Why teach in the UK?
The UK has always been a popular destination for overseas teachers looking to relocate and broaden their horizons in terms of employment opportunities. Now, with the UK amid a teacher shortage, overseas teachers are in more demand than ever - particularly those who specialise in STEM subjects. Teaching in the UK can offer a variety of career paths, especially for individuals looking to progress and take on more responsibility quickly or extend their professional development. Experienced teachers are in high demand, and there are a range of leadership roles on offer in UK schools, with competitive salaries.
What opportunities can UK schools provide?
Working in a UK school provides overseas teachers with the chance to gain experience that will be recognised at British International Schools all over the world, opening up more opportunities for travel and career development in the future. For those interested in travel, the UK itself has many beautiful areas to explore during the school holidays, as well as easy access to several amazing locations in Europe. Many teachers from other countries are already thriving in the UK education system and it has never been easier to join them.
Finding the right school
To teach in the UK, teachers will need to find a school that is willing to sponsor them. Eteach can help you find a school that is registered as a sponsor and with the appropriate salary to match your skills and experience. We have relationships with hundreds of schools around the country and, with many former teachers in our team, we have a solid knowledge of the UK’s education system. Our consultants take pride in ensuring that our candidates are placed at the right school for them, in terms of location, salary expectations and overall ethos.
Preparation to teach in the UK
Before beginning their first UK teaching role, employees will need to be familiar with the statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges - Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) - and be up to date with safeguarding best practice in the UK. Teaching in large cities can present different challenges to teaching in smaller, rural schools. With our knowledge of schools all over the country, we can fully support you with relevant safeguarding training and ensure that you are confident with the latest guidance and any area-specific issues.
Who can teach in the UK?
To teach in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa. The most appropriate visa for most teachers wishing to come to the UK is the Skilled Worker visa. This allows teachers from certain countries to stay in the UK to work in a school that has been approved by the Home Office and has a licence to issue sponsorship. You can bring your partner and/or children to the UK with you if they are eligible.
Teachers from the following countries can apply for QTS in the UK with a Skilled Worker visa:
- Australia
- Canada
- the EEA
- Gibraltar
- Hong Kong
- New Zealand
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Ukraine
- USA
In addition, teachers with a subject specialism in languages, mathematics or science and a teaching qualification to teach 11-16-year-olds from the following 7 countries will be able to check whether they meet the requirements for QTS and apply:
- Ghana
- India
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- have a confirmed job offer
- work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
- do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do
What do I need to do to apply?
You need to apply for your Skilled Worker visa online. You can apply for a visa up to three months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. You will need to prove your identity and provide several documents. Once you have completed your visa application, most applicants will need to book and attend a biometric appointment — this is where fingerprints and a photograph are taken via a visa application centre. It usually takes about 3 weeks to get a decision on your visa. You must pay an application fee and prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself upon arrival.
You will need:
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number
- evidence of how the English language requirement is met
- a bank or building society statement or letter that shows you have enough personal savings to meet the Money to Support Yourself requirement – (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor has certified maintenance)
- a current passport or travel document to prove that you can travel – you need a blank page in your passport for your visa
- expired passports or travel documents, if you need them to show your travel history
- a criminal record certificate from any country you have spent more than 6 months in the last 5 years
- a TB test result
- biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) will also be taken at the visa application centre as part of the process.
How long can I stay in the UK?
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer. You can extend as many times as you like and after five years you may apply to settle permanently in the UK. In addition to obtaining your Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide documents to demonstrate your eligibility to teach in the UK:
- Enhanced DBS certificate (this must be the enhanced DBS check rather than the basic one)
- Identity checks
- Referencing (minimum of two professional references)
- Proof of address check
- Change of name check (where applicable)
- ENIC check/Statement of Comparability
- Degrees (originals and certified copies)
- Academic transcripts
- Record of teaching practice – including number of days on placement
What is a DBS certificate?
In the UK, a DBS check (formerly known as CRB check) is a type of background check which confirms an applicant's criminal record, and by extension, their suitability for working with children and/or vulnerable adults. The Disclosure and Barring Service are responsible for issuing DBS certificates. Employees can apply for a basic DBS check on themselves, however for the enhanced check, your employer will need to complete the process. You will also need to provide a police clearance from any country you have spent more than three consecutive months in, in the last five years.
What is an ENIC check?
An ENIC (European Network of Information Centres) check is a process to check that the qualifications you hold are comparable to UK qualifications, and that your degree was completed in English. You can obtain a Statement of Comparability by applying online and providing your qualification documents.
For more information, visit https://www.eteach.com/coming-to-the-uk-from-overseas.
About the author
Emma Johnston
After graduating with a BA in Communications from Bournemouth University, Emma worked in public relations and marketing before deciding to undertake a PGCE at Kingston University and begin her journey as a primary school teacher. Emma taught for 15 years in schools around London and Surrey, in a variety of roles including lead practitioner and assistant headteacher. Emma now works for Eteach as Education Partnerships Coordinator, where she can share her knowledge of the education sector and support those beginning their teaching career.
