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TL;DR:
If you’re looking for teaching jobs starting January, now is the time to act. December is one of the busiest periods for January start education jobs, and schools want staff fully cleared, onboarded, and ready before the Christmas break. This 4-week plan helps teachers, TAs, and support staff get organised, apply early, and confidently secure a new year teaching role.
The new year sees a surge in movement: new budgets, timetable reshuffles, resignations that took place in October, staffing shortages, and schools needing immediate support when the spring term begins.
According to the Department for Education, teacher recruitment and retention remain key national priorities, with many schools relying on short-notice staffing at the start of new terms.
Source: DfE Teacher Recruitment & Retention Strategy.
This means teaching jobs starting January are not only common — they are often filled quickly.
Short answer: Now.
The first two weeks of December are when schools and agencies make most of their January hires.
Search interest also spikes for:
According to Google Trends, UK searches for “teacher jobs” and “supply teaching” consistently rise in late November and early December.
Source: Google Trends UK, Education Jobs.
This plan is built for maximum success with minimal stress — perfect for teachers, TAs, and supply educators.
Focus: Admin & Awareness
Before applying for January start education jobs, get yourself job-ready.
Schools and agencies need these quickly, so gather:
Update:
Tip: Add a short summary at the top. Keep it clear and outcome-focused.
Make a list of:
Focus: Sign up and be proactive
This is crucial — January teaching recruitment relies heavily on candidates being fully cleared before schools close for the holidays.
Complete:
Be specific:
Send a short note to:
A simple:
“Just letting you know I’m available for January roles if needed”
— works wonders.
Focus: Targeted applications
Search terms to use:
Practice:
If applying for long-term roles, schools may ask for:
Have something ready.
Focus: Finalising and securing your January start
Make sure:
Schools won’t be reachable over the holidays — get this done now.
Keep availability updated in your app or with your agency.
You’re nearly there.
Job seekers looking for teaching jobs starting January have a real advantage in early December — but only if they act now.
Schools want:
Follow this four-week plan and you’ll be in the strongest position to secure a new role, whether it’s supply, TA work, or a long-term teaching contract.
If you’re ready to find January teaching roles in the UK, Humly can help you secure your next opportunity quickly and confidently.
Early December is ideal. Schools aim to finalise January staffing before the Christmas holidays.
Yes. January is one of the busiest hiring periods due to timetable changes, resignations, and additional support needs.
Absolutely. Many long-term roles begin in the spring term, especially in primary, secondary, and SEND settings.
DBS, proof of address, qualifications, right-to-work documents, and an updated CV.
Yes — and you should. Registering early increases your chances of securing a role before schools close for Christmas.
