Should I use a Recruiter to Teach in England?

Hi all,

I'm considering coming to London to teach this summer/fall and am considering whether or not I should use a recruiter. I've been talking to one recruitment agency, and they're telling me that the pay is higher when I go with an umbrella company because with them I can 1) make main pay scale 1 as opposed to UQT pay (about 27,000 vs. 19,000), and 2) There are greater tax benefits with an umbrella company, such as claiming airfare, housing, living expenses, etc.

This sounds pretty good, but of course I'm wary of taking a company whose primary interest is not necessarily the same as mine at their word. I would rather have some disinterested points of view from some teachers who have already gone over either with or without a recruitment agency.

They've also told me that after taxes, I can expect to net about 19,000. I know most teachers who go over have some student debt as well as travel plans. Have you been able to balance living, debts, and travel on this wage in London? Seems pretty low.

Thanks for any advice.
-ODS