It is not a fair system. It is extremely difficult to get “in” to certain councils even if you live within that LA. I was recommended for permanency in one LA but didn’t even get offered a fixed term post.
Then by the end of the year staffing dept seemed annoyed when they called to ask if you were available and you dared to say no. Experienced teachers are being overlooked because they’re seen as “too expensive”. Councils are creating loopholes to get out of making teachers permanent even after 4 years. Children need experienced, permanent teachers who they can build relationships with.
This is answer 116 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?
We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.