Quick Facts About Teaching In The UK

Teach in can help Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian teachers find the best teaching jobs in London and the UK.

We have summarised the key facts you need to know to teach in the UK. Read on to find out more.

Can overseas teachers work in UK schools?

Overseas teachers are welcomed into schools across England and throughout the UK, with many able to apply and gain British Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian teachers have access to visa options that allow them to live and teach in the UK and teachers from other nations may secure sponsored teaching positions or travel with a British partner on a spousal visa. Teach in specialise in supporting international teachers to secure top UK teaching jobs in London and other parts of England and the UK.

What are the main visa options to be able to teach in the UK?

There are various visa categories for teachers wanting to live and work in the UK. Most Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian teachers between the ages of 18-35 travel on the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa and there is also an Ancestry Visa, Spousal Visa, High Potential Visa, and Skilled Worker Visas available to eligible teachers. Teach in help you navigate the process of identifying what visa to get, when to apply,y and how to complete the application.

What types of work are available for overseas teachers in British schools?

Teachers are needed in UK schools to take on supply, contract and permanent teaching jobs. Casual or Substitute teaching is called Supply teaching in England. You can supply teach in 1 school as a PPA cover teacher, or in multiple schools. Your agency will help you manage your supply calendar on a weekly basis and offers you flexibility. Contracts are available in schools for fixed periods. Then there are Permanent roles, where you are accepting a ongoing role in a school. Most teachers from Australia, NZ, and Canada start on fixed-term contracts and then transition (when it feels right) into a permanent role.

What are the range of school types in the UK you can teach in?

There are many school types in the UK. There are Nurseries, Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Special Needs schools. There are non-denominational and faith schools, Academies, and Private (known as Public schools). There are Grammar schools and state schools with specific specialisms. Teach in partner with all types of schools across the UK.

How much are teachers paid in the UK?

Proficient teachers from recognised countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada can apply and gain British Qualified Teachers Status in the UK and then we can advocate for you to be paid on the same teacher pay scale as British-trained teachers with the same level of experience. British pas is also based on where the school is located. There are 4 pay scales based on location: Inner London, Outer London, Fringe of London, and all other parts of England and Wales. Pay is also based on years of experience and whether there are additional roles and responsibilities.

Overseas teachers can be paid directly by a school, via timesheets, and via payroll providers called umbrella companies. We do not advise the later as although your take home sounds higher, you have to pay both employer and employee tax through an umbrella company.

How do I start the process of working as a teacher in the UK?

Overseas teachers who want to teach in the UK can be supported by a Teaching Agency. Teach in is an expert in supporting teachers, as we are all teachers with decades of experience guiding international teachers to fulfill their UK teaching plans. After you register you will receive an in-depth registration call and then be guided through the compliance and interview process. You will be helped with all aspects of the transition process to the UK. You will gain help with getting a visa, connecting with your UK Consultant, making new friends with other overseas teachers, and finding a place to live.

How do I pick the right UK teaching agency?

There are many UK Teaching agencies but look for an agency that is run by qualified teachers with experience living and teaching in the UK and who have lots of experience helping teachers find the right job. Make sure your agency is REC-approved, has a large range of location options across the UK, and has many work options. You should never be pushed into a role you don’t want. You want your agency to offer support in the UK with things like where to live and how to get started, social and professional development events, and flexibility if you need to change your plans. The service should be free for teachers and you should be paid properly. If you feel like your agency is there when you need them, transparent in all area,s and ready to go the extra mile to help you make it all happen, you have found a winner. Read some reviews here.

How are British schools organised?

British schools are very similar in how they are structured to schools in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. There is an Early Years framework called EYFS and then there are Key Stages of education. Key Stage 1 and Key stage 2 students are gaining their primary school education. Sometimes there are Infant schools (KS1) and Junior schools (KS2) but many schools are Primary schools for students in Key Stage 1 and 2. Often there is a Nursery school for younger children attached to the primary school.

Secondary schools can educate students aged 11-16 years or 11-18 years. Secondary education is known as Key Stage 3,4 and 5. Some students attend 6^th form colleges in their final years of education.

How is the British school year organised?

The British school year is divided into three main terms, each with a half-term break in the middle. Here’s how it is typically structured for most schools in England and Wales:

Start and End Dates: The academic year begins in early September and ends in late July.

Divisions: Three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer.

Term Breakdown

Autumn Term (September to December)

Start: Early September.
Half-Term Break: 1-week break in late October.
End: Mid-to-late December.
This term includes the start of the academic year and the lead-up to Christmas.

Spring Term (January to March/April)

Start: Early January.
Half-Term Break: 1-week break in mid-February.
End: Late March or early April, depending on Easter.
This term ends with a longer Easter holiday of about 2 weeks.

Summer Term (April to July)

Start: Mid-to-late April (after the Easter holiday).
Half-Term Break: 1-week break in late May or early June.
End: Late July.
This term concludes the academic year and leads to the summer holiday.

Holidays

Summer Holiday: About 6 weeks, starting late July and ending early September.
Christmas Holiday: Around 2 weeks, spanning late December to early January.
Easter Holiday: About 2 weeks, typically around late March or early April.
Half-Term Breaks: 1 week each, in the middle of every term.