Teaching jobs: where to find them and when to apply

Get the lowdown on how to apply for teaching jobs, local authority registration schemes, pool applications and the other approaches schools use to recruit early career teachers.

To identify the teaching jobs you want to apply for, think about your preferences:

• location – you probably won't want a long commute during your first year as an early career teacher (ECT)
• type and size of school
• year group and key stage
• teaching methods
• school performance and reputation
• atmosphere and ethos of the school.

Research the school thoroughly and visit if you can - to ensure you are applying to the right school for you.

Schools recruit teachers in a variety of ways so it’s a good idea to find out the recruitment approaches for specific schools and multi-academy trusts or local authorities (LAs) well ahead of the time of application.

Applying for a teaching job in a school in England

The main ways of applying for a teaching job are:

• Specific vacancies - individual schools and multi-academy trusts recruit directly through their own advertisements and selection procedures. Advertisements for teaching posts start in January and the peak time is between February and June; this is how most schools recruit for teaching posts.
• Through local authorities (LAs)- Most LAs advertise primary and secondary teaching vacancies on their website and you’re able to create an account and receive regular alerts. It would also be worthwhile contacting LAs directly to find out if they have other methods of recruitment, particularly for primary school positions. The two most common are:
  • Teacher registration schemes and databases - You register your interest in working within a particular LA area and complete a single application form. Your application is then sent to primary schools with opportunities which meet your criteria.
  • Pool applications - These are similar to registration schemes but, in addition to the central application form, you may also complete the selection process centrally. A school can then appoint from the available, approved list.
• Speculative applications - these are made directly to the school. You will probably be more successful if you already have contacts at the school/have had a placement there. However, with the current national shortage of teachers, it can be a good strategy for finding opportunities for all candidates.
• Agencies - increasing numbers of teaching applications are handled by agencies including those for permanent early career teacher (ECT) posts. Registration with an agency will usually involve submitting an application form or CV followed by a meeting with a recruitment agent. Some of the most well-known are Hays Education , Eteach , CER and FE Jobs . There are many other agencies - including regional agencies; see the member directory of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation .

To support these approaches, some LAs hold open days, usually in the spring, so you can talk to several primary schools in the area and find out more about their requirements. The day may also include a selection interview. In some LAs, you will only receive an invitation to an open day after submitting an application.

You should ensure that you know when these avenues open and any particular deadlines for expressions of interest and applications.

Other resources to help you find a teaching job

It would also be worth checking out:

• The teaching vacancies listed on GOV.UK . It is free for schools to advertise on this website, so it is being used increasingly by schools to post jobs.
• Tes Jobs and The Guardian Jobs . Both operate job alert services via email and enable you to upload a CV or create a profile.
• School groups that run academies and free schools. They usually advertise opportunities on their websites; see Tes for a list of groups.
• Cultural or religious newspapers. These may carry advertisements for teaching positions, especially in faith-based schools.
• Your university careers service or education department, which may have an online jobs board. The careers service will also be able to advise on other local sources of opportunities.
• Teaching fairs. These are held nationwide, often within universities. They are attended by local authorities, recruitment agencies, teaching unions and schools.
• Networking. Keep in touch with the schools where you have trained or worked as a volunteer.

The teacher recruitment timetable: what to do and when

• Autumn term: research recruitment approaches for LAs and attend university recruitment fairs.
• December and January: LAs advertise pool vacancies and may have closing dates. In January, schools start directly advertising vacancies.
• January to May: this is the busiest period for recruitment. Most vacancies suitable for ECTs are advertised during this time. Register with websites to receive updates on the latest opportunities. Make applications to teacher registration schemes and databases.
• 31 May: the final date before which teachers leaving their jobs in the summer must resign, so more jobs appear around this time.
• Summer: consider registering with an agency for supply work as your ECT year can be completed through long-term supply contracts if agreed with the school in advance.

Keep in mind that independent and overseas schools may advertise at any stage throughout the year.

Where to find out about teaching jobs in independent schools

Vacancies in independent schools are advertised in similar places to other teaching posts. You can also find job vacancies and useful information about independent schools in your area from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and The Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) .

Where to find out about jobs for early years teachers

Early years teachers with early years teacher status (EYTS) may be employed by:

• Private, voluntary and independent nurseries.
• Children’s centres.
• Free schools, academies and independent schools delivering the early years foundation stage.
• State funded nurseries or primary schools’ reception classes – working alongside staff with qualified teacher status.

Vacancies for early years teachers can be found at:

• Nursery World jobs
• Tes Jobs
• daynurseries.co.uk

Recruitment agencies specialising in the education sector, such as Hays Education and Randstad Education , may also have suitable vacancies, offering part-time, full-time, temporary and permanent contracts.

Where to find out about teaching jobs within further education

Further education vacancies can be found at:

• FE Jobs
• college.jobs.ac.uk
• FE Careers
• AoC Jobs

Find out more about teaching in Scotland , teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland .

Written by Joanne Doherty, Stranmillis University College, July 2024

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