International Teachers
For international teachers, working in the UK allows you the flexibility to experience teaching and living in the UK whilst still being mobile. Premium Educators Ltd (‘PEL’) will help you achieve this.
Interesting in teaching in the UK?
If you are considering joining the thousands of international teachers already here, PEL’s dedicated team of experienced professionals will be on hand to support you, both before you get here and after you arrive. Moving to the UK is a daunting prospect and we prides ourselves on the support network that we provide to all of our teachers and support staff.
Our specialist relocation consultants will be on hand to answer any questions regarding accommodation, visas, bank accounts and much more. In addition, we strongly believe that the social and life experiences that you will experience while you are here, will enhance your professional resume.
Living in the UK
Where to Live?
Working with PEL gives you a variety of options as to where to reside. Many
teachers will want to live in London, but more and more teachers are now
choosing other locations that may be more cost effective and still provide their desired lifestyle. Our specialist relocation team will help you decide which area suits you and your preferences.
Accommodation
Most people decide to rent or house share. There is a huge choice of flats and other properties to choose from. PEL can provide you with advice on how to arrange temporary accommodation before you arrive. As a new visitor to the UK, it may be worthwhile spending some time in temporary accommodation before committing to a longer term rental contract. PEL has excellent links with local estate agents to assist.
Finance
PEL can help you open a UK bank account to receive your wages each week. UK tax and National Insurance will be deducted directly from your weekly pay. This is termed PAYE (Pay As You Earn). Our payroll is set up so that we pay you promptly into your bank and email you a full report of your calculated pay with no fuss.
Police Checks
Prior to undertaking work in the UK you must have a police check from your country of origin that is dated within the last 12 months. If you have lived in another country within the last five years and for more than 12 months then you will also need a police check from that country.
Before you undertake your contract in a UK school you will need to hold a UK police check called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). PEL will guide you through the process prior to your arrival to ensure there is no delay in coomencing work.
References
You will need to provide two references covering the last five years. These must be professional references from an educational establishment.
If you are a newly qualified teacher then your references can be from university and a work placement.
Will i need a Visa?
Yes and you can seek more guidance from the Government’s links below.
https://teacherservices.education.gov.uk/
www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/overview
www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/teacher-training-options
Do I qualify to work in the UK?
In the UK there is a huge demand for qualified teachers.
Whatever your situation let us know and we can advise you on the likelihood of finding a teaching job in the UK.
You must have qualified teacher status (QTS) to take up a teaching post in England; this is awarded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL). If you qualified in the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, New Zealand or Canada then your qualification will be recognised in England.
Teachers qualified abroad must apply to the NCTL before you can be recognised as holding QTS. For other countries then you will need to complete an accredited training programme.
We will provide you with advice as to whether your qualifications would entitle you to apply without the prior expense of incurring fees.
UK Schools
Multi-Cultural
The UK is a multi-cultural and diverse society.
The National Curriculum offers some subject specific guidance which we would recommend you look at.
We will ensure that you will be completely prepared for teaching in the UK. If you have any questions about working in a UK school then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Term Dates and Structure of the UK School Calendar
Term 1: The Autumn term – 1st week of September -late December.
Term 2: The Spring term – 1st week of January- Easter
Term 3: The Summer term – 1st week after Easter- late July
UK Schools Structure
The UK education system is broken up into Key Stages (KS):-
| Age | Year/ Setting | Key Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Children’s Centre | EYFS |
| 3-4 | Nursery | EYFS |
| 4-5 | Reception | EYFS |
| 5-6 | Year 1 | KS1 |
| 6-7 | Year 2 | KS1 |
| 7-8 | Year 3 | KS2 |
| 8-9 | Year 4 | KS2 |
| 9-10 | Year 5 | KS2 |
| 10-11 | Year 6 | KS2 |
| 11-12 | Year 7 | KS3 |
| 12-13 | Year 8 | KS3 |
| 13-14 | Year 9 | KS3 |
| 14-15 | YEar 10 | KS4 |
| 15-16 | Year 11 | KS4 |
| 16-17 | Year 12 | KS5/ Post 16 |
| 17-19 | Year 13 | KS5/ Post 16 |
Australian Canadian New Zealand & Irish teachers
Work in the UK
International teachers love the UK as it offers an excellent base for travel and the chance to meet new people from many different countries and backgrounds. Many of the teaching skills used in the UK education system are similar around the world, so teaching here can often be very rewarding.
Are You Qualified?
Your teaching qualifications are accepted in the UK but teachers must apply for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) before they can be recognised as qualified teachers in the UK.
To submit your application:
- Use the Department for Education (DfE) online application form
Or:
- Send a letter confirming that you’re qualified and eligible to teach permanently in your country. Only letters from your recognised teaching authority will be accepted for this purpose.
The DfE will verify that you are a fully qualified teacher in your home country and have not been barred from teaching. Subject to satisfactory completion of these checks, you’ll be issued with a letter confirming the award of QTS.
Visas
You must apply for a work visa if you do not have British ancestry. Another option is a Working Holiday Visa but work must be incidental to your visit. Therefore your primary reason for coming to the UK is to travel. Any Teaching work you do can only be for half of the visas length and for the purpose of funding your travel. Work Permits are also available. Irish teachers are exempt from this.
Application for a visa can be made at the British High Commission. If you travel without a visa you will be refused entry.
Dual Nationality
If your parents were born in the UK, you may be able to apply for a second passport. This gives you automatic entitlement to work in the UK. You still need to apply for this before you leave. The rules regarding this seem to change on a yearly basis, so please check with the Embassy.
You will need to send your birth certificate, your parents and/or Grandparents birth certificates and marriage certificates to the British Embassy. If the Embassy issues you an early entry, bring it with you to the UK and, on arrival show it to immigration.
With the regular changes of the rules it is worth checking if you can be granted partial access if you have parents or grandparents born in other parts of the European Union countries. Check with the British Embassy.
Are you married?
If you are married to a British national you are entitled to work in the UK. Also if you are accompanying a spouse who has dual nationality you too will be able to work in the UK.
