10 Great reasons to come over to the UK to teach

At Eteach we know a thing or two about what makes the UK one of the greatest places on earth to pursue a teaching career. What initially felt like an impossible task, we've selected our favourite reasons for why the UK should be the next destination on your career journey.

1) Teacher shortage

Let's start with the obvious. UK schools are struggling in their recruitment when it comes to core subjects (maths, science, humanities, English) as well as classroom teachers for the primary school sector. The good news for Overseas Trained Teachers is that there are lots of full time and permanent roles up for grabs rather than relying on unpredictable day-to-day supply.

2) London voted greatest city on earth

For the 5th time in 7 years, London has been named the most popular travel destination in the world according to Price Waterhouse Cooper’s “cities of opportunities” index! Through an eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, trendsetting fashion and culture and a social scene you won’t find anywhere else, simply visiting London seems to be high on everyone’s list. The opportunity to teach here should not be missed!

3) Freedom of curriculum

Unlike other countries who provide restrictive planning for teachers, the UK curriculum outlines the expectations for each subject and allows a great deal of teaching freedom. UK teachers are highly creative and collaborative as they work with colleagues across year groups within their schools to create an ever-growing set of plans and teaching resources.  If you have a flair for the inspiring and the ingenious, this is the place for you! 

4) Home to the world's most prestigious schools

Harry Potter’s legendary school of Hogwarts wasn’t purely a figment of J.K Rowling’s incredible imagination. It is loosely based on the incredible Private Schools in the UK, some of which are older than the United States of America! Eton and Harrow rank up there with some of the oldest and most respectable schools in the world, and you could find yourself teaching there!

5) International schools value British experience

Teaching in a UK school develops teacher’s skills in a variety of ways. British children are taught independent thinking from an early age and can be challenging in many cases. This helps to produce fine classroom managers and savvy educators. Also many of the great international schools around the world look for teachers with British Curriculum experience so after a brief stint in the UK, you could end up in exotic locations such as the Middle East or Asia.

6) Similar curriculum

Furthering the point above, the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Curriculums are so similar to the British one that retraining comes in the form of a day or two’s induction when you arrive. Easy peasy!

7) Youth Mobility Visa

The Youth Mobility Visa is a reciprocal agreement between certain members of the Commonwealth that allows Australian nationals to travel and work in the UK up until the age of 31. Visas get a lot trickier after this age and sponsorship is only applicable to shortage subjects so make sure you make the most of this great visa while you still can!

8) Gateway to Europe

Having the UK as a base of operations and Europe on the doorstep is a win-win for any keen traveller. Gain vital experience while you save up and then use your school holidays to enjoy yourself in the many wonders of Europe, especially while the Euro is at an all-time low compared to the British Pound.

9)Home of iconic world sports

Whatever sport you are into, there’s a chance it was born in the rolling hills of Britain. Tennis, Rugby, Football, Cricket, Golf and many more have their origins here and a fan base to back it up! Sport in British schools is infused with this heritage and the opportunity to watch it at the top level is there for the taking every weekend.

10) Imperial Pints not Schooners

Finally we get to the important issue… In the UK, you get to drink more beer in one go! What young teacher wouldn’t come for that reason alone!*

*Please drink responsibly

Considering coming to the UK from overseas? 

If this information has stirred the travel bug within you or if you have always been contemplating a new change of teaching environment, Eteach can help. Eteach is the largest education jobs board in the world, working with over 7,500 schools across the UK, Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. We are looking for great overseas trained teachers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand to teach in some of the best schools around the world. 

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