6th May 2025

Career in education? Here’s how to find the right school job for you

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to September. Finding the right role early ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running when the new school year begins. We’ve created a guide to help you identify the best fit for your skills and passions. 

Teacher roles

The role of a teacher is to deliver engaging and effective lessons, support students’ learning and provide regular feedback to guide their progress. Teachers are responsible for staying up-to-date with subject knowledge, identifying student needs and planning lessons. They also assess student work and offer constructive feedback. They must adhere to legislation around health and safety, equality, diversity and safeguarding, all while creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

What qualifications do you need to be a teacher?

To teach in primary, secondary or special schools in England, you will typically need: 

• GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths (science is also required for primary teaching)
• A bachelor’s degree in any subject
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – you can achieve QTS through teacher training programs
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is not required to become a qualified teacher, but it can enhance your teaching skills and knowledge.

Perfect for you if…

You’re passionate about making a difference and shaping young minds. It offers the chance to inspire students, use your skills and enjoy a rewarding career with personal and professional growth.

Teaching Assistant 

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are essential in supporting both teachers and students. They assist in the classroom, provide individual and small group instruction, monitor student progress and help with administrative tasks, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

What qualifications do you need to be a Teaching Assistant?

Although there are no specific qualifications required to become a TA, many schools prefer candidates who have the following:

• GCSEs in English and Maths – grade 4/C or above
• Experience working with children
• A level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• A level 5 teaching assistant qualification – this will make you a higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA). 

Perfect for you if…

You’re passionate about working with children, enjoy supporting learning and thrive in a collaborative environment. It offers the chance to make a real impact on students’ development while working closely with teachers and gaining valuable experience in education.

Cover Supervisor

Cover Supervisors step in to manage classrooms when teachers are absent. While they don’t teach in the traditional sense, their role is to keep students focused, supervise pre-prepared lessons and maintain discipline. Their main responsibility is ensuring students stay on task, manage behaviour effectively and provide support where necessary, all while acting as the authority figure in the classroom.

What qualifications do I need to be a Cover Supervisor? 

You don’t necessarily need formal qualifications to become a Cover Supervisor, but many schools would like the following:

• Experience working with young people in an educational setting
• While a degree isn’t always required, some schools may prefer candidates who have a degree or equivalent qualification.

Perfect for you if…

You’re looking for a dynamic position that involves supporting students and maintaining order in the classroom. If you enjoy working with young people, managing behaviour and ensuring lessons run smoothly in the absence of a teacher. This role offers a great opportunity to gain experience in education without the need for formal teaching qualifications.

Special Education Needs (SEN) teacher

An SEN (Special Educational Needs) teacher is responsible for creating inclusive learning environments and adapting lessons to support students with diverse needs. This role involves planning and teaching lessons, preparing materials, managing behaviour and engaging with parents about student progress. You’ll also collaborate with specialists, organise trips and provide training for other staff on SEN topics to ensure students reach their full potential. 

What qualifications do I need to work as a SEN teacher? 

To become an SEN teacher, you’ll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• To complete the mandatory SENCO National Professional Qualification (SENCO NPQ)
• Experience working with children with special educational needs.

Perfect for you if…

You’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs. If you enjoy creating tailored learning experiences, supporting student growth and collaborating with specialists. This role offers the opportunity to have a lasting impact while developing your skills in a rewarding and dynamic environment.

Special Education Needs (SEN) teaching assistant 

SEN teaching assistants (TAs) play a vital role in supporting students with learning difficulties. Working under the guidance of teachers and SEND staff, they provide tailored support to help every child access the curriculum and succeed. By adapting lessons and offering one-on-one help, SEN TAs create inclusive, supportive classrooms where all students feel empowered to learn and grow.

What qualifications do I need to be a SEN Teaching Assistant?

You don’t need formal qualifications to become an SEN TA, but the following are highly recommended:

• Level 2 or Level 3 teaching assistant qualification
• SEN-specific training course
• Experience working with children, especially those with additional needs
• GCSEs in English and Maths
• Enhanced DBS check.

Perfect for you if…

If you’re someone who loves working with children, has a patient and empathetic nature and is passionate about helping others reach their full potential, the role of an SEN TA could be the perfect fit. It’s a rewarding career path for those looking to make a real impact in education while supporting inclusive learning environments.

Early Years Teacher

Early Years Teachers play a key role in shaping a child’s first experiences of learning. Working with children from birth to age 5. They create safe, nurturing and engaging environments that support development across key areas – social, emotional, physical and cognitive. They plan fun, age-appropriate activities, track each child’s progress and work closely with parents and other professionals to give every child the best possible start.

What qualifications do I need to be an Early Years Teacher?

To become an Early Years Teacher, you’ll need:

• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science – grade 4/C or above
• Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) 

Perfect for you if…

Being an Early Years teacher could be perfect for you if you’re passionate about child development, love creating playful learning experiences and have a nurturing, patient nature. If you enjoy watching young children grow, learn and explore the world around them and want to be part of those first big milestones, this rewarding role might be your ideal career path.

Found a role that feels like you? Take action now and secure your ideal role for September! Register with us today and let us help you!