Why teach in Essex?
If you are looking for inspiration for your teaching subject you will find it in abundance in Essex. There are more than 75 sites of special scientific interest in the county, from fossiliferous clays to wetland marshes, and one of the longest coastlines in the country.
This large and diverse county has a population of 1.4 million. Here you’ll find a mix of bustling towns and picturesque seaside villages teeming with timeless history and a vibrant culture.
There’s a diverse mix of schools to match. With so many rich resources and opportunities to tap into, you can inspire hundreds of children and young people from all walks of life and take them to all sorts of new and exciting places. It’s the ideal environment for outdoor learning. In fact, if Essex was a classroom it would be Britain’s most inspiring classroom.
Essex isn’t only a stimulating environment in which to teach and get your career underway, it’s also a very exciting place to live. In your spare time there’s 350 miles of coastline and seven country parks to explore. Not to mention the museums of Colchester (Britain’s oldest recorded town), music festivals, shops, restaurants and bars.
And if you want to explore the world, Essex has excellent transport links connecting the county to the rest of the UK and beyond. You can take the train to London, jet off from Stansted airport or set sail from Harwich port.
What support will I get as a newly-qualified teacher (NQT)?
From day one, you’ll benefit from the best continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. We’ve also created a comprehensive induction programme, providing continuity from initial teacher training, and all the support you’ll need to achieve those vital core standards.
You will also be able to take advantage of incentives like the Help to Buy scheme and a resettlement grant of up to £1,500 for secondary leaders. Plus there’s up to £750 for secondary NQTs who need to move at least 40 miles to take up their teaching post in Essex.
How many schools are there in Essex?
This large county has more than 400 maintained primary, secondary and special schools, ranging in character from small village primaries to large urban schools. With such a good variety of schools and outdoor environments, you will be able to find your perfect role. Our high educational standards also make Essex one of Britain’s brightest places to teach.
What’s the school system like in Essex?
Essex operates a two tier system. We have a mixture of community, voluntary controlled, voluntary aided and foundation schools, and academies. There are a small number of grammar schools which operate as selective schools using an entrance exam.
How much will I earn?
As an NQT in Essex you can look forward to a starting salary of at least £22,023 for 2014. Teachers employed in schools in Basildon, Brentwood, Epping Forest and Harlow will also receive the London Fringe area allowance.
All NQTs appointed to secondary teaching posts in maintained schools in Essex will be eligible to claim a resettlement grant of up to £750 if they meet certain criteria.
How do I apply?
To apply, just visit www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk/registration. Here you can register your details and create a profile. Once you’ve created your profile you can apply for posts advertised on the website which are suitable for NQTs. Your profile will be visible to Essex schools so they can view it when searching for suitable candidates for vacant teaching posts they wish to fill.
You can also amend and add to your online application as your knowledge and experience develops. We also recommend visiting Essex and schools in the county to see what’s on offer and what makes Essex such a great place to teach and live.
How easy is it to get into London?
Essex is perfectly located for visits to London either for school trips, conferences or courses. Depending on where in the county you are based it takes up to an hour and in some places considerably less. For example, travel time from Chelmsford City is about 35 minutes, while from Shenfield it’s just 20 minutes. And with the planned Crossrail improvements, these good transport links are set to get even better.
What opportunities will I have to develop my career?
If you have the skills, drive and passion, Essex is an inspiring place for you to go as far as you want to in your teaching career. The schools and the people we work with are continually expanding their knowledge and working with other schools within the county.
What is the Help to Buy scheme?
As a teacher working in Essex you may be eligible to apply for one of the Help to Buy housing schemes. They are designed to make buying or renting a new home in the county more affordable. The HOLD scheme also gives people with long-term disabilities the chance to own a home and live independently. You can find out more about the different schemes and your eligibility at www.helptobuyeastandsoutheast.uk.com.
What are schools in Essex looking for in a NQT?
Every year Essex schools recruit around 700 NQTs who are looking for their first teaching post in the county. We look for teachers with ability and imagination who can inspire and challenge our children to be the best they can be and to contribute to the changing world around them.
