Dreading Going Back to School? 10 Ways to Feel Ready for September Again
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I’m really not ready to go back yet,” you’re not the only one.
After a few weeks away from early mornings, busy classrooms and packed diaries, it’s completely normal to feel a little anxious about September. Even the most experienced teachers and support staff can experience those back-to-school nerves.
The start of a new academic year brings excitement, but it can also bring pressure. New classes, new colleagues, changing routines and wanting to make a great first impression can all feel like a lot.
The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to have everything figured out on day one.
Here are ten simple ways to help you ease back into school life and look after your wellbeing this September.
1. Accept That Mixed Emotions Are Normal
You might be excited about seeing your pupils again while also wishing the holidays were just a little bit longer.
Both feelings can exist at the same time, and that’s perfectly okay.
Try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone prepares differently, and everyone settles back into work at their own pace.
2. Ease Yourself Back Into Routine
One of the hardest parts of returning to school is getting back into those early mornings.
A few days before term starts, begin setting your alarm a little earlier, plan your lunches and get your bag ready the night before. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make those first few mornings feel much less stressful.
3. Remember That You Don’t Need to Be Perfect
It’s easy to feel like everything needs to be ready before the pupils arrive.
The truth is, it won’t be.
There will always be another display to finish, another lesson to tweak or another email to send. Focus on what matters most and allow yourself some breathing space.
Good enough really is good enough.
4. Make Time for Yourself
During term time, it’s often your own wellbeing that gets pushed to the bottom of the list.
Before September begins, do something that helps you relax.
Go for a walk, meet friends, read a book, spend time with family or simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea in the garden.
You deserve to recharge too.
5. Talk About How You’re Feeling
If you’re feeling nervous, chances are someone else is too.
Have a chat with a colleague, a friend or another educator. Sometimes simply saying how you’re feeling out loud can make everything seem much more manageable.
6. Celebrate the Little Wins
Not every day has to be amazing.
Maybe your first lesson goes really well. Maybe you finally remember everyone’s names. Maybe you simply make it through a busy Monday.
Those small moments matter.
Give yourself credit for them.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Education is a rewarding profession, but it’s also incredibly demanding.
There will be days that feel brilliant and others that feel challenging.
Don’t expect yourself to have all the answers straight away. Like your pupils, you’re learning and adapting too.
8. Choose to Work Somewhere You’re Valued
Feeling supported at work has a huge impact on your wellbeing.
At Schools Mutual Services, we believe every education professional deserves to feel respected, listened to and valued.
We’re a school-owned, not-for-profit organisation, which means our focus is always on people, not profits.
When you register with us, you’re not just another name on a database.
You’ll have a dedicated local consultant who takes the time to understand what you’re looking for, supports you throughout your placements and is always there if you need advice.
We also offer a range of benefits to help support your wellbeing, including:
- Weekly PAYE pay
- National pay scales where applicable
- Health and Wellbeing Programme
- CPD and professional development opportunities
- Enhanced Pension
- Free Will Service
- Flexible work that fits around your life
- Friendly local support whenever you need it
Because when you’re supported, you can give your best to the children and young people you work with.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No one expects you to do everything on your own.
Whether you’re starting a new role, returning after a break or trying supply work for the first time, asking for support isn’t a weakness.
It’s part of being human.
And it’s something we’ll always encourage.
10. Remember Why You Started
Teaching isn’t just a job.
It’s helping a child understand something for the first time.
It’s building confidence.
It’s being the person a young person remembers years later because you believed in them.
On the difficult days, remembering why you chose education in the first place can make all the difference.
At Schools Mutual Services, Your Wellbeing Comes First
We know that happy, supported educators make the biggest difference in schools.
That’s why we’re committed to looking after our candidates from the moment they register with us.
Whether you’re looking for supply work, a long-term placement or a permanent role, we’ll take the time to understand what’s important to you and help you find opportunities where you can genuinely enjoy your work.
We believe recruitment should feel personal, supportive and honest.
Because that’s exactly what we’d want if we were in your shoes.
Ready for a Fresh Start This September?
If you’re thinking about a new opportunity this academic year, we’d love to hear from you.
Our local teams are recruiting across the North East, South East and West Midlands, and we’re always looking to connect with passionate education professionals.
North East Hub
📍 Portland House, Newcastle, NE1 8AL
📞 0191 933 8300
✉️ info@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
South East Hub
📍 Podium, Sandford Gate, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 6LB
📞 01865 597 771
✉️ oxford@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
West Midlands Hub
📍 Suite 27, Gilbanks, Five St Philips, Birmingham B3 2PW
📞 0121 805 7010
✉️ birmingham@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
Whether you’re a teacher, Teaching Assistant, SEND professional, Early Career Teacher or school support staff member, we’re here to help you find a role where you feel supported, valued and excited to make a difference.
Become a Schools Mutual Services candidate today and let us help make this your best academic year yet.
Follow us on Social Media:
