6 Ways to Get a UK Teaching Job from Overseas

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6 Ways to Apply & Get a UK Teaching Job from Overseas

In the ways to get UK teacher’s recruitment job from overseas, you shall, in this article, focus more on eligibility, requirements and application procedure & process (‘how to apply’). The sections discussed in this blog are UK Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment from 2023, Application Eligibility for UK Teaching Jobs from Overseas and Visa & Immigration Status, Ways to Apply and Get Overseas UK Teachers’ Recruitment in UK, UK Visas & Immigration Service for Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment, UK Teaching Job Searches, Application, Shortlisting, Interviewing and Appointment for Overseas Teachers, and Contact the UK Government’s Department of Education and UK Schools as listed below:

UK Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment from 2023

Application Eligibility for UK Teaching Jobs from Overseas and Visa & Immigration Status

Ways to Apply and Get Overseas UK Teachers’ Recruitment in UK

UK Visas & Immigration Service for Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment

UK Teaching Job Searches, Application, Shortlisting, Interviewing and Appointment for Overseas Teachers

Contact the UK Government’s Department of Education and UK Schools

 

UK Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment from 2023

The UK overseas teachers’ recruitment from 1 February 2023 that enables you to secure a UK Skilled Worker Visa (SWA) or any other kind of visa or immigration status to live and work in UK as a teacher has no application deadline at the time of this article.

Application Eligibility for UK Teaching Jobs from Overseas and Visa & Immigration Status

 

Application eligibility for UK teaching jobs from overseas need a visa or other immigration status to have the right to live and work in the UK as a teacher.

Updated Application Eligibility Overseas Countries and Regions for UK Teaching Jobs as UK Government Department for Education (DfE) (uk.gov/dfe) Extends Teaching Job Eligibility to 47 Countries

As an updated eligibility extension, UK Government (uk.gov) Department for Education (DfE) has announced that from 1 February 2023, applicants with a teaching qualification for certain countries and regions overseas will be able to use the new service to check if they meet the requirements for QTS and apply for UK teachers’ recruitment. The 47 oversea eligibility countries and regions are as follows;

30 Countries in the European Economic Area (EEA)

10 Other Advanced Countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and

7 Other New Eligible Countries

1. 30 Countries in the European Economic Area (EEA)

The EEA includes EU countries and 3 other countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The EU countries and the 3 countries mentioned can still apply for the UK teachers’ recruitment from 1 February 2023.

The 27 European Union (EU) countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

2. 10 Other Advanced Countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)

Application for the UK teaching job from 1 February 2023 will be entertained for the following 10 other advanced countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA): Australia, Canada, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Ukraine and the USA.

Switzerland, apart from being in the list above, is not an EU or EEA member but is part of the EU’s single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals, hence they are qualified to apply for the UK teaching job.

3. 7 Other New Eligible Countries

The 7 other new eligible countries are Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

The UK Government Department of Education had earlier offered an eligibility opportunity to accommodate qualified and experienced non-UK teachers from 9 new countries to teach in England, UK as part of the eligibility changes from 1 February 2023, but updated it information in January 2023 to include only 7 countries instead of the proposed 9.

However, the routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and requirements for non-UK qualified teachers with teaching experience, who are currently living and working outside the UK to apply for teaching jobs in UK are occasionally reviewed as they are fairly adjusted by the UK Government (uk.gov)’s Department of Education (DfE), England, to currently accommodate other qualified and experienced non-UK teachers outside the 47 countries by the end of 2023 and beyond.

Applicants with subject specialism in languages, mathematics or science and a teaching qualification to teach 11 to 16-year-olds from the 7 newly eligible countries stated above will be able to use the service to check if they meet the requirements for QTS and apply.

 

Ways to Apply and Get Overseas UK Teachers’ Recruitment in UK

We discussed 6 ways to apply and get overseas UK teachers’ recruitment in the UK. They are Application through QTS – Apply for Qualified Teacher Status in England, UK, Application as a Qualified Teacher in a Country outside the UK (The 4-year Rule), Apply Through Assessment only QTS, Application as a Vocational Instructor and Teaching Assistant in the UK, Apply to Train to Teach in UK Schools and Application for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) as listed below:

1. Application through QTS – Apply for Qualified Teacher Status in England, UK

2. Application as a Qualified Teacher in a Country outside the UK (The 4-year Rule)

3. Apply Through Assessment only QTS

4. Application as a Vocational Instructor and Teaching Assistant in the UK

5. Apply to Train to Teach in UK Schools

6. Application for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)

1. Application through QTS – Apply for Qualified Teacher Status in England, UK

The first way to apply and get overseas UK teachers’ recruitment in the UK is by applying for and getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

A new professional recognition service, open to qualified teachers from all countries outside the UK called ‘Apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England’, sets consistent standards so the qualifications and experience of overseas teachers can be fairly assessed.

Apply for QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

Application for QTS through TRA for UK Government teaching jobs service in 2023 in England, UK will award overseas teachers QTS on an assessment of each individual’s qualifications and experience based on set requirements.

Requirements to Apply for the QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

7 Requirements Needed to Apply for the QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

Here are the 7 requirements overseas non-UK applicants need to apply for the QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). Applicants must have:

1. an undergraduate degree of the same academic standard as a UK bachelor’s degree, as verified by UK ENIC
2. completed teacher training that meets the standard equivalent to a Bachelor of Education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education a Bachelor’s Degree plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
3. completed a course with content that is practically and educationally focused.
4. qualified to teach children aged between 5 and 16 years
5. at least one school year (a minimum of 9 months including school holidays) of post-qualification professional experience working as a teacher. Once awarded QTS, overseas teachers who come to England with less than 2 school years’ experience will complete statutory induction and undertake development support based on the Early Career Framework.
6. the professional status needed to be a teacher in the country where you qualified, and not be subject to any conditions or restrictions on your practice.
7. to meet a certain standard of English language proficiency. You have been taught in English at the undergraduate level (or higher) or have studied at the undergraduate level (or higher) (if not born in, hold citizenship of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales or in one of the exempt nationalities or have met a CEFR B2 level of English Language proficiency equivalent to IELTS SELT Consortium – 5.5; LanguageCert – 33/50; Pearson – 59; Trinity College London – Pass and PSI Services (UK) Ltd – Pass

Additional qualifications that will take effect at the end of 2023: Math and Science qualifications that meet the same standard as GCSE Grade 4 (for teaching primary school). A GCSE is an academic qualification awarded for examinations in England, usually taken at age 16. You can read our post ….. – the GCSE Equivalences in the newly eligible countries.

How to Apply for QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

Steps on How to Apply for QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

Here are 3 steps on how to apply for QTS through the UK Government Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) and get certified to work as a teacher in the UK:

1. Check for Eligibility: Non-UK teachers can check if they are eligible to apply for QTS using this service after signing up or signing in. This should take about 5 minutes to check in a survey questionnaire. After going through the questionnaire service, the service will confirm your eligibility with the statement: ‘’ Based on the information you’ve given us you can apply for QTS, you’re eligible to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) in England.’’
2. Provide all the types of evidence you will need to provide and provide the necessary required documents to get awarded the QTS by TRA.
3. Start your Application. Click here to start now (https://apply-for-qts-in-england.education.gov.uk/eligibility/start) or click here (https://apply-for-qts-in-england.education.gov.uk/teacher/sign_in_or_sign_up) to sign up to start now

 

2. Application as a Qualified Teacher in a Country outside the UK (The 4-year Rule)

The second way to apply for and get a teaching job in the UK is to apply as a qualified teacher in a country (likely a home or nationalised) country outside the UK, known as the ‘4-year Rule.’

While Qualified teacher status (QTS) remains a major qualification status for most teachers in academies and free schools in England, there is no legal requirement for teachers to hold QTS, at any point in their employment. Applying for UK teachers’ recruitment and getting a teaching job in the UK as a qualified non-UK teacher in your home country outside the UK is another opportunity to work as a teacher in the UK.

Requirements for Application as a Qualified Teacher in a Country outside the UK (The 4-year Rule)

To be eligible for the 4-year rule, non-UK applicants must meet the following 11 requirements:

1. They must be qualified teachers in a country outside the UK
2. They must have successfully completed a course of teacher training recognised by the organisation that regulates teachers in the country where they qualified. This means you have all the qualifications needed to teach 5 -16 years of school-aged children and need to show that you completed your teaching qualification in your country.
3. The salary offered by your UK employer must meet the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa
4. You will be required to answer some questions in an online questionnaire free service to check your eligibility to apply for a UK teaching job as a qualified teacher in another country outside the UK. You do not need to be in the UK to use this service. The service is also for applicants who are to check their eligibility to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, UK.
5. You will need to have a range of evidence, including support documents and you be required to upload some scans, photos, or original files. You are advised to spend some time gathering all the support documents you need before you start your application. The required documents are:

(a) proof of identity (this could be a valid passport or an official identification documents of your country)

(b) proof of academic qualifications (you must hold a teaching qualification that’s equivalent to a UK ‘level 6’ or higher) and a degree qualification (if your academic qualification is equivalent to level 6, but it is NOT a degree). For any academic qualifications you submit, you must provide a certificate and a transcript (or diploma supplement). You will be required to upload the transcript from your teaching qualification or university degree (which you can request from the institution where you studied).

(c) proof of English language ability. There 4 ways to prove your English language ability:

(i) Born in or have citizenship of an exempt country which are Antigua and Barbuda (Australia,        The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

(ii) Studied in an exempt country

(iii) A Medium of Instruction (MOI): A Medium of Instruction (MOI).

(iv) Proof of a B2 level Secure English Language Test (SELT) from one of these approved providers: IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert, Pearson, PSI Services (UK) Ltd, and Trinity College London. The test must be awarded within the last 2 years before the date of your application. Find an approved provider if you need to get an English language certificate.

6. You must be qualified to teach 11 – 16 years of school-aged children
7. You must be qualified to teach any of these subjects: Maths, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. This requirement is for applicants from the 7 other new eligible countries: Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
8. Your teaching record must have no sanctions, restrictions, penalties or instances of misconduct. That is your authorisation to teach has never been suspended, barred, cancelled, revoked or restricted, and you have no sanctions against you.
9. You must have at least 9 months of active teaching experience. You will need to provide the name and email address of a contact who can confirm your teaching experience during your professional work. The UK government’s Department of Education will contact the references you have provided to verify your schoolwork history before we award QTS.
10. You will be required to complete a 2-year ‘statutory induction’ period as a newly qualified teacher with more than 1 year of professional experience, but less than 2 years.
11. You will be required to provide certified translations (at your own cost) for your qualifications, transcripts and proof that you are recognised as a teacher in your country if your documents are not written in the English Language. Translations must be carried out by a certified translator, who must state (on the document or a separate certification page) that the translation is a true, accurate and correct rendering of the original. Each certified copy must include the date of the translation as well as the certified translator’s signature, name and contact details and official certification seal/stamp or ID number. You may want to explore translators who are members of the Institute of Translating and Interpretation

 

How to Apply for a UK Teachers’ Recruitment Job as a Qualified Teacher in a Country outside the UK

Having QTS does not guarantee you a job or give you the right to work in England. You’ll still need to apply for a UK teaching job separately and have the correct UK visa or immigration status.

3 Steps on How to Apply for a UK Teaching Job form Oversea

Here are the 3 steps on how to apply for a UK teachers’ recruitment job from overseas.

1. Check your eligibility to apply for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. You will be required to answer some questions in checking your eligibility which may include:

(i) The country are you currently recognised as a teacher

(ii) Attesting to having a teaching qualification in your country. Your teaching qualification must have been completed in the country where you are recognised as a teacher to be eligible for QT

(iii) Having a university degree. Your university degree could include your teaching qualification, or it could be a degree in another subject.

(iv)  Attesting to qualify to teach children aged 5 -16 years. The school-age range depends on the country.

(v) Attesting that your teaching qualification or university degree qualify you to teach one of the following subjects – Maths, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish if you are from one of the 7 new eligible countries, namely Ghana, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

(vi) Teaching experience

(vii) Having been sanctioned or restricted on your employment record previously

2. Log in with your account. If you have already started your application, you can sign in to continue working on it. You will be required to continue your application if the answers to the questions turn out positively
3. Continue and complete your application. Use our new application form to apply for QTS. The application form is completed online.

In applying for the UK teaching job, note the following 5 key points:

1. Application for the UK teachers’ recruitment job exercise as a qualified teacher in a country outside the UK is free. There is no charge to apply for QTS or a teaching job through the ‘4-year Rule’.
2. Also, application is completed online. You do not need to be in the UK to apply for a UK teaching job 2023 and beyond.
3. Once you start your application, you will be required to remain active online. If you are not for up to 60 minutes, you will logged out automatically requiring that you will log in again.
4. You will required to provide all relevant documents and upload some scans, photos, or original files. These include proof of identity, qualifications (university and teaching), English language ability, recognition as a teacher, work history.
5. You need to complete your application within 6 months of starting it. Your documents must be received within 90 days of the date that you submit your online application.

 

3. Apply Through Assessment only QTS

Another way to apply and get a UK teaching job for overseas’ qualified teachers is through Assessment only QTS.

Application for Assessment only QTS may be the most appropriate route for you if you are not eligible to apply for QTS through TRA or you are not a registered teacher in your country. Assessment only QTS means experienced teachers with a degree can gain QTS without doing a teacher training programme.

You can apply to a UK government-approved teacher training provider in England for an assessment showing you meet the standards for QTS for getting QTS without visiting the UK to be assessed.

Assessment only QTS offers you the opportunity to work as a teacher in England and earn a salary while you are still assessed for QTS.

Eligibility Requirements to Apply through Assessment only QTS

The eligibility requirements to apply through Assessment only QTS details the qualifications and experience needed to be eligible for an Assessment only QTS to UK oversea teachers’ recruitment exercise.

The following 3 requirements are needed by qualified non-UK teachers to be eligible to apply for UK teaching jobs through an Assessment only QTS: Applicants must have:

1. an English language, Math, Physics, Chemistry or Biology (Science) qualification which is the same standard as or equivalent to a Grade 4 GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). The science qualification is needed to teach children aged 3 to 11 in primary school.

2. a first (bachelor’s) degree from a UK or non-UK university.

3. a minimum of 2 years’ teaching experience in at least 2 different schools.

How to Apply for the UK Government Teaching Jobs from 2023 through the Assessment only QTS

Application for the UK Government Recruitment Exercise from 2023 to teach in an English school via Assessment only QTS is made through a UK Government Department of Education’s approved teacher training provider in England, and you do not need to visit or train in England to do assessment only QTS.

Steps on how to apply for the UK Government Teaching Jobs 2023 through the Assessment only QTS:

Here are 8 steps on how to apply for the UK Government Teaching Jobs 2023 through the Assessment only QTS guidance:

1. Finding and contacting teacher training providers offering Assessment only QTS to international teachers outside the UK: Find and contact your chosen teacher training provider directly to obtain information relating to their acceptance of applications for Assessment only QTS, country training will take place, eligibility for Assessment only QTS and cost of Assessment only QTS. UK Government Department of Education (DfE) stipulates the fees to range between £1,500 and £4,000 or more, but vary between teacher training providers.

Click here to find and contact teacher training providers offering Assessment only QTS to international teachers outside the UK

2. Apply to the chosen teacher training provider approved by the UK Government Department of Education (DfE).
3. Present evidence of your qualification to your assessment only QTS provider, once your application is successful
4. Sit for a test in the English Language (Written and Spoken) to demonstrate your English is clear, accurate, and fluent as well as in Maths and Science Knowledge to demonstrate proficient knowledge to teach in primary school as the training provider helps you put together a portfolio of your teaching work to demonstrate you meet the standard. The tests are expected to be on the same standard as a Grade 4 in GCSE.
5. Take an in-person teaching practice session for the assessment of your teaching skills and abilities at your primary place of work by an examiner from your chosen teacher training provider.
6. Undergo safeguarding checks carried out by your Assessment only QTS provider to assess your suitability to teach. Safeguarding checks and a risk assessment for teachers from overseas are additional checks related to international recruitment and training using a range of information sources and evidence as part of their safeguarding procedures for international recruitment. Click here to so see statutory guidance on how to complete safeguarding checks for teachers from overseas.
7. Check if you have the health and physical capacity to train to teach in England, UK. Click here to learn how to have the health and physical capacity to train to teach in the country.
8. Apply for teaching jobs in England. Click here to find and apply.

Once your meet the above standard required for assessment, you can apply and be certified as a qualified teacher to teach in the UK, otherwise, you re-apply when you have gained the required relevant skills and experience.

4. Application as a Vocational Instructor and Teaching Assistant in the UK

Application as a vocational instructor and teaching assistant is another way of getting a teaching job in UK.

 

Overseas teachers do not need QTS to teach in the UK if they are employed as instructors teaching vocational subjects that require special qualifications or experience. Overseas teachers also do not need QTS to work as teaching assistants.

Vocational teachers and trainers have long been considered ‘dual professionals’ in that they need two sets of professional skills – being experts in teaching and learning (that is, pedagogical approaches) and being experts in their sector specialism.

It is up to the school to decide whether an overseas teacher is suitable for an instructor role.

Overseas teachers can also work as teaching assistants (without QTS) for any period of time. Overseas teachers who are employed as instructors can teach for longer than 4 years.

Teaching assistants support teachers and help children with reading, writing and learning activities. Many teaching assistants specialise in the kind of extra help they give, for example, in languages, behavioural, pastoral and special needs support.

Instructors usually teach subjects that include vocational training and require special experience or qualifications. Overseas teaching applicants are to speak to a local authority or governing body about what they feel satisfies as a ‘special qualification or experience’ as no definition is specifically given.

Others as instructors in vocational subjects that meet the special qualification and experience needed to occupy the position or carry out the demands of the job.

Requirements to Apply for a Teaching Assistant in UK

Here are 5 basic requirements for the application for a teaching assistant in the UK:

1. Taking college qualification: Acquiring a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools requiring  2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent or acquiring a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education requiring 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent or acquiring a T Level in Education and Childcare needing 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths. You will also need to show that you can work well with children, teachers and parents. A qualification in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work will give you an advantage.
2. You could do the Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship to become a teaching assistant requiring 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
3. You could get experience by volunteering in a local school or community organisation. Volunteering can sometimes lead to paid work or a chance to get a qualification.
4. Possess the right skills and knowledge including the ability to build good relationships with children. ability to create the best learning conditions for children’s learning, excellent verbal communication skills for motivating children to learn new things in the best conditions for learning, possessing active listening skills to understand the children’s needs, being flexible and open to change for working on different activities, being a team player and ability to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
5. You will need to pass enhanced background checks

Alternative titles for teaching assistant include classroom assistant and learning support assistant

How to Apply for an Instructor and Teaching Assistant in Vocational Subjects in UK

You can apply directly for the position of instructor and teaching assistant job in vocational subjects in the UK You can through schools, local authorities and academy trusts. since each school sets its own entry requirements

5. Apply to Train to Teach in UK Schools

 

Another way to apply and get a UK teaching job is to apply to train to teach in UK schools.

Some overseas teachers who are eligible to apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency for QTS do not meet the criteria for QTS can obtain it by applying to train to teach in England. This system has become quite necessary as a fairer approach for both schools and teachers in the UK education system because UK government Department of Education’s user research indicated that previously eligible teachers who lack the necessary training and experience can struggle in English schools.

Requirement for Application to Train to Teach in the UK

Entry requirements for teacher training: To train to teach in England, UK, you will be required to:

1. a university degree or equivalent (UK or non-UK) of a 2:2 or above. If you want to teach at secondary or post-compulsory level, your degree should be in, or relevant to, the subject you want to teach. If it is not, contact a training provider as you may be able to take a subject knowledge enhancement course.
2. a standard equivalent to a Grade 4 in GCSE English and mathematics (at least a GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Maths. If you want to teach primary or early years you will also need a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in a science subject. Some training providers may accept equivalency tests but you’ll need to check with the individual provider. Additionally, you are required to show your training provider you meet their standards for Maths and English.
3. a confirmed offer of a training place from an English teacher training provider.
4. a UK visa & immigration status which allows you to train to teach in the UK.
5. the health and physical capacity to train to teach.
6. undergo safeguarding and criminal record checks carried out by your training provider or employer. To have declared any previous convictions and undergone the criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

How to Apply To train to teach in England, UK

You can apply to train to teach in England, UK if you meet the requirements provided above. To apply to train to teach in the UK, click here.

The application service is for a postgraduate teacher training course to teach in a state primary or secondary school.

6. Application for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)

One of the ways to apply for a UK teaching job from overseas and get it is through the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).

International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) as a new teaching qualification backed by the UK government. iQTS is an international teaching qualification designed for UK and non-UK citizens living outside the UK. iQTS means you can gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while working overseas.

iQTS is recognised by the UK government as meeting the same high standards as English Qualified Teacher Status (eQTS) and leads to the automatic award of QTS if successfully completed. You can train where you live and work, with no need to visit the UK.

Requirements for Applying for International Qualified Teachers Status

iQTS is suitable for aspiring or inexperienced teachers who are located outside of England and who wish to train abroad to English standards with a UK Government’s Department of Education DfE-accredited teacher training provider. iQTS is recognised by the UK government as meeting the same standards as English qualified teacher status, and if successfully completed, leads to QTS.

Here are the basic 5 requirements for non-UK teachers outside the UK. iQTS is for you if you live outside the UK and you:

1. are already a teacher, but not eligible to apply for QTS through the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) or Assessment only QTS.
2. have no previous teaching qualifications or experience, and would like to gain a professional teaching qualification leading to automatic Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
3. have some teaching experience, and would benefit from training and mentoring for a professional teaching qualification leading to automatic Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
4. You’ll train to teach where you live or work, with no need to visit the UK.
5. Find out about fees and apply to your chosen iQTS teacher training provider.

 

How to Apply for iQTS

You can apply for iQTS. So, how can you do so: You can apply for iQTS. Apply for international qualified teacher status (iQTS)

Application for Qualified Teacher Status is a compliment to International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).

 

UK Visas & Immigration Service for Overseas Teachers’ Recruitment

 

You can use the UK Visas & Immigration Service to find the right or best visa to work as a qualified teacher or train to become a teacher in UK if you are outside the UK.

1. Working as a Qualified Teacher in England outside the UK

Visa & Immigration Status, Qualification, Skills, Experience, Salary, Other Requirements for Working as a Qualified Teacher in England outside the UK and How to Apply

Visa & Immigration Status Requirements for Oversea UK Teaching Job in England

The Visa & Immigration status requirements for oversea UK teaching jobs in England can be through:

1. Application for the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living, working and studying in the UK without applying for a visa.
2. Having a job offer allowing you to apply for a UK skilled worker visa
3. Being eligible for other types of visa outside the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

You can work as a teacher in England if you are qualified outside the UK and you secure any of the following the correct visa or immigration status. The following visa or immigration status apply:

1. Having a pre-existing right to work in the UK, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Schemeor indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you might be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living, working and studying in the UK without applying for a visa. The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021, but if you or your family are from the EEA or Switzerland, you can still apply if you or a family member were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, or have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not having applied by 30 June 2021 you can still apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Irish citizens do not need a visa to work or live in the UK.

All these notwithstanding, you find more available information about the eligibility criteria for later applications to the EU Settlement Scheme. Or you can check if you need a UK visa and contact UK Visas and Immigration for help in case you failed to meet the deadline and don’t meet the two conditions stated above.

You can also apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you already have pre-settled status and are applying for settled status.

You must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme again before your pre-settled status expires to stay in the UK.

 2. Having a job offer allowing you to apply for a skilled worker visa

The main visa route for non-UK teachers in England is the Skilled Worker Visa.

To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will first need to search for a teaching job in England. Click here to find out how to apply for and get a UK Skilled Worker Visa.

Make a conditional offer and check suitability: Any applicant you wish to employ will need a job offer from you before they apply for their skilled worker visa. They can apply up to 3 months before they start work in the UK as long as:

• you as their employer are a licensed worker sponsor
• you have offered them a job
• they have met the English language requirements for a skilled worker visa
• their teaching role pays at least £20,480, or the relevant minimum rate for teachers in England, whichever is higher (minimum rates for teachers can be found in school teachers’ pay and conditions
• any part-time role pays at least £20,480 (pro-rata rates will then apply)

Requirements to Apply for UK Teaching Job Through the Skilled Worker Visa

You will be able to apply for your skilled worker visa if:

1. you have a job offer from a school that is a licensed Home Office sponsor

2. you can speak, read, write, and understand English

3. your salary meets the requirements for a skilled worker visa

Salary requirement for a skilled worker visa: The salary threshold you must meet depends on whether you have qualified teacher status (QTS) and the region you are applying to work in.

This table shows the minimum salary non-UK teachers must earn to be eligible for a skilled worker visa, by region and status (QTS and non-QTS). The salary requirements for a skilled worker visa apply to whatever type of school you work in (funded by the UK government or in the private sector).

	Inner London	Outer London	London fringe	Rest of England
QTS	£34,502	£32,407	£29,344	£28,000
Non-QTS	£24,254	£22,924	£20,594	£20,480

Schools which some flexibility in how they set salaries may have a different rate of pay and may be able to negotiate if the salary on offer does not meet the skilled worker visa requirements.

How to Apply for UK Teaching Job Through the Skilled Worker Visa

How do you apply for a UK Teaching Job through the Skilled Worker Visa?

To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will first need to search for a teaching job in England. You can use the UK government’s Teaching vacancies service to search for available teaching roles.

You can use the UK government’s Teaching vacancies service to search for available teaching roles.

Before you apply for a teaching job, contact the school to make sure it is a Home Office licensed sponsor. If the school is a sponsor, it can help you apply for your visa. Schools can also become sponsors to employ you.

 3. Being eligible for other types of visas outside the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

Being eligible for other types of visas means working as a qualified teacher with another type of visa in England outside the Skilled Worker Visa. Other visa and immigration routes that represent other types of visa outside the Skilled Worker Visa you may be able to use to work as a qualified teacher in England are:

1. Through Graduate Visa (GV)
2. Through High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV)
3. Through Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMSV)
4. Other visas

Application for a UK Teaching Job through the Graduate Visa

You can apply for a Graduate Visa upon successful completion of your degree. To apply, you’ll need to have been sponsored by a Home Office licensed student sponsor over the course of your studies.

The graduate visa will allow you to work as a teacher, or look for work, in the UK for up to 2 years after completing your studies (3 years for PhD students) without a sponsor.

You will be able to switch from a Graduate Visa to another visa (such as the Skilled Worker Visa) without having to leave the UK if you meet the requirements for the new visa.

Application for a UK Teaching Job through the Graduate Visa is applicable to international student in the UK.

Application for a UK Teaching Job through the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV)

Requirements for Application for a UK Teaching Job through the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV)

To be eligible for a high-potential individual visa, you must:

• have a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD from a university listed in the Global Universities list
• have been awarded your qualification no more than 5 years before you apply
• have English language skills to B1 intermediate level
• have personal funds of £1,270
• pass a security and criminality check

You do not need an offer of a teaching job to apply for this visa and you’ll be able to stay in the UK for 2 years with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and 3 years with a PhD.

Application for a UK Teaching Job through Youth Mobility Scheme visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme allows young people (including teachers) from certain countries to come to the UK each year to study or work without a sponsoring educational institution or sponsoring employer.

A Youth Mobility Scheme visa lasts up to 2 years. You may be able to switch from a Youth Mobility Scheme visa to another visa route (for example the skilled worker visa) without having to leave the UK. You’ll need to meet the requirements for the other visa route.

Application for a UK Teaching Job through Other visas

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be able to apply for UK teachers’ recruitment on alternative visas – for example, a Family visa, a UK Ancestry visa, or, if you are from Hong Kong, a British National (Overseas) visa.

2. Working part-time as a teacher

Requirements to Work as a Part-time Teacher

You can work part-time, but your salary must meet the threshold for a skilled worker visa. There are 2 requirements:

1. your part-time salary must be at least £20,480
2. the full-time equivalent of your salary must meet the minimum set for your region and status (with QTS or without QTS)

 

UK Teaching Job Searches, Application, Shortlisting, Interviewing and Appointment for Overseas Teachers

This section discusses the UK teaching job searches, application, shortlisting, interviewing and appointments for overseas teachers

UK Teaching Job Searches

Overseas teachers can use the UK government’s Teaching vacancies service to search for available teaching roles.

To apply for a skilled worker visa, you will first need to search for a teaching job in England. You can use the UK government’s Teaching vacancies service to search for available teaching roles.

UK Teaching Job Shortlisting

Some UK schools do not allow general applications but make an annual visit to university recruitment fairs in their target country or countries to generate a shortlist of candidates who can formally apply for the teaching job formally.

Many schools now shortlist overseas candidates for potential employment using remote working technology.

Interviewing & Appointing Overseas Teachers

Research conducted by the UK Government Department of Education (DfE) shows teachers employing UK schools take a variety of interview and appointment approaches to the final selection of candidates for the teaching job.

Some UK schools conduct interviews over a video conferencing service instead of in person. These online interviews are taken alongside all the other information provided about a candidate’s qualifications, experience and suitability to work with children. They can be a successful and reliable way of ensuring candidates are a good fit.

Schools will also use recruitment agencies to support them through the whole recruitment process, including sifting and interviewing candidates.

When recruiting high-calibre international candidates, in-person lesson observation may not always be possible. Especially in shortage subjects, schools may want to consider an alternative, online approach – for example, a lesson delivered via a video conferencing service.

Recruiting Teachers from Ukraine

If you’re carrying out safeguarding checks on Ukrainian citizens they can apply to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for a criminal record check. This will be emailed to them. They can then contact the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK for a translation of the criminal record check and a letter confirming its validity.

You can find information about the Ukrainian education system at Enic-Naric – Ukraine and at the Ukrainian Ministry of Education.

 

Contact the UK Government’s Department of Education and UK Schools

 

There are 3 ways to contact the UK government Department of Education for more information or help on how to apply and get UK teaching jobs from outside the UK as well as on other information relating to UK visa and immigration status. They are:

1. Emailing the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) for More Help or Information

2. Contacting the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) on General Enquiries

3. Contact the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) on Telephone

1. Emailing the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) for More Help or Information

You can contact the UK government Department of Education for more information or help on how to apply and get UK teaching jobs from outside UK as well as on UK visa and immigration status by emailing them at teach.inengland@education.gov.uk. and expect a response within 5 days of sending the email.

The Get into Teaching website contains helpful information for non-UK teachers.

2. Contact the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) on General Enquiries

You can contact the UK government’s Department of Education on General Enquiries. Contact: General Enquiries

3. Contact the UK government’s Department of Education (DfE) on Telephone

You can contact the UK government’s Department of Education on the telephone through the number; 0370 000 2288. Call the number 0370 000 2288 and speak to the staff of DfE and get more help.

DfE helps to provide information for successful applications and does not directly administer teacher training courses or appoint teachers

Conclusion

We conclude by stating the following guideline for applying and getting a UK teaching job as a qualified teacher from overseas (Teach in England if you qualified outside the UK) in 6 simple terms:

1. If you are living in England and want a teaching qualification leading to QTS, you must apply for teacher training in England.

2. If you’re already qualified as a teacher, you should check your eligibility to apply to the Teaching Regulation Agency for QTS

3. Teachers who are qualified or have gained experience outside the UK should also consider assessment only QTS

4. Teach in England if you qualified outside the UK and work as a teacher in England if you qualified outside the UK – The guidance for non-UK citizens who qualified as teachers outside the UK to teach in England. You will need:

• the correct visa or status
• teaching skills and experience you can demonstrate to an employer
• to pass criminal and professional safeguarding checks (these will be organised by your employer)

The correct visa or status could be one of the following:

• a pre-existing right to work in the UK, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• a job offer allowing you to apply for a skilled worker visa
• eligibility for another type of visa

5. You need a teaching qualification (this can be from your own or another non-UK country) and an English ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS)

6. Contact the UK government’s Department of Education or visit Get into Teaching for general information and support about being a teacher in England, including details of salaries and benefits.