Thinking about returning to teaching?
If you’re a qualified teacher considering a move back into a state-funded school in England, there’s more support - and more flexibility - than ever before. Every year, thousands of teachers step back into the classroom, bringing fresh life experience and perspective that schools genuinely value. Your skills haven’t gone anywhere; in fact, they’re needed. 

Return with confidence
You won’t be doing this on your own. The Return to Teaching Advisory Service (This link opens in a new window) offers free, one-to-one advice from a named adviser who’ll help you identify the right path for you - whether that’s Primary or any Secondary subject. A step-by-step Return to Teaching guide sets out what to do next (This link opens in a new window), clearly and simply, so the process feels manageable from the first click to your first day back. 

Your skills are still in demand
Time away doesn’t mean starting over. Advisers will work with you to map strengths built during your career break, refresh classroom practice, and prepare standout applications and interviews. They’ll also signpost relevant training, vacancies and events, so you’re ready to walk back into the classroom with confidence in your subject.

Teaching on your terms
Flexible working options are part of today’s picture in many schools. If you’re balancing family, caring responsibilities or a portfolio of interests, there are routes that can fit your life. Your adviser can talk through how to gain recent classroom experience, what flexibility might look like in practice, and how to position your experience effectively when you apply. 

Ready to take the next step?
Explore the support available, speak to an adviser, and find roles that match your skills and ambitions on Teaching Vacancies. Teaching changes lives - yours included. If it’s time to return, we’ll help you get there confidently and on your terms.

Useful links:
Return to teaching: step by step - Return to teaching: step by step - Teaching Vacancies - GOV.UK (This link opens in a new window) 
Sign-up for a Return to Teaching Adviser - Get a return to teaching adviser | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK  (This link opens in a new window)
Search roles on Teaching Vacancies - Teaching Vacancies - GOV.UK (This link opens in a new window)