Manchester has long been a hot spot for fashion, music, culture, and creativity, so it should come as no surprise that it’s also home to some of the top children’s modelling agencies in the UK. It’s good news if you live in the northwest and you’re wondering how to realise your child’s dreams of becoming a model.
The world of child modelling is brimming with opportunities for nippers to strut their stuff in front of the camera. A good kids’ modelling agency acts as a gateway to the industry, connecting your child with jobs, offering support and expertise, and in some cases even becoming like family, watching with pride as your youngster grows into a full-fledged pro.
But with so many great agencies in the region, how do you know which one is the right fit? Look no further than this guide to some of the best kids’ modelling agencies in and around Manchester.
Founded by Debra Burns in 1988 and located in the heart of the Northern Quarter, Boss Model Management is a true Manchester institution. The agency discovered supermodel Karen Elson when she was just 16. She went on to become one of Britain’s top supermodels – a testament to Boss’ skill at scouting and nurturing true talent.
In addition to adults, Boss has a well-respected book of junior faces, from newborns to 17 years. With nearly four decades of experience, it has built strong relationships with major clients across fashion, advertising, and media, providing talent for jobs in modelling and acting. Brands using the agency’s services include Zara Kids, JD Sports, and Adidas. With a reputation that extends beyond the UK, there could be the potential for international work too.
How to apply
The agency is free to join, and there’s lots of info about how to apply for representation on the website. The agency emphasises personality, enthusiasm, determination, a unique look, a professional attitude, and a willingness to work hard.
With a presence in both Manchester and London, Bonnie & Betty has become a powerhouse in the children’s talent industry since its founding in 2009. It represents babies, children, and teenagers up to age 16, and books both modelling and acting jobs – which means more opportunities across a wider variety of jobs.
The agency currently represents around 600 children from all backgrounds and ethnicities, and with different abilities, which makes the agency a go-to for clients looking for an inclusive cast. It also makes an effort to get to know each child personally, in order to confidently submit them for the right jobs. Its models have appeared in campaigns for Burberry and Lego, as well as in acting roles in Les Miserables and the Marvel blockbuster Captain America: The First Avenger.
How to apply
Bonnie & Betty’s books were closed at the time of writing, but the agency suggests signing up for its mailing list and keeping an eye on its website and Instagram for future openings. In the meantime, check out Industry Parent, a platform launched by agency founder Bonnie Lia in 2024 to give parents the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the industry.
If your child is accepted onto Bonnie & Betty’s books, there’s a £75 annual fee to cover a full searchable web page, which gets deducted from their first earnings.
Bizzy was founded by Debi Clark in 1996 as a boutique agency with just a handful of kids on its books. The agency is still owned by the Clark family, and it has gone on to become a multi-award-winning talent and modelling agency with divisions covering every corner of England (including Manchester), as well as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
The agency champions diversity, representing children with disabilities and kids from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. Bizzy has helped shape the industry with campaigns for inclusivity in child modelling, making them a top choice for brands and production companies who share their values.
Clients include major names such as Adidas, Burberry, Harrods, Vogue Bambini, and Sky. It also has talent and influencer divisions catering to a new generation of content creators.
How to apply
If you want to be a part of this forward-thinking agency, check out its application page. It doesn’t ask for prior experience, but confidence is a must. Bear in mind there’s a £50 admin fee, which will be deducted from your child’s first payment.
Alysia Lewis quit her public relations career in 2003 to found Urban Angels alongside her photographer husband, Dan Scudamore. They’ve built a thriving agency on the core principle of “representing and reflecting the makeup of the diverse urban society we live in.”
Their North division, based in Manchester and Liverpool, was established in 2008 to take the philosophy further and cater to a growing client base ranging from high-end brands such as Burberry and Versace to high-street names including Next, Mini Boden, and Primark. They recently launched a talent division, Halo, to give young talent even more opportunities to showcase their skills across the fashion, commercial, and entertainment industries.
The agency takes a down-to-earth but professional approach, dealing with models, parents, and clients on a first-name basis. From its website alone, it’s easy to see this is a nurturing community with a close-knit feel, ideal for kids with an interest in both modelling and performance.
How to apply
Find out how to apply to join Urban Angels’ North division on its website, by following its Instagram, or signing up for the agency’s newsletter. Note that there’s an administrative fee of £125 for a year-long contract with the agency, which includes a personal portfolio page and parent portal.
Located just outside Liverpool, Impact Models (not to be confused with the London-based agency of the same name) supplies fashion, commercial, and photographic models to Manchester, Cheshire, and further outposts across the northwest. It’s well respected in the industry, representing top-tier talent including a growing portfolio of child models. Kids on its roster have booked jobs with the likes of Liverpool F.C. Shop, Montirex, and John Lewis, and it also has a thriving extras agency that has worked with the BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4, and brands such as Sony, Puma, and Nivea.
The agency’s focus is on nurturing and developing its models’ careers, and it prides itself on friendly, professional service for clients and models alike. It’s frank about the fierce competition in the industry, and stresses dedication, enthusiasm, and a good agent (of course!) as vital ingredients for success.
How to apply
There’s no joining fee to sign with Impact, which represents children between 2 and 16 years old who live within a 25-mile radius of Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, North Wales, or Yorkshire. Keep an eye on its website for callouts for talent to apply.
Before you get your starlet ready for their close-up, there are a few things to bear in mind. Sadly, fraudulent activity happens in the world of modelling. Most legitimate agencies will never contact you via social media or charge fees for applications, although they may ask for a membership or administrative fee if your child makes it onto their books. Reputable agencies make their money from commission, so be wary of any asking for payment before your child has booked work.
It’s unlikely you’ll need professional photos to apply to agencies, but it’s a good idea to have some recent headshots and full-length photos up your sleeve. Take them in natural light and with simple clothes, and steer clear of heavy edits or filters – agencies want to see your child’s natural beauty. Be sure to read FAQ pages and application requirements thoroughly, and don’t forget that under-16s need parental consent to submit to agencies.
Above all, don’t forget to have fun! It may be a professional vocation, but child modelling should be rewarding and stress-free. A good agency will make sure your tiny poser enjoys every minute, while paving the way for a fulfilling career.