Thinking about next year?

Your next chapter in education could look a little different.

When you picture next year, what do you want to see? A fresh start in a new school? More time for life outside the classroom? The chance to build your confidence, explore different settings or take the next step in your career?

Whatever your answer, start with a different question. Not just “Where could I work?” but “How do I want work to fit into my life?”

Whether you are an Early Career Teacher (ECT), have recently gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), or have spent years working in education, your ambitions deserve space alongside your commitments outside school. At Schools Mutual Services (SMS), we believe the conversation about your next role should start with you.

Early in your career? Think beyond the job title

If you are an ECT or have recently gained QTS, think about what you want from your next school as well as your next role. What kind of team would help you feel supported? Which age groups or subjects interest you most? Where would you like to develop your confidence?

You do not need to have your whole career mapped out. Start by identifying what matters now: supportive colleagues, opportunities to learn, a manageable journey or experience in a different setting.

If you are considering supply work while completing your ECT induction in England, make induction part of that conversation from the outset. Ask whether a proposed placement can support your induction and what mentoring, training and timetable arrangements would be in place. Check the Department for Education’s induction guidance alongside advice from the school and relevant appropriate body.

Love education, but ready for a different balance?

Perhaps you are an experienced teacher with QTS who wants a change of pace. Perhaps you are a teaching assistant or another education professional looking for a working pattern that leaves more room for family, personal commitments or other goals.

Wanting greater flexibility does not mean caring any less about your work. You can be committed to pupils and still want more say in how your working week looks.

Before deciding on your next move, ask yourself:

• What would I like more of next year: variety, continuity, development or time?
• Which days and locations would work best for me?
• Would I prefer to explore different schools or become part of one team for longer?
• What do I need to understand about pay, responsibilities and availability before making a change?

Explore a different way of working

Schools Mutual Services works with candidates seeking day-to-day supply, longer-term placements and permanent opportunities. Our team takes time to understand your experience, preferred locations, availability and career goals, helping you explore work that fits what you are looking for.

For you, that might mean discussing supply opportunities around the days you are available. It could mean looking for a longer placement where you can build relationships, or exploring a permanent role when you feel ready for your next step.

The important thing is to be clear about your priorities. Talk through the expectations of each assignment, including planning, marking and other responsibilities, rather than assuming every role will look the same. Discuss local opportunities and likely availability too, so your plans reflect both the flexibility you want and the income you need.

A next step with support behind you

At Schools Mutual Services, we are a not-for-profit education recruitment organisation, owned by schools, for schools. Our approach brings together opportunities in education with support for the people who make a difference in classrooms every day.

Through SMS, candidates can access ongoing CPD and training, health and wellbeing support, and a dedicated consultant who gets to know their goals. We also operate PAYE-only payroll, with weekly pay.

So, whether you are taking your first steps after gaining QTS, planning your next move as an ECT or rethinking an established career in education, you can start by telling us what you want next year to look like.

Make next year your next chapter

You do not have to wait until you have every answer before exploring your options. Start with what you know: what you enjoy, what you want to change and what a better working week would look like for you.

More variety? A different school environment? Greater flexibility? Space to keep doing the work you love alongside the life you want?

Thinking about next year? Let’s talk about what could work for you.

Register with Schools Mutual Services and upload your CV to start a conversation about your experience, availability and next steps.