The International Schools Review Forum

How real is this? Does Search really ban people for life for breaking contract or leaving bad situations without their blessing?

They can, but since there’s other options for recruiting agencies, it’s not a complete disaster.
There is no “master list” of blackballed teachers that crosses agencies.

Not for life, no. But do people get banned? Sometimes. I hear 2 - 3 years, usually. I don't know anybody personally who's been on the Search banned list.

I would concur with @SJ, for life no, typically its 2-3 years. After 2-3 years in IE, your worth more than any 'punishment', and the associate is just turning away good coin.
There is no master/global black list. Each associate in SA is essentially an SA franchise, even if one associate wont work with you, its possible to find another that will.

It's real but, let's face it, it's managed by Search's associates, so how air tight can it be? Give it a few years and they won't even recognize you and will be glad to take your $$$.