Let’s face it – being a teacher has never been an easy job, and 2025 is no exception. With endless lesson planning, marking, and classroom challenges, it can sometimes feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

 

That’s why finding the right resources is a game-changer. Whether you’re teaching primary classes, GCSE science, or supporting SEN pupils, the right tools can save you time, reduce stress, and make lessons more engaging for your students. 

 

To help you hit the ground running, we’ve rounded up five of the best teaching resources every UK teacher should know about. These are the ones you’ll want bookmarked, pinned, and saved for those moments when you need a bit of inspiration (or a ready-made lesson plan!). 

TES (Tes.com)

 

What’s great about it?

 

TES is a one-stop shop for teachers. Packed with ready-made lesson plans, worksheets, and teaching ideas, it’s a lifesaver when you’re stuck for inspiration or short on time. Plus, it’s made by teachers, so you know the resources are classroom-ready.

 

Highlights:

• Thousands of free and paid resources for all subjects and age groups
• A community forum where you can share advice and tips
• CPD courses and even job listings

 

TES Teaching Resources

BBC Bitesize

 

Why you’ll love it:

 

BBC Bitesize is a classic, and for good reason. It’s packed with engaging videos, quizzes, and activities that align with the UK curriculum. Perfect for homework help, classroom activities, or even a quick revision session.

 

What’s included:

• Content for every stage, from Key Stage 1 to GCSEs
• Fun, interactive resources that keep students engaged
• Great for reinforcing tricky topics

 

BBC Bitesize

Twinkl

 

Why it’s a must-have:

 

Twinkl is every teacher’s secret weapon. Need a phonics worksheet? Got it. A history timeline? Done. Twinkl’s got resources for just about every topic you can think of – and they’re easy to customise to suit your class.

 

Why teachers love it:

• Huge range of printable and digital resources
• Perfect for all key stages, SEN, and EAL learners
• Saves hours of prep time

 

Twinkl UK

Oak National Academy

 

How it helps:

 

Oak National Academy is a fantastic free resource that took off during the pandemic and is here to stay. It’s perfect when you need ready-to-go lessons that follow the national curriculum. Ideal for last-minute planning or remote learning.

 

What you’ll find:

• Full lesson plans with videos and assessments
• Covers a wide range of subjects for all key stages
• Great for keeping lessons consistent and on track

 

Oak National Academy

Canva for Education

 

Why you need it:

 

If you want your presentations, posters, or classroom displays to really pop, Canva for Education is the way to go. It’s free, easy to use, and packed with templates that’ll make your teaching materials look like a designer made them.

 

Top features:

• Ready-made templates for everything from worksheets to certificates
• Great for student projects and group work
• Integrates with tools like Google Classroom

 

Canva for Education

Wrapping it up

 

Teaching can sometimes be tough, but having the right resources can make it a whole lot easier – and more fun. These five platforms are designed to save you time, spark creativity, and help your students get the most out of their lessons.

 

Whether you’re creating a snazzy display with Canva, downloading a ready-made lesson from TES, or using Oak for a quick video tutorial, these tools have got you covered.

 

Why not give them a go and see how they can make your teaching life a little bit easier in 2025? After all, every teacher deserves a helping hand now and then!

 

If you’re looking for your next teaching job, get in touch with our team or view our latest vacancies.