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A career in teaching can provide candidates with a challenging but rewarding route into the education sector. There are over 450,000 teachers across the UK and recruitment agencies will work to place professionals into primary, secondary or tertiary education jobs.
What does a teaching career involve?
Teachers are responsible for teaching pupils or students in line with a curriculum. Although primary school teachers will be expected to deliver lessons across multiple topics, those in a secondary school or further education (FE), may specialise in a particular subject area.
While the majority of vacancies are found in primary and secondary schools, a recruitment agency may also list educational establishments such as nurseries, colleges and universities amongst it's clients. Part time and temp teaching jobs are also common and offer flexibility to candidates.
Salaries and entry requirements
Teaching salaries can fluctuate according to experience and location, however the starting salary for a newly qualified teacher (NQT) is around £22K. Earnings for NQTs are dictated by a pay scale which can rise as high as £32K. This can be slightly higher within London based institutions and the average overall salary is £37K. Performance and promotions can eventually see candidates command a headteacher job and salaries in this position can exceed £100K. Free schools and academies set their own pay scales and are under no obligation to mirror state schools.
The profession has strict entry requirements and recruiters will need to assess candidates to ensure that they comply. Basic qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths (C or above) and an undergraduate degree. Candidates wanting to work in a primary school will need a further GCSE in Science. Initial Teaching Education or Training (ITET) must be completed before trainee teachers can attempt professional skills tests. These must be passed in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Challenges for recruitment agencies
With the rise in pupil numbers, the supply of teachers is struggling to keep up with the demand. Teaching recruitment agencies in the UK are tasked with tackling the shortage of quality teachers, as well as the high level of staff leaving the sector. This is done by both specialist and multi-sector recruiters. As a result of this however, prospects for employment are positive and candidates can expect an increase in the quantity of job opportunities available.
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