Newly qualified teachers

Newly Qualified Teachers

We run a ‘pool' system, which is open to newly qualified teachers who complete their training in the summer 2009, or who are seeking their first teaching post. One of the benefits of joining the pool is that you will need to submit only one application. Applications can be received at any time, but if you want to maximise your chances of finding a post through the pool, your application must be received by the closing date of 31st January.

You can download an  NQT application form (Word, 219 Kb) and the notes of guidance (Word, 86 Kb) from here.


General information

The sections below give a summary of information and guidance – more comprehensive details can be found in the section on  Suffolk’s First Appointments Policy 


Applying for a post in a primary or middle school

Your initial interview will normally be held in one of our three education areas during the week March 16th - 20th. Following the interview assessment, your details are sent to schools and they will make direct contact with you if a suitable vacancy comes up.   They will normally invite you for a further interview. All offers of appointment are made by the governing body of individual schools and not by us.

Applying for a post in an upper or high school

A ‘clearing house' system currently operates for these posts and you only have to make one application.   Your references will be taken up and your availability and details will be circulated to schools in February. The school will make direct contact with you if a suitable vacancy comes up, and they will normally invite you for an interview. All offers of appointment are made by the governing body of individual schools and not by us.

Applying for a post in a special school

You should apply to the pool, and every effort will be made to offer you an initial interview.

If your application is late

If your application arrives after the closing date, or if you are not shortlisted for the primary and middle school pool initial interviews, your name and details will still be included on the list of available pool applicants. The list is regularly circulated to schools to keep them informed of NQT availability.
Newly Qualified Teachers can apply to individual schools, which advertise vacancies as well as applying through the pool.

Financial assistance for NQTs

Newly Qualified Teachers may be entitled to receive financial assistance from the local authority in the form of a relocation allowance and/or an advance on salary. For more details look at the pages on Incentives and Relocation Assistance for Teachers.

NQT website

Suffolk has a dedicated website for NQTs at www.slamnet.org.uk/nqt