Looking for a job

Local authorities

School vacancies are often advertised by the local authority (LA) in which they're available. Search for a local authority by region.

Many LAs also have dedicated staff to support teacher recruitment, and often provide additional support, advice and opportunities for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) seeking their first post.

The internet

Increasingly, teaching jobs are advertised online, either on specialist recruitment websites or dedicated sections of the major recruitment sites.

You can find links to teaching and education recruitment websites on the Teachernet site, which also offers online advice and job application tools.

DCSF Schools Recruitment Service

The Schools Recruitment Service provides a quick and easy way for you to apply for permanent teaching vacancies. It takes the hassle out of applying for jobs by putting the whole application process online, from receiving alerts and applying to managing recruitment communications and arranging interview times. You can register to use the Schools Recruitment Service at www.schoolsrecruitment.dcsf.gov.uk where you can set up a personal account and create a talent profile.

Local and national press

Jobs can be found in the national press - useful titles include the Times Educational Supplement (published Fridays), the Independent (published Thursdays), and the Guardian's Education section (published Tuesdays). Some schools will also advertise locally, so check your local press.

Schools

Many NQTs take up their first position in one of the schools they were placed in during their initial teacher training.

Schools often provide advice to newly qualified teachers and may put you in touch with other possible employers, or keep you on file for future opportunities.

If you're an overseas trained teacher (OTT)

To work as a teacher in England or Wales, you will still need qualified teacher status (QTS), although you can take up a temporary position as an unqualified teacher for up to four years based on your overseas qualification. You can use this time to achieve QTS through the OTT programme.

If you need additional help and practical advice about adapting to the English and Welsh education system and teaching in its schools, you can visit Teachernet's specially designed familiarisation website.