TL;DR: Tens of thousands of qualified teachers return to teaching every year — from career breaks, international posts, early retirement, or other career paths. But your specific path back helps determine what steps to take for a smooth return.

After time away from the classroom (or, at least, a UK classroom), stepping back into teaching can feel like both a return to something familiar and a leap into something new. 

Whether you paused for family, taught abroad, pursued a different career, or retired early but decided it was a bit too early – your experience matters. And you can make a difference.

But every returner’s path is different. And so is your journey back.

Here’s what you need to know — and what you’ll need to do — based on the path you’ve taken.

Whether you took time out for parenting, health, travel, or just to breathe, returning to teaching after a break can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. 

The sector may feel like it’s changed. And the longer you’ve been gone, the more likely it has. But the fundamentals of education – what you know – are timeless. And schools will welcome your return for your perspective, experience, and the skills you offer.

What You Need to Know

• Schools are increasingly open to flexible work, including job shares, part-time contracts, and phased returns.
• Your classroom instincts are still sharp — experience doesn’t expire.
• Let go of any imposter syndrome that may be creeping in because there is no stigma in returning. Around one in three teachers entering the workforce each year are returners.

What You Need to Do

• Refresh your knowledge of curriculum changes, particularly assessment frameworks and policies.
• Get support – The government offers free support to returning teachers.
• Book trial days via an agency or directly with a school — real context restores confidence quickly.
• Renew your DBS and safeguarding training — these are legal essentials.
• Consider supply work as a re-entry point. It offers you flexibility and insight while you rebuild momentum.

If you’ve been teaching abroad, returning to the UK classroom comes with fresh excitement — but some adjustment. Curriculum, safeguarding, and school culture may feel different, but your global perspective and experience make you a total asset.

What You Need to Know

• UK schools may operate very differently from international ones — from curriculum structures and safeguarding expectations to compensation. But home is home – and you can’t put a price on that.
• Your global experience is an asset, especially in cultural awareness, adaptability, and language. And the UK government offers free support just for you.
• Some schools may need reassurance that you’re familiar with current UK systems.

What You Need to Do

• Reacquaint yourself with the national curriculum, school culture, and expectations (e.g. data tracking, SEN).
• Complete or refresh safeguarding and prevent training.
• Get UK-based references if possible, or combine them with your international ones.
• Register with a UK supply agency for a smoother transition. 

Whatever your reasons for changing careers, you’re now returning with fresh eyes, unique experiences, and renewed clarity. Your non-linear path is an asset – and more valuable than you might think.

What You Need to Know

• You’re returning with new life experience, broader skills, and a refreshed perspective.
• Many schools value outside-the-box thinking, resilience, and maturity.
• The government offers you free support as you return.
• Imposter syndrome is common for many returners. And it’s always wrong. You have the skill, drive, and knowledge to make a difference

What You Need to Do

• Craft your return story: Why you left, what you gained, and why now is the right time. It will come up in any interview, so make it a strength.
• Choose your re-entry point carefully — maternity covers, fixed-term roles, or supply are great options.
• Observe classes or take CPD to refresh pedagogy.
• Join returner-focused initiatives or agencies that understand your path.

Whether it’s for passion, purpose, or structure, many teachers who retired early are coming back — often on their own terms. Your experience is gold.

What You Need to Know

• Refresh your knowledge of curriculum changes, particularly assessment frameworks and policies.
• If you’re not sure about returning full-time, flexible work is commonplace if you know where to look
• The government offers you free support as you return.
• Schools value experienced teachers for mentorship, leadership gaps, and consistency.
• Supply companies will value your skills and ability.

What You Need to Do

• Decide your boundaries: How many days? What responsibilities? What phases?
• Get your DBS and safeguarding updated.
• Reach out to former schools or trusted agencies to explore roles.
• Stay open to new school contexts where your experience can shine.

Whether you’ve been gone for one year or ten, your skills, care, and commitment still matter. Your journey back is about building on what’s come before — not rebuilding.

And Humly can help you (right  now, this September, or beyond).

Unlike traditional supply agencies, Humly empowers educators with full career control. You’ll see every opportunity through the Humly App with the power to book the jobs you want on your terms:

• Permanent placements ✅
• Long-term roles ✅
• Short-term cover ✅

And our unmatched teams of local experts throughout the UK will make your transition back smooth and simple.

The education system needs people like you: adaptable, experienced, and motivated to make a difference. And with the right support, your return won’t feel like a restart — but a revival.

• DfE Return to Teaching Guidance
• Current National Curriculum
• DfE Guidance for Teachers Returning from Overseas
• Government-Funded CPD Programmes (NPQs)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Investment for School Leaders