Across the country, schools are fighting daily fires with shrinking teams, rising needs and budgets that no longer stretch far enough. The result? A system held together by goodwill, overtime and sheer determination. But goodwill isn’t a workforce strategy – and schools know it.

The truth is simple: schools aren’t short of passion – they’re short of people.

If you’re a school leader looking for support, or a candidate wondering whether now is the right time to join an agency, this is the moment to pay attention. Because what schools actually need right now is changing fast – and the gap between need and capacity is widening.

Read on for a view of today’s landscape, backed by the latest national insights.

Recruitment Has Slowed Dramatically – Even as Needs Rise

Recent national data shows a sharp drop in teacher recruitment activity, especially in secondary schools. Job advertisements for secondary roles are down 31% compared to last year and 22% lower than pre‑pandemic levels.

This means:

• Fewer applicants
• Longer vacancies
• More pressure on existing staff
• Greater reliance on temporary and flexible staffing solutions

For agencies like Pertemps Education, this is a critical moment: schools need dependable partners who can fill gaps quickly and with quality.

Mental Health and SEND Needs Are Surging

Headteachers reflect the findings of a major report from the House of Commons Education Committee which described the SEND system as “at breaking point”, with unmet needs, delayed support and fractured services. The report highlights severe workforce shortages and rising demand for specialist support.

At the same time:

• SEND support is overstretched
• EHCP demand continues to rise
• Schools struggle to meet statutory requirements without additional staff

This is where skilled support staff, behaviour mentors and SEND‑experienced teachers become invaluable. For candidates, it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.

Funding Pressures Are Intensifying

The financial outlook for schools in 2026 is challenging, with leaders forced to stretch every pound further than ever before.

Budget constraints mean:

• Schools can’t always replace permanent staff
• Leaders rely more heavily on flexible staffing
• Cost‑effective, high‑quality agency support becomes essential

At Pertemps Education we’ve always believed that temporary staff aren’t a luxury – more often than not, they’re a lifeline.

Retention Challenges and Workload Pressures

Teacher retention continues to be a major concern. National reports highlight:

• High workload
• Burnout
• Reduced wellbeing
• A cooling labour market in education overall

Schools need relief. Candidates need roles that offer flexibility and balance. We know that when it’s done well, agency work sits at the intersection of both needs.

So… What Do Schools Actually Need Right Now?

They need capacity.
They need flexibility.
They need people who can step in and make an immediate impact.

And they need agency partners who understand the pressures, respond quickly and supply staff who are prepared, professional and passionate.

Our candidates are committed to supporting such a crucial sector, and this could be one of the most rewarding times to do it. We’re always looking out for teaching and support professional with the skills, experience and passion that are so urgently needed.