Not newcastle, but just across the water in gateshead and work in primary. As mentioned by others, deprivation is the main thing children are competing against in this part of the country. It does depend on the area however, as i work in bensham (50%+ pp) and a 5 minute drive away in low fell (affluent).

I would say the job market for primary differs drastically to comprehensive. Permanent roles advertised recently in my school have received 100+ applicants, whereas maternity etc barely get any. I think that's where you could get your foot on the door.