A step by step guide to become a teacher in the UK as a foreigner
“As a teacher seeking a brighter future, have you thought about the UK? It’s an ideal destination with a demand for educators. Discover how to navigate the process of immigrating to the UK as a teacher and unlocking the life you’ve been dreaming of. Find all the information you need right here” on how to become a teacher in the UK.
Who is qualified to work as a teacher in the UK?
“Eligibility criteria for immigrating to the UK as a teacher vary depending on your chosen immigration route and individual circumstances. However, the following requirements are generally essential for most pathways:”
Being a qualified teacher,
“To immigrate as a teacher to the UK, you should already hold a teaching position in your home country and subsequently become a certified teacher in the UK. The process involves specific steps that you must successfully complete to obtain the necessary certificates.”
Have work experience.
“In order to meet the requirements for teaching in the UK, you need to be a certified teacher in your home country or abroad with relevant teaching experience. Additionally, you must be officially registered as a classroom teacher at a school or educational institution, with documented evidence of your position. It’s important to note that UK authorities do not accept applicants in management roles within a school; you must be a classroom teacher. Furthermore, the subject you have taught should be clearly identifiable, and it doesn’t need to be taught in English.”
Have a clean record certificate.
“As part of your visa application and potentially during the stages of obtaining a teaching license in the UK, you will be required to provide a clear criminal record certificate from your home country or any country you have resided in for the past year. This certificate serves as evidence that you pose no threat to the safety and security of the British people and the nation.”
Have the QTS to teach in the UK
In the United Kingdom, obtaining the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) certificate is a common route to become a teacher. While many UK schools typically require this certification, it’s worth noting that there are alternative pathways to pursue a teaching career. Let’s explore these alternative routes in the following sections.
Appropriate visa to enter the UK
Once you have obtained the necessary certificates and fulfilled the eligibility criteria, the next step is to apply for a UK visa to enter the country. The most common choice for teachers is the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer. However, there are alternative visa options available for qualified individuals looking to work as teachers in the UK. To determine the best fit for your specific circumstances, please refer to the section below.
How to immigrate to the UK as a teacher?
To immigrate to the UK as a teacher, it’s essential to understand the required steps and qualifications. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the process:
Understanding QTS (Qualified Teacher Status):
QTS, or Qualified Teacher Status, is a mandatory requirement for individuals aspiring to teach in UK schools. Many schools insist on hiring teachers with QTS, with the exception of academies, free schools, and private schools. Even if the law doesn’t explicitly mandate QTS, these schools often make it a prerequisite when evaluating teaching candidates.
Exemptions from QTS:
Qualified teachers who meet certain criteria can work in the UK for up to four years without holding QTS. This rule applies even in schools where QTS is typically required. To be eligible for this “4-year rule,” you must:
- Be qualified as a teacher outside the UK.
- Have completed a teacher training program recognized by the relevant teacher authorizing organization in your home country.
It’s important to note that the “4-year rule” doesn’t apply to certain situations, such as in pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provision academies, where QTS is mandatory from the outset.
Eligibility Criteria for QTS in England:
Starting from February 1, 2023, teachers with qualifications from specific countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, the EEA, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA, can use a new service to check if they meet the requirements and apply for QTS in England.
If you possess a subject specialism in languages, mathematics, or science and a teaching qualification for 11 to 16-year-olds from one of seven specified countries (Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbabwe), you can also utilize this service to apply for QTS in England.
Application Process for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):
Obtaining QTS is vital for teaching in many English schools, and most schools strongly prefer teachers to have this qualification. When applying for QTS, your teacher training and experience gained outside of England will be assessed to determine your eligibility to teach in English schools.
It’s important to note that having QTS does not guarantee you a teaching job or provide the right to work in England. You will still need to apply separately for a teaching position and ensure you have the necessary visa or legal status. Here are the key steps to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):
- Follow the specific guidelines and procedures outlined by the relevant authorities for your country of origin.
- Prepare all required documentation and information to demonstrate your qualifications and experience as a teacher.
- Undergo the assessment process to determine your eligibility for QTS.
- After obtaining QTS, seek employment as a teacher in England.
- Ensure you have the appropriate visa or legal status to work in the UK.
By following these steps, you can navigate the process of immigrating to the UK and becoming a teacher in the English education system
- Visit the UK official government website HERE
- Select No, I need to check if I can apply
- Select the country you are currently recognized as a teacher.
- Choose YES, if you have a teaching qualification that was completed in your country.
- Select Yes, if you have a university degree in your country.
- You must be qualified to teach children aged 11-16 to be eligible for QTS, choose YES
- Choose the number of years or months you have been working as a teacher
- To teach in England, your teaching record must have no sanctions, restrictions, penalties, or instances of misconduct, select NO
- You will be redirected to the application page. Read the eligibility criteria again and click on Apply for QTS
Certainly, here’s a concise summary of how to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as an unqualified teacher and other key aspects related to teaching in the UK:
Applying for QTS as an Unqualified Teacher:
If you are an unqualified teacher seeking QTS, follow these steps:
- Apply to one of the UK government-approved assessment-only teacher training providers. You don’t need to visit the UK for the assessment.
- The cost of assessment typically ranges from £1,500 to £4,000, with higher fees for applicants outside the UK.
- An assessor will visit you while you teach in a classroom to evaluate your performance.
- You can find a list of assessment-only QTS providers for international teachers outside the UK on the official website.
Subjects with a Shortage of Teachers:
Certain subjects, such as Maths, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish, are in high demand in the UK. To be eligible, your teaching or university degree certificate must explicitly state your qualification in one of these subjects.
Non-UK University Degree:
If you received your education and degree from a non-UK university, you may need a “statement of comparability” to show that your degree is equivalent to a UK degree. The Department for Education website can provide guidance on this process.
Teaching Experience:
To qualify for teaching in the UK, you must have teaching experience that meets specific criteria:
- It must primarily involve teaching and not other responsibilities.
- You should have taught in at least two schools.
- Your teaching experience should cover a range of ages.
- You must be familiar with various teaching, learning, and school management procedures.
Finding Teaching Jobs with Visa Sponsorship:
Various websites advertise teaching jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship options, including CareerJet, Indeed, GOV.UK, and Reed.co.uk. These platforms help connect job seekers with potential employers who can provide the necessary visa sponsorship.
Becoming a Teacher in the UK as an International Student:
If you are in the UK under a Tier 4 student visa, you can apply for a graduate visa after completing your education. This visa allows you to work in the UK for two years without needing a sponsor. Afterward, you can transition to a skilled worker visa and extend it as long as you have a valid employment contract with a UK employer.
Teacher’s Salary in the UK:
Teacher salaries in the UK can vary based on factors like the school, location, work experience, language proficiency, educational qualifications, and the subject taught. On average, a starting class teacher’s salary in England and Wales ranges from £28,000 to £34,502.
English Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is essential to work as a teacher in the UK. While IELTS certification can be beneficial, you must demonstrate English proficiency to potential employers. GCSE English language with a grade of 4 is a requirement for QTS.
Benefits of Working as a Teacher in the UK:
Working as a teacher in the UK offers several advantages, including access to free education and healthcare, proximity to Europe, a diverse job market, and numerous tourist attractions. The UK is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly people, making it an attractive destination for educators from around the world.
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