When Should Teachers Apply for Jobs?

1-2 minutes

In this blog, you will learn: 

  • Where to find the best teaching jobs
  • How to find the right school for you
  • When the best time of year to apply for jobs is
  • Why there is a cut off date for teachers to quit their current job
  • What the latest teacher jobs available at Spencer Clarke Group are


When searching for a teaching job, you may think that you can just apply and pick up your dream role at any point in the calendar. However, that actually isn’t the case. There are specific points in the year when you’re best searching for and applying for jobs as a teacher

In our latest blog, we delve into where to discover the latest and best teaching jobs, how to find the perfect school for you and when the best time of year to apply is. 


Where to find teaching jobs

If you’re searching for a new teaching job, you can discover a wide range of jobs right here at Spencer Clarke Group! Jobs can vary in location and contract type but if you’re looking for something specific, our specialist consultant, Jamie Heath, will be able to advise on the best course of action. 

However, did you know that there are certain times of year when you should be applying for teaching jobs? Check out when the best time to apply for a teacher job is and when the cut off date for teachers to resign is.  


How to find the right school for you

Finding the dream teaching job isn’t just about searching for jobs and applying for everything that comes up. This scattergun approach may well land you a couple of interviews, but you may find yourself in a situation where you’re offered a role at a school you don’t know anything about, one you don’t actually like the look of, and something that may just not be the right fit for you.

Here are some things to consider when picking the right school for you:

School type: Consider what type of school you want to work in, such as public or private, primary or secondary, or urban or rural. Each type of school has different teaching approaches and student populations, so it's essential to find one that aligns with your preferences.

School reputation: Research the school's reputation and reviews to ensure that it has a positive reputation for providing quality education and a supportive work environment. Take the time to read Ofsted reports of the schools you’re considering. Identify points for improvement and consider if you have the relevant skills to make an impact.

Curriculum and teaching style: Consider the school's curriculum and teaching style to ensure that it aligns with your teaching philosophy and methodology.

Professional development opportunities: Look for schools that offer professional development opportunities to help you grow as a teacher and advance in your career.

School culture: Consider the school's culture and values to ensure that it aligns with your personal beliefs and teaching approach.

Compensation and benefits: Research the school's compensation and benefits package to ensure that it aligns with your financial needs and expectations.

Location: Consider the school's location and commute time to ensure that it's convenient for you to travel to and from work.


When to apply for teaching jobs

The peak time for applying for teaching jobs is between February and June.

While teaching jobs can appear throughout the year, May 31st is the cut-off date for teachers to hand in their resignation. As soon as you see a job advert, you should apply immediately because the recruitment process is usually fast paced. 

There are a number of ways in which you can express your interest in a teaching position. First, you can contact the school with a record of your experience, skills and CV. This is especially handy if you have a contact at the school. 

Some Local Authorities and agencies have teacher registration databases that enable you to sign up and register an interest in possible teaching jobs, and even for a particular school. 

If you decide to go down this route, be very clear about your intentions, experience and qualifications. As well as preparing your CV for a teaching job, it’s good practice to also include a personal statement where you can show how much you understand about the school you’re applying for and ways in which you can improve them.


Why is there a cut off date for teachers to quit?

In many cases, May is the cut-off date for teachers to resign from their positions because it allows schools to plan and make appropriate arrangements for the next school year.

Schools typically hire teachers on a yearly basis, and they need to know how many teachers will be returning in the fall to determine their staffing needs for the upcoming year. By setting a cut-off date for resignations, schools can ensure that they have enough time to search for and hire new teachers to fill any vacancies.

Additionally, schools often have policies and procedures in place that require teachers to provide a certain amount of notice before resigning. This allows schools to have enough time to make necessary adjustments to their staffing and ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.

It's worth noting that the specific cut-off date for resignations may vary depending on the school district, so it's important for teachers to check their employment contracts or speak with their school administrators to understand the policies and procedures regarding resignations.


Latest teacher jobs at Spencer Clarke Group

If you’re searching for your next teacher job, why not take a look at all the vacancies currently available at schools across the UK? 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Why not upload your CV or contact our SEN teacher specialist, Jamie Heath, to discover more about upcoming opportunities. 

Don't forget, our career hub is packed with teacher insights, including how to prepare your teacher CV and common teacher interview questions., to help you through the recruitment process. 


Who is Spencer Clarke Group? 

Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.

Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you. 

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