Finding your next teaching role isn’t about sending hundreds of applications and hoping for the best.

It’s about finding the right school, the right leadership team, and the right environment where you can thrive professionally and make a lasting impact on pupils.

Whether you’re an Early Career Teacher (ECT), an experienced classroom teacher or looking to move into a specialist role, securing a long-term or permanent position offers far more than job security. It provides opportunities to build meaningful relationships, develop your career and become part of a school community.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of the recruitment journey—from writing a standout CV to preparing for interviews, impressing during trial days and understanding how specialist education recruiters can help you find your ideal role.

Why Long-Term Teaching Roles Are Better

While short-term supply teaching has its place, more teachers are choosing long-term and permanent positions because they offer greater stability, stronger career progression and a more rewarding working environment.

Career Progression

Long-term roles allow you to fully immerse yourself in school life, making it easier to demonstrate your abilities and progress into positions of responsibility.

Whether your ambition is to become a Key Stage Lead, Subject Leader, Assistant Headteacher or Headteacher, staying within one school enables you to build the experience needed for promotion.

Building Meaningful Relationships

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is seeing pupils grow and develop over time.

Long-term roles allow you to:

• Build trust with pupils
• Develop positive relationships with parents
• Work collaboratively with colleagues
• Become part of the wider school community

These relationships not only improve job satisfaction but also contribute to better outcomes for pupils.

Greater Stability

Moving between different schools each week can be exciting, but it also comes with uncertainty.

Long-term teaching jobs provide:

• Predictable working patterns
• Financial security
• Consistent classroom routines
• Better work-life balance
• Opportunities to plan ahead

Stability allows teachers to focus on teaching rather than constantly searching for their next role.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Schools are far more likely to invest in teachers who are part of the permanent team.

Long-term teachers often have access to:

• Internal training
• External CPD courses
• Coaching and mentoring
• Leadership development
• Subject-specific training

These opportunities support career progression and enhance classroom practice.

Pension and Employment Benefits

Permanent and long-term contracts often include:

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Sick pay
• Maternity and paternity benefits
• Professional development funding
• Career progression opportunities

These benefits contribute to long-term financial security and wellbeing.

Preparing Your Teaching CV

Your CV is often the first impression a school has of you.

A well-structured CV should clearly demonstrate your experience, achievements and suitability for the role.

What to Include

Your CV should feature:

• Personal details
• Professional profile
• Teaching experience
• Qualifications
• Key skills
• Professional development
• Additional responsibilities
• References

Aim to keep your CV concise—ideally no more than two pages.

Showcase Your Impact

Rather than simply listing responsibilities, highlight your achievements.

Instead of writing:

Taught Year 5.

Write:

Planned and delivered engaging Year 5 lessons that improved reading attainment and supported pupils to exceed expected progress.

Where possible, include measurable outcomes to demonstrate the difference you’ve made.

Teaching CV Checklist

Before applying, make sure your CV includes:

✔ Current contact details

✔ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

✔ Relevant teaching experience

✔ Key Stage expertise

✔ Subject specialisms

✔ CPD courses

✔ Behaviour management experience

✔ SEND experience

✔ Leadership responsibilities

✔ Strong references

Keywords Schools Look For

Many schools and recruitment agencies search CVs using keywords.

Include terms such as:

• Curriculum planning
• Assessment
• Behaviour management
• Differentiation
• SEND
• Safeguarding
• Adaptive teaching
• Pupil progress
• Parent communication
• Classroom management

Naturally incorporating these phrases can improve your visibility during the recruitment process

Writing a Great Personal Statement

Your personal statement should explain why you’re the right person for the role.

Focus on:

• Your teaching philosophy
• Classroom strengths
• Experience
• Commitment to pupil outcomes
• Why you’re interested in the school

Keep your statement tailored to each application rather than using a generic version.

Personal Statement Template

I am a passionate and committed teacher with experience delivering engaging lessons that inspire pupils to achieve their full potential. I pride myself on creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels supported, challenged and motivated to succeed. I am particularly passionate about building positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and families, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to your school’s continued success.

Use this as a starting point and personalise it with your own experience and achievements.

Interview Preparation

Receiving an interview invitation is a great achievement—but preparation is essential.

Schools aren’t just assessing your teaching ability. They also want to see how well you’ll fit into their culture and values.

Teaching Observations

Many schools ask candidates to teach a lesson.

They’re looking for:

• Clear learning objectives
• Positive classroom relationships
• Effective behaviour management
• Differentiation
• Pupil engagement
• Assessment for learning

Remember, schools understand pupils may not know you. They’re assessing your teaching approach rather than expecting a perfect lesson.

Lesson Planning

Your lesson plan should demonstrate:

• Clear objectives
• Structured activities
• Appropriate challenge
• Differentiation
• Opportunities for assessment
• Reflection and next steps

Always bring printed copies for interview panels if requested.

Behaviour Questions

Interviewers often ask questions such as:

• How do you establish classroom expectations?
• Tell us about a challenging behaviour situation.
• How do you promote positive behaviour?
• What behaviour strategies have been most successful?

Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Safeguarding Questions

Every teaching interview includes safeguarding.

Common questions include:

• What would you do if a pupil disclosed abuse?
• What are your safeguarding responsibilities?
• How do you maintain professional boundaries?
• What does safeguarding mean to you?

Review the school’s safeguarding policy before attending the interview.

Trial Days: What Schools Are Looking For

Many schools invite shortlisted candidates to spend part of the day in school before making a final decision.

This allows leaders to observe how you interact with pupils and staff in a real classroom environment.

During trial days, schools typically assess:

• Professionalism
• Communication
• Classroom presence
• Behaviour management
• Relationships with pupils
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Enthusiasm

Remember that every interaction matters—from greeting reception staff to speaking with lunchtime supervisors.

Questions You Should Ask Schools

Interviews are a two-way process.

Asking thoughtful questions helps you determine whether the school is right for you.

Consider asking:

School Culture

• What makes your school unique?
• How would you describe the staff culture?

Behaviour

• What behaviour systems are in place?
• How are teachers supported with behaviour management?

Professional Development

• What CPD opportunities are available?
• How do you support career progression?

Leadership

• How accessible is the leadership team?
• What opportunities exist for future progression?

Planning and Workload

• How is planning managed?
• What collaborative planning opportunities exist?

Staff Support

• What wellbeing initiatives does the school offer?
• How are new staff supported during their first term?

These questions demonstrate genuine interest while helping you make an informed decision.

What Recruitment Consultants Actually Do

Many candidates assume recruitment consultants simply match CVs with vacancies.

In reality, specialist education recruiters provide much more than that.

A good consultant will:

• Understand your career goals
• Recommend schools that suit your teaching style
• Help refine your CV
• Prepare you for interviews
• Arrange trial days
• Provide honest feedback
• Negotiate offers
• Support you throughout your placement

Rather than applying for dozens of unsuitable roles, working with a specialist recruiter can save time and improve your chances of finding the right school.

How Long Term Futures Supports Candidates

At Long Term Futures, we specialise exclusively in long-term and permanent education recruitment.

We focus on building careers—not simply filling vacancies.

When you register with us, you’ll benefit from:

Free CPD

Access professional development opportunities designed to strengthen your skills and support your career progression.

Dedicated Consultant

You’ll work with one consultant who takes the time to understand your experience, aspirations and ideal school environment.

Exclusive School Partnerships

We work with schools and trusts across the UK, giving candidates access to vacancies that may never be advertised publicly.

CV Guidance

Our consultants help optimise your CV so it highlights your strengths and stands out to hiring managers.

Interview Preparation

We’ll help you prepare for teaching observations, interview questions and safeguarding discussions, giving you greater confidence on the day.

Long-Term and Permanent Opportunities

Unlike agencies focused primarily on daily supply, we specialise in helping teachers secure long-term and permanent positions where they can build rewarding careers.

Fast Registration Process

Our streamlined registration process means you can begin exploring opportunities quickly, allowing us to introduce you to suitable schools without unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find long-term teaching jobs?

Working with specialist education recruitment agencies, monitoring school vacancies and building relationships with academy trusts can all help.

2. Are permanent teaching jobs difficult to find?

Demand varies by subject and location, but schools continue to recruit talented teachers across the UK.

3. How long should my teaching CV be?

Ideally no more than two pages.

4. Should I tailor every application?

Yes. Tailored applications are significantly more effective than generic ones.

5. What should I wear to a teaching interview?

Professional business attire appropriate for both interviews and classroom observations.

6. What happens during a teaching observation?

You’ll normally deliver a planned lesson while senior leaders observe your teaching.

7. How should I prepare for safeguarding questions?

Review current safeguarding guidance and understand your responsibilities as a teacher.

8. What if I don’t have much teaching experience?

Highlight placements, volunteering, transferable skills and professional development.

9. Should I ask questions at interview?

Absolutely. Thoughtful questions demonstrate professionalism and genuine interest.

10. What makes a good personal statement?

One that’s tailored to the school, highlights your strengths and explains why you’re applying.

11. Can recruitment consultants help with interviews?

Yes. Many provide interview coaching, feedback and preparation.

12. Do agencies charge candidates?

No. Reputable education recruitment agencies do not charge candidates for finding work.

13. Can long-term roles become permanent?

Yes. Many schools use long-term placements as a pathway to permanent employment.

14. Is supply teaching a good route into permanent work?

It can be, particularly when it leads to long-term placements within the same school.

15. How quickly can I start?

This depends on compliance checks, references and school requirements.

16. What qualifications do I need?

Most teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised qualification.

17. How can I stand out?

Demonstrate impact, prepare thoroughly and tailor every application.

18. Should I mention CPD?

Yes. Continuous professional development demonstrates commitment to improving your practice.

19. Why choose Long Term Futures?

We specialise in long-term and permanent education recruitment and support candidates throughout the entire recruitment journey.

20. How do I register?

Simply upload your CV through our website and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch.

Take the Next Step in Your Teaching Career

Landing the right teaching job isn’t about applying for every vacancy—it’s about finding a school where you can thrive, develop professionally and make a lasting impact on young people’s lives.

At Long Term Futures, we’re committed to helping teachers find long-term and permanent opportunities that match their skills, ambitions and career goals. From CV guidance and interview preparation to exclusive school partnerships and ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way.

Upload your CV today and let our specialist consultants help you find your next long-term teaching opportunity.