Getting a teaching job : Vacancy sources

Local authorities

Teacher recruitment in local authorities (LAs) varies throughout the UK. Contact LAs directly to check what the current recruitment situation is.

• Most LAs advertise their vacancies online and many have teacher recruitment pages for newly qualified teacher (NQT) posts.
• Some LAs still issue regular vacancy lists and some produce recruitment literature, which aims to give a picture of what it would be like to work there.
• Some authorities hold open days (usually in the spring and for primary teaching only) to allow applicants to visit several schools in the area. These provide an opportunity to find out more about schools and 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.

Newspapers

• Times Educational Supplement Jobs  - operates a job-matching service via email or text message.
• Guardian Jobs  - operates a job-matching service via email.
• The Daily Telegraph Jobs  - operates a job alert service via email. 
• Local press. Advertisements can be found in your local press, especially for short-term or part-time posts. The Newspaper Society  has links to local newspapers around the country.
• Cultural/religious newspapers often carry advertisements for teaching positions, especially in faith-based schools.

Agencies, websites and other sources

• The Schools Recruitment Service  allows jobseekers to select their preferred teaching role and geographical region to receive vacancy alerts. They can also opt to be part of a talent pool, enabling schools to contact them directly. This service is only used by some local authorities and is for England only.
• Recruitment agencies such as Eteach , Capita Education Resourcing  and FE Jobs  will register NQTs to help find them a job - permanent, temporary or supply. There are many other agencies including regional agencies.
• Your university careers service or education department. Some schools may inform your institution of vacancies, particularly local ones.
• Teaching fairs, held nationwide, attended by local authorities and supply agencies.
• Networking - keep in touch with the schools where you did your practice or worked as a volunteer. 

Vacancies in independent schools

• Vacancies in independent schools are advertised in the same places as other teaching posts.
• The Independent Schools Council  (ISC) offers an online vacancies service. Information on working in preparatory schools is available via the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) . The IAPS shares the vacancies service with the ISC.
• Gabbitas Education  runs an appointments service for all types of independent schools and for overseas posts, although a minimum of two years’ experience is often required for the latter.