How to Secure Your First UK Teaching Job: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting your first teaching job in the UK is a big milestone. At Dunbar Education, we work with hundreds of early career teachers (ECTs) every year, and we know the excitement and nerves that come with finding your first post.
The good news? With the right preparation and support, you can move from application to classroom quickly and confidently. Here’s our step-by-step guide to securing your first UK teaching job
Step 1: Understand the Application Timeline
Most schools begin advertising for September vacancies in January through April. That’s when competition is strongest, but it’s also when the widest choice of roles is available.
There are always last-minute opportunities in July and August too, but applying early gives you more options and allows you to plan ahead.
Step 2: Prepare a CV That Gets You Shortlisted
Your CV is your first impression. Headteachers often shortlist in minutes, so it needs to be clear and relevant.
Our top CV tips for ECTs:
- Keep it to two pages maximum
- Use UK terms such as “Key Stage 2,” “GCSE,” “A Level”
- Highlight teaching placements with year groups, subjects, and outcomes
- Include safeguarding training and any SEND experience
- Add a short personal statement that sets out what you will bring to a school
- Always end with a safeguarding statement
Many of our candidates see a big jump in interview invites after a CV review with their Dunbar consultant.
Step 3: Understand What Schools Are Looking For
Schools hiring ECTs don’t expect perfection. They want to see potential and a willingness to learn.
From our conversations with headteachers, the most valued qualities are:
- Reflective practice — being able to say what worked in a lesson and what you would change
- Strong behaviour management strategies
- Genuine enthusiasm for your subject and working with young people
- A commitment to CPD and professional growth
Step 4: Nail the Interview and Lesson Observation
Most ECT interviews include:
- A lesson observation or teaching task
- A panel interview with senior leaders
To stand out, we recommend:
- Researching the school thoroughly: its website, Ofsted report, curriculum priorities
- Planning a lesson with a clear structure and engaging activities
- Showing how you differentiate for mixed ability groups
Preparing answers to questions like:- How do you create an inclusive classroom?
- How do you manage behaviour effectively?
- Why do you want to teach at our school?
We regularly run mock interviews with candidates so that the real thing feels far less intimidating.
Step 5: Know the Pay Scales and Benefits
Teacher pay depends on location. From September 2025, the starting salary for an Early Career Teacher (M1) is:
- England (excluding London & Fringe): £32,916
- London Fringe: £34,398
- Outer London: £37,870
- Inner London: £40,317
As you progress through the pay ranges, your salary increases up to the Upper Pay Range:
- England (excluding London): from £47,472
- London Fringe: from £48,913
- Outer London: from £52,219
- Inner London: from £57,632
Many schools also offer:
- A structured induction programme for ECTs
- CPD and mentoring support
- Opportunities for subject or leadership responsibilities
Knowing these figures means you can approach interviews and offers with confidence.
Step 6: Be Flexible With Location and Role
Your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job. Some ECTs secure permanent posts straight away, while others begin with a long-term supply contract to build experience.
We often see schools offering permanent contracts once they’ve seen what a candidate can do in the classroom. Being flexible on role or location can open doors quickly.
Step 7: Work With a Specialist Recruitment Agency
You can apply directly to schools, but working with a specialist like Dunbar Education makes the process smoother. We:
- Match you with schools where ECTs are supported and mentored properly
- Give you feedback and interview coaching
- Share roles not advertised publicly
- Handle the admin so you can focus on preparing for the classroom
Your Next Step
Landing your first UK teaching role doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right preparation and support, you can step into the classroom confident and ready.
At Dunbar Education, we specialise in helping ECTs and new teachers find their first roles. From CV support to interview prep and school matching, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
📩 Ready to find your first teaching job?
Register today: https://dunbareducation.com/register
