Teaching in Southwark

At Southwark, we are working to raise levels of achievement in partnership with schools, parents and the community. Standards of achievement by Southwark's pupils are going up year by year. Good leadership and management is supporting teachers to rise to the challenge of improving schools.

The schools are as diverse as the community. They include a growing number of academies and specialist schools, church schools, foundation schools and community schools.

Southwark schools offer:

• support staff to assist teachers in the classroom
• equal opportunities for all staff and children
• advisory staff to assist with learning, behavioural and physical difficulties
• good links with businesses through an active education business alliance
• a well-being programme which offers advice and counselling services in many schools
• rich cultural and historical resources, including an education library service

Applying for teaching jobs

Newly qualified teachers can join our newly qualified teacher register where they can view current vacancies and apply.

Experienced and overseas trained teachers can apply for vacancies advertised in the press, e.g. Times Educational Supplement, Guardian, Independent or through teacher recruitment agencies. A list of agencies is available on Teachernet.

Schools are obliged to appoint UK qualified teacher whenever there is a suitable applicant.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Opportunities exist for developing knowledge, skills and experience for teachers and support staff at all career stages. Training includes the renowned induction programme for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and higher-level teaching assistant status and bursar training.

For more details of the course visit the management and support pages in the continuing professional development website.

Living in Southwark

There are many reasons why Southwark is a great place to live. You can find all of these by looking through our website,

Some of the benefits include:

• affordable housing is available to school staff through housing options
• good transport links and interest free season ticket loans
• local childcare advice through the children information service
• leisure facilities for all tastes including vibrant clubs and peaceful parks 
• strong local communities with rich cultural history

Contact us

Teacher recruitment
Tel: 020 7525 5158
teacher.recruitment@southwark.gov.uk
Children's services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL

Opening hours: 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday and out of hours answerphone