Teaching in the UK
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Teaching in the UK
Working within the UK will provide you with teaching experience that is globally recognised and held in the highest regard. Our education system is dynamic and diverse, and job progression can be gained quickly.
Teaching opens the doors to a huge variety in terms of types of schools and environments in which you can work - from the hustle and bustle of London to much quieter, rural settings such as Devon or Yorkshire. In addition to the state maintained (government funded) schools and academies, some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious schools including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Winchester can be found in the UK. Read on to find out how to become part of this exciting industry.
What qualifications will I need?
To become a qualified teacher in state maintained schools across the UK you need to undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education. This can be done via university training as a BEd or PGCE, or in a school-centred training course. This leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales and the Teaching Qualification (TQ) in Scotland. You may not require QTS to work in some independent schools, academies and free schools. Read more here
Security clearance required to teach
A DBS (formerly known as CRB check) is the common term used to refer to a background check performed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. A clear ‘enhanced disclosure’ from the DBS is an essential pre-requisite for any person who wishes to work with children or vulnerable adults, regardless of their job role. What is a DBS check: Who needs it? How long does it take?
Enhanced disclosure takes between three and six weeks from initial application. You cannot work in the presence of children or vulnerable adults until this is returned. Visit Disclosure and Barring Service for information on services, your rights and details of the check.
Coming to teach in the UK from overseas?
Eteach has been welcoming teachers to the UK for over 17 years so you can rest assured that you're in safe hands. Before you start this incredibly exciting journey, check out our full set of advice and steps to make the move as smooth as possible.
Where to teach?
The UK’s education system is broad and varied. Not too sure which type of school might suit you?
Academies are publicly funded independent schools run by an academy trust which employs the staff. Some academies have sponsors such as businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or voluntary groups.
If you work in a state-maintained school, you’re contractually employed by the local authority to deliver the national curriculum. You’re paid according to the National Pay Spine, and are required to work 195 days in any academic year.
Independent schools, also know as ‘private schools’, charge fees to attend instead of being funded by the government and don’t have to follow the national curriculum. Teachers are employed directly by the school under the school's terms and conditions.
Free schools are funded by the government but are founded and run by private groups such as trusts, faith groups or investors. This means they have more control over the curriculum such as length of school terms and days as well as pay and conditions for staff.
Primary teachers work with children between the ages of three and eleven and are required to teach all of the subjects which are in the national curriculum. This means that anybody looking for a primary teaching role needs to have good knowledge of all subjects for KS1 and 2.
Secondary school teachers work with children between the ages of 11 and 18 and specialise in teaching one or two subjects from the national curriculum. They are responsible for providing stability, discipline, direction and knowledge to children who come from a variety of backgrounds.
A Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) teacher usually works with pupils who have learning difficulties, behavioral problems or physical or sensory disabilities. Whilst the National Curriculum is followed as closely as possible, sometimes subjects are adapted to suit the students’ needs.
The National Curriculum (NC) is the outlined framework of educational requirement for pupils of a compulsory school age (5-18 years). The National Curriculum applies to all pupils in state funded schools and is organised into five key stages: KS1 and 2 for primary and KS3 and 4 for secondary.
How to secure your first teaching job
When it comes to applying for a job there are many routes that you can take:
An education specific job site like eteach.com
An education specific job site such as eteach.com advertises thousands of teaching jobs across the UK and allows you to search and filter your results to narrow down exactly the role and location you want, then apply entirely online. Search jobs
Direct Recruiters
Need a little help? Recruitment consultants give you a helping hand to find the right fit and are particularly useful for helping you with aspects of your application if you are applying from overseas where the process may be less straightforward. Call us on 01276 674 150.
Speak directly to the school
It is possible to apply directly to a particular school you are interested in working at by simply giving them a call and arranging a visit.
Join a regional Talent Pool
Through Eteach, you can register with Talent Pools for all regions of the UK, meaning you can register your interest even if a is not available at the time. Registering for a school's Talent Pool is great way of letting schools know you’re interested! What is a Talent Pool?
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