The international teacher recruitment season: a month-by-month timeline
When British international schools advertise, interview and hire, and how teachers can plan applications, notice periods and moves around the cycle.
International school hiring follows a predictable annual rhythm. Most contracts start in August, and most positions are filled months earlier. Working with the cycle gives you the widest choice.
The cycle at a glance
| Month | What happens |
|---|---|
| September | Current staff tell their schools whether they will renew. Schools map vacancies. |
| October–November | First wave of adverts, especially for leadership roles. Early interviews. |
| December–January | Peak season. Online interviews and recruitment fairs; many offers made. |
| February–March | Second wave; remaining posts; offers for teaching couples and families. |
| April–June | Late vacancies; hiring for notice-period-driven gaps. |
| July–August | Emergency hires, visas and relocation; induction before term. |
UK notice periods matter
Teachers in England’s state schools usually resign by fixed dates (often 31 October for a January start, 28 February for an April start, and 31 May for September). Make sure your offer timing fits your notice, and don’t resign until you hold a signed contract.
Preparing your application
- Update your CV for international schools: curriculum experience, exam boards taught, results data and extracurricular involvement.
- Line up referees, including your current headteacher. International schools always contact the current head.
- Gather documents: degree certificates, teaching qualification, police checks for every country you have lived in, passport.
- Prepare for online interviews across time zones, often including a recorded or live lesson.
Where jobs are advertised
- School websites and LinkedIn
- Teacher job boards with international sections
- Recruitment agencies that specialise in international schools
- Recruitment fairs, both online and in person
Evaluating an offer
Before you sign, check the package line by line: salary and tax, housing, flights, medical cover, tuition for dependants, and end-of-contract payments. See what a typical package includes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it too late to apply in April or May?
No. The busiest period is October to February, but schools keep hiring through spring and summer to fill late vacancies. Choice is narrower, but late hires can find good roles, sometimes at short notice.
Should I use a recruitment agency?
Many teachers use both agencies and direct applications. Reputable agencies do not charge teachers and can open doors, but always research the school yourself.