Question 1

Where can I find teaching jobs?

Accepted Answer

Teaching positions are advertised across several channels. Specialist public sector job boards like Jobs Go Public focus on roles in state schools, academies, and local authority education services—without recruitment agency listings competing for your attention. You can set up job alerts to be the first to hear about teaching roles near you.

Individual schools and academy trusts post vacancies on their own websites, so bookmarking local schools you're interested in can be worthwhile. Local authority websites list positions across their maintained schools, whilst multi-academy trusts advertise centrally for all their schools.

The key is checking regularly during peak recruitment periods. This is March to May for September starts, and September to November for January positions.

Browse current teaching vacancies on our job board to see what's available in your area and subject specialism.

Question 2

Are teaching jobs in demand?

Accepted Answer

Teaching roles are consistently in demand across the UK, though competition varies by subject and phase.

Based on vacancy data from Jobs Go Public, Geography, Music, and General Science teaching posts tend to attract fewer applicants, making these less competitive for candidates. History, PE, and English also see relatively lower competition than many expect.

Maths, Physics, and IT—often described nationally as shortage subjects—still see strong recruitment activity.

Primary and early years positions are typically the most competitive, attracting the highest number of applicants per vacancy.

SEN and SEND roles see consistent recruitment throughout the year across mainstream and specialist settings.

Browse current teaching vacancies to find opportunities in your subject area.

Question 3

Is it hard to get a teaching job in the UK?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your subject, location, and experience level. Shortage subjects like Maths, Physics, and IT are in high demand, making roles easier to secure. Conversely, subjects such as PE, History, and English attract more applicants, increasing competition.

Newly qualified Early Career Teachers (ECTs) sometimes find the first role challenging, as some schools prefer experienced candidates. However, many schools actively seek ECTs for their fresh training and enthusiasm—particularly in areas with recruitment difficulties.

Geography plays a role too. Urban areas, especially London, typically have more vacancies but also more applicants. Smaller rural schools may recruit less frequently but receive fewer applications when they do.

Strong applications make a difference regardless of competition. Tailoring your personal statement to each school and demonstrating genuine knowledge of their context significantly improves your chances.

Question 4

How long does shortlisting take for a teaching job?

Accepted Answer

Most schools shortlist within one to two weeks of the application deadline, though timelines vary between schools. Teaching recruitment typically moves faster than other sectors because schools work to tight term-date deadlines.

After shortlisting, you'll usually be invited to interview within a few days. Teaching interviews often include a lesson observation, so you may be given a topic to prepare in advance. Many schools make same-day decisions following interviews.

The entire process from application to job offer can take as little as two to three weeks, though larger schools or academy trusts with more formal HR processes may take longer.

Many schools encourage candidates to arrange a visit before applying or during the application stage—this demonstrates genuine interest and commitment, and can strengthen your application.

If you haven't heard back two weeks after a deadline, it's reasonable to contact the school for an update.

Question 5

When do teaching jobs come out?

Accepted Answer

Teaching vacancies follow clear seasonal patterns. The busiest period is March to May, when nearly half of all teaching positions are advertised—this follows the February resignation deadline as schools recruit for September starts.

A second wave runs from September to November, accounting for around 30% of vacancies, following the October resignation deadline for January appointments.

Summer is the quietest time, with July and August seeing just 5% of annual postings. Use this period to prepare applications and update your CV rather than actively searching.

Jobs typically appear 2–4 months before the start date, allowing time for interviews, notice periods, and DBS checks. Shortage subjects like Maths, Physics, and IT often advertise earlier or remain open longer.

Set up job alerts on Jobs Go Public to catch new teaching vacancies as soon as they're posted.

102 Teaching Jobs

Frequently asked questions

102 Teaching Jobs

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find teaching jobs?down

Are teaching jobs in demand?down

Is it hard to get a teaching job in the UK?down

How long does shortlisting take for a teaching job?down

When do teaching jobs come out?down