Getting a teaching job : Where to start

The information below relates primarily to teaching in England. Specific information is also available on teaching in Scotland, teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland. For information on working as a teacher, see types of jobs.

Getting a teaching job provides an overview of applying for and gaining your first teaching post. It provides information on vacancy sources and guides you through the process of compiling your personal statement and preparing for interview.

Identify the job you want

Consider:

• location;
• year group or key stages;
• size and types of schools;
• teaching methods and styles;
• support for induction;
• school performance/reputation.

Remember, greater flexibility can make securing a job easier.

Consider taking a temporary position, as it may become permanent. Supply work for a whole term will count towards your induction year, but do not undertake more than four terms’ supply without working towards induction or you will not be able to qualify. Posts well outside your age range or subject area should be avoided.

Ensure you get well-structured support in your first year and the chance to complete your induction period. Induction cannot be undertaken in a school in special measures.

Induction

All new teachers in England and Wales are required to complete an induction programme lasting one academic year (pro-rata for part-time).

It is advisable to complete the induction programme soon after finishing the teacher training.

You should not teach more than 90% of a normal timetable during induction.

Independent schools

Induction can be provided in independent schools where the National Curriculum is delivered and either a local authority (LA) or, for affiliated schools, the Independent Schools Council Teacher Induction Panel will act as the school's appropriate body.

Induction completed in an independent school will be recognised by the maintained sector.

For further information about working in independent schools, contact the ISC.

Academies and city technology colleges

These can offer induction if they meet the same criteria as independent schools.

Special schools

It is possible to complete induction in special schools, though some experience in a mainstream school may have to be undertaken.

Job advertisements

These summarise the role, providing an outline of the skills and experience required. Some are brief, whilst others provide information about what the school requires and, therefore, what you need to include in your application.

 Application packs

When you reply to a job advertisement, you should receive an application pack containing some or all of the following:

• an application form;
• a job description/person specification;
• information about the school or authority.

Read through everything, highlighting key words and phrases. 

The person specification outlines the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required. Knowledge of the school’s outlook, policies and mission, as well as the role advertised, will enable you to target your application and show you have a genuine interest.

Do your research

• Read The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspection reports for schools.
• Look at the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables.
• Talk to people who know the school.
• Visit the school(s) you are interested in, especially where they indicate visits are welcome. This will help you to make a better application and to be sure that you want to apply.
• If it is not possible to visit, try to arrange a telephone discussion instead.
• Investigate current hot topics and educational issues.