Managing Teacher Shortages: Practical Strategies for Headteachers
Managing Teacher Shortages | Dunbar Education
Discover practical strategies headteachers can use to manage teacher shortages
Across the UK, teacher shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing schools. Subjects like maths, science, and computing are especially difficult to staff, and many headteachers find themselves competing for the same small pool of candidates.
At Dunbar Education, we work with schools daily to tackle these challenges. Here are practical strategies headteachers can use to manage teacher shortages effectively.
1. Plan Recruitment Early
The most successful schools don’t wait until the last minute to start hiring. They:
- Review staffing needs in the autumn term
- Advertise roles early in the spring, when the widest pool of candidates is available
- Keep a pipeline of potential candidates through agencies like Dunbar
2. Strengthen Staff Retention
The best way to reduce shortages is to keep the teachers you already have. Headteachers can:
- Support ECTs with structured mentoring and CPD
- Monitor workload and wellbeing
- Recognise and celebrate staff achievements
- Provide clear progression routes to keep staff motivated
3. Use Flexible Staffing Models
Shortages don’t always mean a permanent gap. Flexible options help schools keep lessons covered, such as:
- Long-term supply teachers to provide consistency for pupils
- Job shares to attract candidates who want part-time roles
- Cover supervisors or higher level TAs to support short-term needs
4. Invest in Support Staff
Many schools successfully manage shortages by developing their support staff:
- Training TAs and HLTAs to take on additional responsibilities
- Offering “grow your own” teacher training routes for support staff
- Building strong pastoral teams to free up teachers’ time
5. Make Your School Attractive to Candidates
In a competitive market, schools that stand out attract more applicants. Consider highlighting:
- CPD and training opportunities
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Clear behaviour policies and strong leadership support
- Positive Ofsted comments or pupil outcomes
Candidates talk to each other — a reputation for being supportive helps attract talent.
6. Work with a Specialist Education Recruitment Partner
When shortages bite, working with a trusted recruitment agency saves time and reduces stress. At Dunbar Education, we:
- Source teachers proactively across the UK
- Provide vetted candidates ready to start quickly
- Share market insights on pay expectations and availability
- Support both short-term and permanent staffing needs
Your Next Step
If you want to save time, reduce recruitment risks, and access the best teachers and support staff, a specialist agency is the solution.
📩 Speak to Dunbar Education today about your recruitment needs:
