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Is London your jam? 10 things to consider before you go.

Is London your jam? Here’s what you need to know about living in the capital.
Are you dreaming of, or currently planning to experience life as a Londoner and teach there in the next 12 months?

Teaching in London is a great option for Aussie, NZ and Canadian teachers who want to be in the thick of it all in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

There are some things you need to be aware of when weighing up whether living in the capital is the right fit for you, and whether supply work or a contract in one school is the best plan when you arrive.

Have a read and then get in touch to ask a question or register for help to find the perfect role.

10 facts about living in London- things to know before you go!

Cost of living: London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so be prepared for higher living expenses such as rent, transport, and food. We highly recommend you consider a full-time position rather than daily supply. Your pay will be higher and you will have the security you need to afford the London life.
Transport: London has an extensive public transport system including buses, trains, and the iconic London Underground.Can you imagine an underground train arriving every few minutes. It is easy to get around, so you don’t have to work in the few boroughs you live in.

Weather: London has a temperate climate which means it can rain at any time of the year. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for all types of weather. It’s all about layers! It can be really hot in Summer and snow into Autumn. Expect drizzly rain often. You can pick up amazing designer coat up in Oxfam or other op shops when you arrive or grab a bargain in high street stores like Primark.No need to travel with loads of winter gear.

Healthcare: The UK has a National Health Service (NHS), which provides free healthcare to UK residents and all visa holders who have paid their Immigration Health Surcharge. Make sure you register with a GP (General Practitioner/Doctor) once you arrive. Seeing a Dr is bulk-billed. Make sure you get travel insurance for medical assistance when you leave the UK and travel in Europe in your holidays.

Culture: London is so fabulous because it is such a diverse city with a rich cultural heritage and people relocate to live in London from all over the world. The food and vibe is hard to beat. A truly international capital. You can explore London’s museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks and you are close to so many other great places within an hour of London.

Nightlife: London is known for it’s vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs to choose from. Different boroughs offer a different feel. Talk to us about what area of London might suits your interests.

Safety: While London is generally a safe city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially at night and in crowded areas.Just like any large city there are certain parts of London you wouldn’t hang out in late at night alone and so we will work with you to find a great school and suggest where to live and where you will feel comfortable and safe.

Employment: London is a hub all types of industries and home to about 2,700 schools. There are plenty of job opportunities available in state, faith and independent schools. We help Early Years, Primary, Secondary and SEN teachers secure great fixed-term and permanent contracts across Greater London and in the home counties that surround London. Some teachers gravitate to counties like Kent ,Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire to live and work, so they are close to London but not paying as much for accommodation. They often start as supply teachers or take up contracts in these areas. Other teachers just have to be living within Zone 1-5 of London. UK teaching jobs

Housing: Renting a property in London can be expensive, so be sure to research the different areas and consider sharing accommodation to reduce costs.If you accept a role in London, there is a loading based on whether the school is in inner, outer of fringe of the capital. This is offered to help tackle the cost of living in London. You get this as a full-time teacher but not as a supply teacher.

Etiquette: British people have a unique culture and etiquette. It is important to be aware of these social norms, such as queuing, saying “please” and “thank you”, and being polite in public.

Are you ready to have a chat about our free service for teachers. We will advocate for you and help you secure a top job. We also offer a flight relocation payment to teachers who take up a fixed-term contract of 2 terms of more.

Click here to arrange to register your interest. Then you will hear from a Teach in Consultant, with experience living and teaching in the UK.