I feel like I might be being treated unfairly at work

[TS45]

I’m a primary school teacher.
I’ve been at my current school for 3 years.
The first two years, I was covering other people’s maternity leaves. I was kept on temporarily for the third year (current year now). A permanent job is about to be advertised and I was told that even though I fit the school well and they think I’m a great teacher, the post will be advertised permanently so that the head can get a sense of who else is out there. I’ve been told to apply but not to assume my name is on the job and that I have a 50/50 chance of getting it. Now to me, I really feel like if they did think I was a good teacher, they wouldn’t feel the need to look around. I’ve given this school my all for the past 3 years. Coming in early, staying late. Devoting my free evenings to holding sports clubs and volunteering at our community events. I’ve gone above and beyond.
The whole situation has really hurt me and has made me feel so unappreciated. Would you even bother applying?

The only shit part of this is that it hasn’t been advertised sooner. After half term you will be going up against ECTs that are cheaper. I don’t think they are being unfair and tbf id be amazed if you didn’t get it-some of the crap coming out of PGCE is shocking.

I can’t say I understand your perspective. Or those few getting their smelling salts out.

what would you like them to say? It feels totally fine what they said, to me.

In your shoes, I would apply. But also apply for every suitable post I can find at the same time.