Teach in the UK
Experience various teaching roles in the UK. Quantum Scholars connect you with schools, assist with the visa process and offer comprehensive support to make your transition seamless.
A Guide to a Rewarding Career
Become a Teacher in England
Interested in taking your teaching career to the UK? Our guide sets you on the right path, detailing the necessary steps to teach in the UK. From securing a position and understanding visa processes to achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). We have practical pointers on adapting to the UK’s education system and lifestyle.
There are many wonderful choices for teachers all over the world looking for an international experience to become better, more rounded teachers. The UK’s education system is renowned for its innovative teaching methods, diverse student population, and strong emphasis on professional development, making it an ideal destination for those looking to teach abroad. Additionally, the cultural heritage and travel opportunities available in the UK provide a unique and enriching experience for UK teachers. Explore the benefits and take the first step towards a rewarding international teaching career by choosing to teach in England.
Teaching in England is Life Changing
International teaching or teaching in England is a life-changing experience, and one that has to be carefully considered. There are personal adjustments that need to be made when adapting to a new life abroad. Meeting new friends, finding a new place to live and adapting to a different curriculum. Whether you’re looking to teach in London, teach in England or teach in the UK, these are the factors behind travelling that make it so exciting! Teachers taking themselves out of their comfort zone to experience something new and thrilling whilst importantly gaining a valuable teaching experience.
England is a world leader in Education
England is a country renowned internationally for its forward-thinking and modern style of education to achieve high standards. That means higher expectations of UK teachers coming to work here but with the right level of support and acclimatisation provided by Quantum Scholars we ensure that international teachers flourish in their new environment.
Teachers will gain valuable professional development from their experience in England and will learn new and important skills that will benefit them for years to come.
International teachers have been welcomed into the UK for over 30 years and the trend is set continue long into the future.
The Education System in England
Understanding the education system in England is crucial for those looking to teach in the UK. The system is structured to provide comprehensive education from early years to higher education, offering various opportunities for both students and teachers.
| Educational Stage | Age Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years Education | 3-5 | Focuses on play-based learning and development. Governed by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. |
| Primary Education | 5-11 | Divided into Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11). Covers subjects like English, maths, and science. Follows the national curriculum. |
| Secondary Education | 11-16 | Divided into Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16). Students take GCSE exams at the end of Key Stage 4. |
| Further Education (FE) | 16-18+ | Includes sixth forms and FE colleges. Offers A-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships. Prepares students for higher education or the workforce. |
| Higher Education | 18+ | Universities and higher education colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Known for high academic standards and research opportunities. |
| Special Education Needs (SEN) | Varies | Provides tailored education for students with special educational needs. Includes special schools and mainstream schools with SEN support. |
Types of State Schools in the UK
Understanding the types of schools in the UK is essential for teachers seeking the best fit for their careers. The UK offers a variety of educational environments, each with unique characteristics and benefits.
Local Authority Schools
These include community schools, run by local authorities (local government) and foundation and voluntary-aided schools, which have more autonomy and may be affiliated with religious organizations. Many of these types of school are converting to Academies and joining groups of Academies called Academy Trusts.
Academies
Academies are publicly funded state schools but operate independently from local authorities. They have the flexibility to innovate with their curriculum and teaching methods. Many academies belong to multi-academy trusts, offering additional resources and support to teachers.
Grammar Schools
Grammar schools are selective state schools that admit students based on academic performance, usually through the 11+ exam. They are known for their rigorous academic standards, making them ideal for teachers who enjoy an academically challenging environment.
Special Schools
Special schools cater to students with special educational needs (SEN), offering tailored support and specialized teaching. Teachers in special schools require specific training and a commitment to helping students with disabilities or learning difficulties.
Competitive Pay and Excellent Benefits
Is Teaching High Paying in the UK?
Teaching in the UK offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, making it an attractive profession for both local and overseas educators. Qualified teachers can expect a salary of up to £44,000 outside London and over £52,000 in London. The salary structure includes performance-based progression, with benefits like the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and professional development opportunities. Regional salary variations exist, with higher pay in London and the South East to account for the cost of living.
Overseas teachers find UK salaries competitive, with pathways to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) enhancing their earning potential. However, international Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) who are qualified in their own country but cannot gain QTS are exempt from the requirement of QTS for 4 years from their first days’ teaching in the UK. For more information, visit our comprehensive guide to teaching in the UK.
Navigating the Path to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a milestone in the UK teaching profession. Teacher training programs are essential for achieving QTS and are available through Gov.UK site. QTS represents the ideal standard for a teacher in England. However, international Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) can still secure employment in England without QTS.
Evaluation of Non-UK Qualifications
To begin your UK teaching career, your international qualifications must be evaluated by ECCTIS which is a UK government body that assesses the teaching qualifications of international teachers to ensure they meet the required standard. The Statement of Comparability provides an equivalent UK level for your credentials, factoring in the course’s entry requirements, syllabus, and duration. This evaluation is essential for ensuring that your qualifications meet the UK standards, paving the way for your teaching career in the UK.
Professional Development and Career Advancement
Teachers can embark on a path of continuous professional development, crucial for career advancement. Participating in accredited teacher training programs is crucial for continuous professional development and career advancement. This ongoing professional development ensures that teachers remain at the forefront of educational practices, enhancing their teaching skills and career prospects.
Budgeting for a Teaching Career in the UK
Financial Aspects of Teaching in the UK
Grasping the financial facets of teaching in the UK is vital for effective planning and budgeting. For more information please see our page on ‘How much money do you need to move to England.’
Tax-Free Allowance for International Teachers
Benefits and Incentives for International Teachers
International Science and MFL (Languages) teachers may benefit from a tax-free UK government relocation allowance of £10,000 that cover expenses such as visa fees, moving costs and initial accommodation in England. This is currently paid as two yearly amounts of £5,000.
Professional Growth and Development
The UK education system offers numerous opportunities for professional advancement and career progression, enabling teachers to continuously develop their skills.
- Continuous Learning Opportunities
Programs like the Early Career Framework and National Professional Qualifications support ongoing learning and development for UK teachers. These programs provide access to various courses and workshops, ensuring educators stay at the forefront of educational innovation and enhance their teaching skills.
- Building an International Teaching Career
Experience gained from teaching in the UK is highly valued by international schools, giving teachers a competitive edge in the global job market. This can be leveraged as a stepping stone for building a successful international teaching career.
Become a Teacher in the UK & have Europe on your Doorstep
Another huge benefit to teaching in England is the opportunity to travel around Europe during the frequent holiday opportunities during the school year. Some of the most amazing cities in the world are within a short, cheap flight from England.
Here’s some useful information to help you understand what teaching is like in the UK.
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OUR ETHOS
We’re very proud of what we provide to our international candidates. We are approachable and honest in laying out all the facts (good and bad!) about teaching abroad in England and the recruitment process.
We believe in building social circles amongst our teachers and giving everyone the chance to make new friends and even find housemates. We want to give our international teachers the chance to experience a thriving community where they importantly have a social life to complement their teaching position.
Our retention rate for teachers remaining in the same school past their first year is very high and this proves how much we value the careful matching process of a candidate to the right school during the recruitment process.
We are looking for teachers who are ambitious, motivated and highly enthusiastic about their teaching. Those who are successful in England will be educators who easily relate to students and their needs and can excite them about learning their subject using collaborative techniques.
If you want to become a teacher in the UK, or have any questions or concerns, please get in contact and we’ll be able to assist you.
Check out our latest vacancies
Discover rewarding teaching opportunities in the UK. Let Quantum Scholars guide your journey to a fulfilling career.
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Don’t just take our word for it!
See what our clients say about their experiences with Quantum Scholars. Trust the experts in international teacher placement.
My Journey in attaining an overseas teaching job in the United Kingdom was made easy with Quantum Scholars. They had a wonderful team which maintained excellent communication and guidance throughout the process, they were patient and cooperative. They ensured that everything was completed accurately. I recommend any teacher that seeking employment in the united Kingdom to make Quantum Scholar their organization of choice.
Quantum Scholars has been fantastic in assisting me in securing a teaching position in the UK in the shortest time possible. In the last two (2) years I have tried other agencies, however, Quantum was the only one that came through for me. I would like to personally thank Amy, Robin and Steve for always being there whenever I have questions, they are literally just a email away.
My experience with Quantum Scholars was nothing but a positive one. From the moment I expressed interest through getting my job and moving to the UK I felt extremely supported. Quantum helped me not only find a school to interview with and helped me through that process but helped support me through the visa experience, moving forward with my new school and making sure that all my questions were answered. I would absolutely recommend using Quantum Scholars to anyone oversees seeking a UK teaching job!
I can’t thank Quantum Scholars enough for helping to make my dream a reality. I signed up with Quantum Scholars in February of this year, and Robin Sutcliffe was my agent. After an initial online discussion there was a lot of paperwork to send through but throughout this, Robin was a star! He guided me and kept me up to date with all relevant information…After getting the job, Amy Lloyd liaised with me to ensure I had all the correct paperwork. She also arranged a free consultation with an immigration expert, who discussed the visa application process with me. This information was invaluable and gave me the confidence to apply for my visa by myself, saving me a lot of money.
Get in touch
We will help you understand everything you need to know about the recruitment process and teaching in England. Simply register your interest whilst not forgetting to include a copy of your resume/CV.