Looking for a Teaching Job for September? Here’s Why You Should Start Now.

September might feel like a lifetime away right now. You’re probably still deep in the swing of this academic year, juggling lesson plans, marking, parents’ evenings, and everything else that comes with the job. Thinking about next year? That can wait, surely.

But, if a new role for September is something you’ve been considering, even just quietly in the back of your mind, now is actually the ideal time to start exploring your options.

This isn’t about rushing into anything or adding to your already full plate. It’s about giving yourself choices. And the earlier you start looking, the more choices you’ll have.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why September roles fill up earlier than you might expect, what types of opportunities are out there for teachers and teaching assistants, and how to approach your job search in a way that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.

Why September roles get snapped up earlier than you think

From a teacher’s perspective, September feels like the natural starting point for a new chapter. But from a school’s perspective, the planning starts much earlier.

Most schools begin thinking seriously about their staffing for the next academic year around spring. Budgets get confirmed, resignations come in (the deadline for teachers wanting to leave in July is usually 31st May), and leadership teams start mapping out what they need.

By the time May and June roll around, many schools are already well into their recruitment process. Some will have filled key roles by then, particularly in popular subjects or at schools with a strong reputation.

What does this mean for you? If you wait until the summer holidays to start looking, you might find that the roles you really wanted have already gone. Starting your search now—or at least having those initial conversations—puts you in a much stronger position.

You’ll have more options, more time to find the right fit, and far less stress than scrambling at the last minute.

What kind of roles are available for September?

When people think about finding a new teaching job, they often assume it means applying for a permanent position and committing to a school for the foreseeable future. But that’s just one option, and it’s not the right fit for everyone.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s typically available:

Permanent positions
These are your traditional roles—a contract with a school, a set timetable, and the stability that comes with being part of a team long-term. Great if you know what you want and you’re ready to settle somewhere.

Fixed-term contracts
These cover a specific period, often for maternity leave, a secondment, or a particular project. They give you the chance to experience a school without a permanent commitment, and they sometimes lead to something longer if the fit is right.

Long-term supply
Similar to fixed-term but typically arranged through an agency like us. You’ll be in one school for an extended period—sometimes a full term or more—but with a bit more flexibility built in. It’s a popular choice for teachers and teaching assistants who want consistency without being tied down.

Day-to-day supply
This is as flexible as it gets. You choose when you work, and you get to experience a variety of schools. Some people love the variety, others use it as a way to find a school they’d like to work at more permanently. It’s also brilliant if you’ve got other commitments and need control over your schedule.

The point is, there’s no single path here. Whether you’re a teacher or a teaching assistant, whether you want security or flexibility, there are options that can work for you.

Signs it might be time for a change

Sometimes you just know. Other times, it’s more of a nagging feeling that’s hard to put your finger on.

If any of these sound familiar, it might be worth paying attention:

You’re dreading Mondays more than usual. Everyone has tough weeks, but if that sinking feeling on a Sunday evening has become the norm rather than the exception, something’s off.

You feel undervalued or overlooked. Maybe your efforts aren’t being recognised, or you’re being passed over for opportunities. That takes a toll over time.

The commute is wearing you down. What seemed manageable in September can feel exhausting by March. A shorter journey to work can make a bigger difference to your quality of life than you might expect.

You’re craving something different but you’re not sure what. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes a change of environment is enough to reignite your enthusiasm for the job.

Your circumstances have changed. Life happens. Maybe you need more flexibility now than you did before, or maybe you’re in a position to take on more responsibility.

None of these things mean you have to leave your current role tomorrow. But they are worth acknowledging. And exploring what else is out there doesn’t commit you to anything—it just gives you information.

What to think about before you start applying

Before you dive into job listings, it’s worth taking a bit of time to get clear on what you’re actually looking for. A little preparation now will save you time later and help you focus on opportunities that genuinely suit you.

Update your CV
If your CV hasn’t been touched since your last job search, now’s the time to give it some attention. Make sure it reflects where you are now – your recent experience, any additional training or responsibilities, and your current skills. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re always happy to help.

Think about what matters most to you
Location? School phase? Flexibility? The culture of the school? Knowing your priorities will help you filter out the noise and focus on roles that tick the right boxes.

Consider whether permanent is really what you want
It’s easy to assume that a permanent role is the goal, but that’s not true for everyone. If you’re not certain, supply work or a fixed-term contract can be a great way to try things out without making a long-term commitment.

Get your references sorted
Most schools and agencies will need references before you can start work. It’s worth giving your referees a heads up now so there are no delays later.

None of this needs to be stressful. It’s just about putting yourself in the best position to move quickly when the right opportunity comes along.

How a recruitment agency can actually help

We know that not everyone has had great experiences with recruitment agencies. Some can be pushy, impersonal, or more interested in filling roles than finding the right fit. We get it, and we understand the hesitation.

But working with the right agency can genuinely make your job search easier. Here’s how we try to do things differently at Educate Group:

Access to roles you won’t find elsewhere
Not every school advertises their vacancies publicly. We work closely with schools across the Wirral and often hear about opportunities before they’re posted anywhere else. Registering with us means you’ll be considered for roles you might never have known existed.

Honest advice about schools
We visit the schools we work with. We know what they’re really like – the culture, the leadership, the expectations. When we recommend a school to you, it’s because we genuinely think it could be a good fit, not just because we need to fill a space.

Someone in your corner
Job searching can feel lonely, especially when you’re doing it alongside a demanding job. Having someone to talk things through with, chase up feedback, and advocate for you takes a lot of the pressure off.

Flexibility on your terms
Whether you want full-time work, a few days a week, or something in between, we’ll work with you to find opportunities that match your availability and preferences.

We’re not here to pressure you into anything. We’re here to help you figure out what you want and then support you in getting there.

Ready to explore your options?

If September has been on your mind, even just a little, there’s no better time than now to start the conversation.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to be certain about what you want. You just need to be open to exploring what’s possible.

We’re working with lots of schools right now, and we’d love to hear from teachers and teaching assistants who are thinking about what’s next. Whether you’re ready to apply for roles today or you just want to chat through your options, we’re here.

Browse our current opportunities here

Prefer to have a chat first? Drop us a message—we’re always happy to talk.

Whatever you decide, we hope this has been helpful. And wherever September takes you, we hope it’s somewhere that makes you excited to walk through the door each morning.