I went part time when returning from maternity leave in 2023, I had to do this as a permanent contract change. I have been wanting to return to full time since 2025, my school have not been able to increase my contract as we keep getting probationers in my subject, so there is no increased need for me.
I have applied for other full time jobs as a teacher of 10 years plus SQA/QS marker and item writer and not been successful and sometimes not even had an interview, there have been over 100 applicants for a post at times. I am unhappy in my school but I am trapped as I can’t find another teaching job elsewhere.
Being part time has also impacted my ability to expand my family as I can’t afford maternity leave on a part time salary. I am also worried about my pension in the future since I am contributing less.
This is answer 32 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.