People pondering a change of career are being urged to consider joining thousands of others in the region who last year chose to enter teaching.

In 2014/15, a total of 4,280 registrations of interest were made by people in the East of England contemplating a new career in the profession – the highest number in three years.

January was one of the busiest months – with more than half of all registrations logged with the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) coming from those looking to switch from another profession.

The figures have been released at the same time as the NCTL launches a new package of support for people looking to make the change.

Sue Hammond, NCTL teaching and leadership adviser for teachers in Ipswich, said: “The start of the new year is a natural time for people to think about whether a change could make them happier or more fulfilled.

“One way of shaking off the January blues is to start a new rewarding career this year by taking your skills and experience into the classroom.

“Some of our best teachers entered the profession after pursuing careers in other fields, bringing a wealth of experience to help inspire the next generation.

“That is why we are running a series of events so people can find out more about the options and support available.”

Data taken from Google Trends showed that searches for ‘career change’ were higher than at any other point in early January last year.

January was also the second busiest time of the year for related online searches like ‘change life’ and ‘new job’.

Searches for terms relating to moving into teaching showed a similar pattern, with January 2015 the busiest point for searches of ‘be a teacher’, and the second busiest time for ‘start teaching’ searches.

NCTL is hosting six online events this month, designed to show what a switch to teaching can offer, the routes into the profession and the financial support on offer for those making the change from established careers.

Tax-free bursaries and scholarships are being offered to top graduates who choose to teach key subjects.

People with a degree, and three or more years of work experience in any field, can earn a salary while training to teach on a School Direct programme.

Potential career changers have the chance to meet NCTL advisors and local teachers at the Train to Teach roadshow when it visits Swavesey Village College, Cambridge, on January 26.

Upcoming online events will be dedicated to subjects like teacher training funding, applications and skills tests.

To find out more about the live, interactive events, and to sign up, see here.

For more about the Train to Teach roadshow, and to register, see here.Applications for teacher training in 2016 are now open. Visit the get into teaching pages or call the Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.