The last weeks of the summer term are a window to get ahead. From fine-tuning your curriculum to filling staffing gaps, this is the time to plan, prepare, and set your school up for a smooth September. 

Here are key areas schools can focus on to get ahead:

Organise your classrooms

A calm, well-planned classroom sets the tone for learning. Use quiet moments now to check displays, clear clutter, and set up welcoming spaces. Involve support staff or students. This promotes inclusion, and it builds ownership and pride.

Classroom checklist

• Audit your classroom now: Check displays, furniture, and supplies so everything’s in place for a smooth September return.

• Refresh classroom layouts: Optimise seating arrangements for collaboration and accessibility.

• Ensure resources are ready: Stock up on textbooks, technology, and learning materials.

• Create welcoming environments: Use displays, class work, and inclusive messaging to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

• Prepare digital learning spaces: Update online platforms and ensure learners have access to necessary digital tools.

Refine your curriculum

The Curriculum and Assessment Review is ongoing, with final recommendations due in autumn. The March interim report set out key areas for improvement:

• Raising standards for all

• Strengthening subject depth and breadth

• Adapting to social and tech change

• Improving post-GCSE routes

Curriculum checklist

• Review and update lesson plans: Take stock of what’s worked well and what could improve. Consider how your current plans support progress and engagement across year groups. Ensure alignment with updated educational standards and adapt content to meet pupil needs.

• Identify learning gaps: Check for any curriculum gaps and make space to review new subject updates or inspection priorities. Use assessment data to pinpoint areas where pupils may need extra support.

• Integrate innovative teaching methods : Explore inquiry-based learning, digital tools, and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance engagement.

• Plan for differentiation: Develop strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN).

• Keep curriculum plans future-ready: National curriculum changes won’t come into effect until September 2026. That gives schools time to reflect, plan, and strengthen subject teaching now.

Holden Knight Education can help you find subject specialists who bring the right skills and up-to-date knowledge into your classroom, so your students stay on track, whatever comes next.

Hire and onboard early

The sooner you secure new team members, the better. Recruiting in summer gives you more choice and time to onboard. Make sure your new educators feel part of the team before day one. A welcome, induction plan, or coffee catch-up can go a long way.

Recruitment checklist

• Finalise hiring: Ensure all teaching and support staff positions are filled well before the new term begins. 

• Plan for September cover: Think about planned absence or absence patterns or upcoming leave. Having trusted supply staff ready means less disruption for your school.

• Induction programmes: Provide structured onboarding for new staff, covering policies, expectations, and school culture.

• Professional training and development: Offer training sessions on curriculum updates, safeguarding, and classroom management. Is there any online learning that can take place over the summer? 

• Mentorship schemes: Pair new teachers and early career teachers (ECTs) with experienced colleagues to support their transition into the school community.

Need help with recruitment? Holden Knight Education can connect you with skilled teachers who are ready to make a difference this September.

Boost student engagement

Think how you’ll re-engage students in the autumn term. What routines will support a smooth return? What lessons or projects could spark interest? Use pupil voice and experience to shape a positive start for everyone.

Student engagement checklist 

• Plan transition activities: Support pupils moving between key stages with orientation sessions and peer mentoring.

• Develop enrichment programmes: Introduce extracurricular activities that enhance learning and personal development.

• Strengthen parent communication: Share updates, expectations, and ways families can support learning at home.

• Encourage pupil voice: Involve pupils in decision-making through councils, surveys, and collaborative projects.

• Review support for SEND learners: Ensure SEND students have the right provisions in place for September, including tailored resources, staffing, and support plans.

Review school policies and procedures

Before the summer break begins, it’s also a good time to review your school’s key policies and procedures. A clear, up-to-date framework helps everything run smoothly from day one.

School policy checklist

• Update safeguarding measures: Ensure compliance with the latest regulations and reinforce child protection protocols.

• Assess behaviour management strategies: Refine approaches to promote positive interactions and a supportive school culture.

• Prepare contingency plans: Develop strategies for unexpected challenges. This could include staffing shortages or curriculum changes.

• Revisit health and safety protocols: Conduct risk assessments and ensure emergency procedures are in place.

Start strong this September

By taking proactive steps now, schools can ensure a smooth and successful September. Investing time in preparation enables schools to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality education and supporting student progress.

With the right planning, and the right people, your school can begin the new academic year with confidence. At Holden Knight Education, we support schools to recruit the right people, so you start September strong.

Looking for skilled, committed teachers, supply teachers, teaching assistants, or  other support staff? Register your vacancies today.