Return to Teaching

Information for former teachers who are considering a return to teaching

Get back into teaching 

Returning to teaching might be easier than you think. 

Time away and different life experiences can help give you a fresh perspective on being a teacher. Schools are interested in recruiting former teachers like you so you can continue your teaching career with them. A return to teaching provides you with an opportunity to take greater control of your career to shape a role that suits your skills, ambition and situation. Flexible working options can also help you start back in a way that works for you. 

Advice and support for returning teachers  

The Department for Education (DfE) has been taking action to help schools support teachers with: 

• improving workload and wellbeing 
• looking after their mental health
• enabling flexible working opportunities 
• putting in place behaviour hubs 

Teaching is a diverse and inclusive profession with many networks that can help you in your teaching career, including WomenEd, BAMEed, LGBTed and DisabilityEd.

You can also attend an online return to teaching event to get support with your return to the classroom.

Get a return to teaching adviser 

If you have qualified teacher status (QTS), you could be eligible for a return to teaching adviser.

Advisers can give you free one-to-one support with: 

• the applications process, such as writing personal statements and preparing for interviews 
• accessing courses to enhance your subject knowledge or teaching practice, such as national professional qualifications (NPQs) 
• finding teaching vacancies 

You can chat by phone, text or email, as little or as often as you need.

 

Get help applying for a teaching job 

If you’ve found a teaching job which looks right for you, help make it yours with top tips from experienced teachers.

Find out how to:

• write a teacher personal statement 
• write a great teaching job application in 5 steps 
• approach a teaching job interview 
• prepare for a teaching interview lesson 

When you’re ready, you can search for a job on Teaching Vacancies. 

Refresh your knowledge after a break from teaching 

There are plenty of resources available to help you understand what might have changed since the last time you were in a classroom.

You can find guidance and information about: 

• early career teacher resources 
• changes to the national curriculum and qualifications 
• current behaviour management guidelines 
• improvements to national professional qualifications (NPQs) and whether you may be eligible for a fully funded scholarship 

Other things to consider 

Getting back into teaching provides you with a chance to consider other things like: 

• claiming a retention payment (if you’re eligible) 
• joining the Chartered College of Teaching, the professional body for teachers 
• exploring opportunities for your professional development  

You may find it useful to know how to: 

• find your teacher reference number  
• check salaries and other benefits 
• ensure your pension is up to date 

Or if you’re looking for an alternative to taking on a teaching role, the National Tutoring Programme could be it.

The programme enables you to tutor or mentor children and help provide support to disadvantaged pupils.