The October half-term is done and dusted. You’ve settled your class, navigated curriculum changes, and now you’re heading into the darkest, busiest stretch of the school year. You may be thinking about moving jobs, but you might assume the smart move is to wait until January. Think again!
There are benefits to looking for a new role while you're still in your current one. You can take your time, stay financially secure, and focus on finding the school that feels just right.
Autumn is all about change. And for some teachers, that means a change of scenery after Christmas. It’s the golden month when proactive teachers get a head start. It’s a time for quiet strategy, not frantic job-hunting, and here’s why you should start your search now.
The rush to fill January gaps
The academic year runs in three acts, and after October half-term, act two begins. October 31st is the official resignation deadline for teachers planning to leave at Christmas, so right now, schools are finding out which roles they need to fill for January. That’s why November is buzzing behind the scenes. Buckle up - the second big hiring wave of the year is about to start.
Schools are recruiting in November, with interviews and offers about to happen. This is your moment. Polish your CV, hit send, and get ahead of the post-Christmas rush. Instead of being one of hundreds in January, you’re early, and that makes you stand out.
Beat the Christmas and Easter rush
Everyone waits. They wait for Christmas, for New Year’s resolutions, and for the big spring recruitment wave. That makes January, February, and April to May crowded.
November, on the other hand, is calmer. School leaders are focused on the term ahead, not a flood of applications. Fewer people are job-hunting in education, which means less competition for you.
You move from being one face in a crowd to a priority candidate. It’s the difference between queuing for The Next sale on Boxing Day and having your own VIP shopping appointment. But hold that glass of prosecco… the real celebration comes when your offer letter lands before the mince pies do.
Secure your September role early
Even if you’re planning to move next September, November is the perfect time to get on a school’s radar. Schools and agencies use this time to identify top talent and build their candidate banks for hard-to-fill roles.
Imagine interviewing, impressing, and landing a provisional offer while everyone else is still debating their New Year’s goals. It takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy the rest of the year knowing your next step is sorted.
So don’t wait for January. While everyone else is winding down for the winter break, you could be making the smartest career move of the year. Let’s make that first coffee break in the staffroom of your dream school a reality.
And you don’t have to do it alone. At Protocol Education, we’re already working with schools planning for the new term. Whether you’re after a January start or plotting your next big move for September, let your local consultant know you’re open to new roles. We’ll keep an eye out for the ones that tick your boxes, and save you from endless jobsite scrolling.
So, where should you start?
You’ve got the motivation, the timing’s perfect, and the opportunities are out there. Now it’s time to get practical. Think of this next bit as your mini lesson plan for job-hunting success, simple, focused, and totally doable between marking and your next cuppa. Grab your favourite pen, notebook, or open up a Google Doc and get started!
Consider your non-negotiables
We spend one-third of our lives at work, which is around 90,000 hours over a lifetime. If you’re a maths teacher, you’ve already done that calculation, right?
Before you start applying, take time to think about how you want to be perceived in your next school and make sure it aligns with your values. We all have things we won’t compromise on. Maybe it’s not running an afterschool club because that’s family time. Your non-negotiables define what you expect from your next school, headteacher, environment, and culture.
Update your CV
Your CV is your first impression. If you’ve been in the same role or at the same school for a while, it probably needs a refresh. Think of this like a mini homework assignment. Tailor it to the job, highlight your impact, and focus on achievements rather than duties. Remember, you’re not listing what you’ve done (this isn’t a Hinch list), you’re showing the difference you’ve made to your students and school.
Not sure where to start? Send your CV over to your Protocol Education consultant for a quick once-over. They know what schools are looking for and can help you make your experience shine. Many have worked as teachers before, so it’s like having your own personal proofreader who actually understands teaching.
Upskill if needed
If there are areas you’d like to grow, the longer evenings are perfect for brushing up on skills that boost your confidence. Upskilling can help you get there, and The CPD Academy is your one-stop shop for continuous professional development (CPD). CPD Academy is a free and flexible online platform made just for you. Every Protocol Education educator has access to it. Think of it as a mini classroom on your laptop, full of bite-sized learning that helps you obtain your new teaching position next year.
Interview preparation
Preparation is key. The darker evenings give you more time to research your potential new employer after work. The school’s website is a starting point and can help you find out more about the school, its values, culture, and successes. Take time to look at their social media channels; it’s the best way to get a real feel for the vibe. And when it comes to the interview, remember what Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself, everyone else is taken."
And while you’re doing all that…
Don’t neglect your day job
Yes, you’re thinking ahead, imagining sports day at another school, but your current job still matters. It’s your reference, your reputation, and your training ground. Keep showing up. Keep your class engaged. Say yes to CPD or school events; they all help you grow.
Final bell? Not quite
If you’re reading this with a cup of tea in hand and that little voice in your head whispering “maybe it’s time”, listen to it. November isn’t just another month. It’s your chance to move, think clearly, and set up your next big chapter before the year ends.
Your dream job might be waiting, and it's closer than you think.
Drop us a message, tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll do the searching while you do what you do best: teaching.
