Finding work after probation

01Finish your registration

Your professional registration is handled by GTC Scotland; a council or other employer decides whom to appoint. Keep track of both processes so an outstanding registration step does not catch you out during recruitment.

GTC Scotland requires provisionally registered teachers to record their progress in MyGTCS. The evidence and assessment requirements depend on previous experience. Check your record with your reviewer before your placement ends. [2]

• Confirm who will make your recommendation for full registration.
• Check that observations, professional discussions and development records are complete.
• Find out how and when you will receive the registration decision.
• Tell a recruiting employer accurately whether registration is complete or still in progress.

02If you are on the Flexible Route

Supply work and fixed-term contracts can contribute to induction through the Flexible Route. It can also be completed in Scottish independent schools or through relevant teaching outside Scotland. Short bookings may mean the process takes place across several schools and periods of work. [3]

Before accepting work, establish who can review your teaching and help you gather evidence. Record progress as you go, rather than trying to reconstruct it at the end of a series of bookings.

03Apply for the work you want

Use myjobscotland to look for vacancies and set up alerts for the areas and types of work you can take. [4] Ask each council whether permanent posts, temporary appointments and supply-list recruitment require separate applications.

For each vacancy, read the person specification and choose examples that address its criteria. A saved draft is not your submission record: retain the confirmation and a copy of what you sent.

04Before you accept an offer

• Get the start date, contracted hours and place of work in writing.
• Check the registration requirements and any remaining pre-employment checks.
• For a temporary post, ask for its expected end date or the event that ends it.
• For supply, ask how bookings are offered and whether any hours are guaranteed.
• Confirm who to contact about the contract and payroll.

These are questions to help compare offers. The written terms of the particular appointment determine what is being offered.

05Put the employment figures in context

The September 2025 census recorded 69% of the 2024/25 TIS cohort in teaching posts in publicly funded Scottish schools. Within that cohort, 23% were in full-time permanent posts. Part-time permanent work is a separate category. [5]