Secondary NQT Application Process
Lambeth runs a Database recruitment process for Secondary NQTs. All applications will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification.
Dates for NQT recruitment
Please be aware the majority (around 90%) of Lambeth NQT recruitment is for a September start.
September start
We process NQT applications for a September start from Christmas of the preceding year.
Any applications received before Christmas will be held and processed, in order of receipt, from Christmas.
January and Easter starts
We recognise that not all NQTs qualify in the summer term; we accept applications for a January start from the last week in October of the preceding year, and for an Easter start from Christmas of the preceding year.
Again, any applications received before these dates will be held and processed in order of receipt.
When making your application, please state clearly in your e-mail which start date you are applying from.
The application process
If you are training to teach in the secondary sector, we will enter your details into our Database (subject to your application meeting our person specification), which will be circulated to our secondary schools on a regular basis.
The Database will be updated whenever accepted application forms arrive, until our deadline for receipt of applications on 31 May.
School will then ask to see the full application form of any NQTs who appear suitable for any vacancy, and will contact the NQT directly to arrange an interview.
Any offer of employment will be made by the school, not the LEA. A verbal acceptance is regarded as ethically binding on all concerned.
If the process is not successful, the candidate’s details will be returned to the Database until another suitable vacancy occurs.
If your application is accepted into the Database, please remember to tell us if you secure a position in Lambeth or elsewhere.
What happens to those in the Pool still looking for positions when applications have closed?
Those secondary NQTs whose applications have been accepted into the Database, but have not secured a teaching position by 1 June can have their details passed to the other members (boroughs) of the South London Group, in order that they may be able to fill positions in neighbouring boroughs.
If you wish your details to be forwarded in this way, please indicate this in the relevant section on the application form.
It is the responsibility of applicants to inform Lambeth if they wish their application to be carried forward into the next round of NQT recruitment by contacting Dave Coram - it will not normally be necessary for applicants to complete another application form.
Other ways to find your first post in Lambeth
There are likely to be around 40 vacancies suitable for NQTs in Lambeth schools at any one time, but we cannot guarantee that number, nor can we guarantee that candidates applying through Lambeth’s recruitment process will find a suitable placement.
Lambeth will be in attendance at recruitment fairs around the country (both independently and as part of the South London Group) as well as advertising in various publications such as the TES and Teaching Careers.
As well as using the Database, some schools also advertise vacant posts which are suitable for newly-qualified teachers.
Advertisements usually appear in the Times Educational Supplement and on the TES website. If you are interested in an advertised vacancy, you should apply directly to the school concerned.