Teachers value school culture when job searching

A poll from the DfE's Teaching Vacancies service has shown that school culture and values (66%) are the single biggest factor teachers consider when choosing their next role - ahead of location (55%) and pay (47%).
 
The findings from the survey, which gathered responses from more than 7,000 teachers, highlight how important it is for schools to clearly set out their ethos and approach to staff wellbeing to attract top candidates. 
 
The research also revealed what else teachers value most when choosing a school. It found that 66% ranked school culture and values – including inclusivity, wellbeing and leadership style – as most important. Fifty-five per cent selected location as the next most important factor and 47% look for a match or increase in pay. Meanwhile, workload protections are especially important for Early Career Teachers (43%).
 
These results underline that, alongside practical considerations such as pay and location, many teachers place importance on a school’s ethos and approach to wellbeing.

Teaching Vacancies, the government’s free recruitment platform for primary and secondary schools in England, supports this by enabling schools to highlight their culture and support offer, helping teachers find roles that match what matters most to them.
 
They are also is testing a new Personal Statement Builder designed to help candidates who are applying for their first Early Career Teacher role. This step-by-step online resource is designed to make writing personal statements simpler and help candidates present their strengths with confidence.
 
During this pilot, the builder offers structured guidance and best-practice prompts to shape strong applications and short videos from education professionals sharing practical tips.
 
The builder is currently available for ECT-friendly vacancies on Teaching Vacancies. Insights will inform future improvements ahead of a wider rollout.
 
Jemmy Krolak is a teacher and education influencer from Redhill, Surrey. She shares: “I remember how stressful it felt trying to write a personal statement that truly reflected me. Many new teachers feel the same. The Personal Statement Builder offers the support and structure I wish I’d had - helping candidates frame their experience and tell their story with confidence. Combined with the trusted roles on Teaching Vacancies, it genuinely lightens the load for those entering teaching.” 
 
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Schools want to recruit the best teachers, and teachers want to work where they feel supported and valued. Teaching Vacancies and the new Personal Statement Builder make it easier for both schools and jobseekers to find the right fit, while helping schools save money on recruitment.”