Teaching
Teaching in the independent sector
Many teachers are attracted to the independent sector because the schools provide freedom to teach with a minimum of bureaucracy and encourage teachers to be flexible and innovative in the classroom. Parents are supportive, children are keen to learn, the teaching environment is purposeful and the pupil/teacher ratios are lower than average. Independent schools offer excellent teacher induction training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and good career prospects.
The 3,500 teachers employed in independent mainstream, special needs and specialist schools benefit from staff training at ‘In Service' days and from a comprehensive programme of CPD organised by SCIS. Most teachers in independent, fee-paying schools are fully registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), the professional regulatory body for teachers.
Job opportunities - applying for supply and permanent teaching posts
Independent schools seek to recruit committed and enthusiastic teachers who are passionate about their subject and keen to contribute to the wider life of the school.
A database of teachers seeking supply positions
in independent nursery, primary and secondary schools in Scotland is
maintained by SCIS and passed to member schools when they notify us of vacancies. To add your name and details to the database,
please email us.
Permanent teaching posts currently vacant are shown in the link, on the right. You may also wish to contact individual schools direct to ask whether positions are available. You can find contact details in our searchable database, on the right. Schools also advertise positions in the press, including the Times Educational Supplement.
Pay and conditions for Teachers
Teaching salaries and conditions of service in independent, fee-paying schools are competitive, as most schools pay teachers above the national pay scales. Many schools participate in the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme and all SCIS schools are committed to ongoing training and development of their staff through our CPD programme.