.com or, north@urbanangelsagency.com
- Website www.urbanangelsagency.com
- Insta: @urbanangelshq