Considering a return to teaching? We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions along with their answers. Use our FAQs to help you decide if the time is right for you to make a difference by returning to teach.
GENERAL
Can I return to teaching?
Any qualified teacher can return to teaching even if they have not taught for several years. Whether you left the profession to care for your family or took a break to pursue other career options, you can return to teaching. Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
- Visit the Return to teaching webpage to find out more about the support available.
- Watch our ‘guide to returning to teaching’ to help you take your next steps.
- Watch our Return to Teaching Advisory Service video to help you understand how easy it is to return to the profession.
- Search Teaching Vacancies to find out what opportunities are available to you.
- Check to see if there are any upcoming online events for returning teachers.
How easy is it to go back to teaching?
Returning to the profession might be easier than you think. It really depends on where you were when you left teaching, and what you have done since then. You may need to update your certificates or embark on some training to prepare you for the kind of teaching job you are looking for. There are a number of routes available to pursue including the National Tutoring Programme which offers teachers the option to return to a school environment without taking on a full-time or part-time classroom role.
Visit our webpage to read inspiring case studies and find out about the wide array of training options and support available to you.
What recent changes has there been to the support teachers receive?
Whilst you have been away from the classroom, the Department for Education has been working with schools to:
- Improve the work-life balance of teachers and to support mental health and wellbeing. Find out more about our well-established programme of work to reduce teacher workload.
- Offer more flexible working opportunities to their staff. Here are some flexible working resources for teachers and leaders.
- Take a look at our Education Staff Wellbeing Charter, co-created with the sector and mental health experts, setting out the actions that government and other organisations will take to improve wellbeing of staff in schools and colleges.
How can the Return to Teaching Advisory Service help me get back into the teaching profession?
If you are considering coming back to the profession, or if you are qualified to teach but have never taught in a state school in England, the Return to Teaching Advisory Service can help you return to teach Modern Foreign Languages MFL), Maths or Physics at secondary school in England. If you qualified in a science subject other than Physics e.g. Chemistry and are open to teaching general science, you can also receive support.
One-to-one support could include:
- the application process, such as writing a personal statement and preparing for an interview
- accessing courses to enhance your subject knowledge
- finding teaching vacancies
Watch this video to find out more about the service and register here for support Return to Teaching.
I’ve recently heard about the National Tutoring Programme, what is it?
The National Tutoring Programme supports schools to close the attainment gap in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The programme provides current and former teachers different options to return to a school environment without taking on a full-time or part-time classroom role. If you are unsure about taking on a teacher role at this time, consider applying to tutor or mentor through the National Tutoring Programme.
Find out more about the National Tutoring Programme, academic subjects available and tuition partners on the National Tutoring Programme website.
How can I become an Academic Mentor?
Academic Mentors are likely to be graduates with some experience in education or working with pupils. They will not all be qualified teachers but may be working towards an initial teacher training qualification, considering a career in education, or teachers returning to the profession. Academic Mentors will receive a package of ongoing training through Teach First programme. For more information visit Academic Mentors.
DOMESTIC RETURNER
I am a retired teacher. Can I return to teaching having not taught for several years?
Yes — more information for all subjects and phases including some helpful hints and tips to improve your skills is available for you on the Return to Teaching website.
If you wish to return to teach Maths, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Physics — these subjects may not be your trained subjects, but you could have the opportunity to teach it now. You could be eligible for free support delivered by the Return to Teaching Support Service which includes access to exclusive events.
If you don’t have a reference from the last 2 years, look for any opportunities to teach where you will be observed and offered a reference. Also read the full job descriptions and ensure you can demonstrate that you are up to date with the teaching standards and developments in education.
You might also be interested in the National Tutoring Programme which provides current and former teachers with two different options to return to a school environment without taking on a full-time or part-time classroom role.
We also have Facebook groups for anyone thinking of becoming a teacher in England to come for advice and discussion — whether you are just thinking about it, have an application in progress or are in training.
I have not taught in a while, what can I do to improve my skills? Are there any courses available for returning teachers?
The best thing you can do is get into the classroom and get some classroom experience and a suitable reference — speak to some local schools or schools you already have links with. There might also be some online courses to allow you to develop other areas of teaching.
INTERNATIONAL TRAINEE/TEACHER
I have trained overseas and do not have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), what options are available to overseas trained teachers looking to apply to teaching roles in the UK?
We have a dedicated Get into Teaching webpage for overseas trainees and teachers where you will find helpful guidance on what you need to start teaching in England, including obtaining the right visa, training for ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS), as well as searching for teaching vacancies.
