Working in Education in the UK
The Opportunity
There are many teaching opportunities for travellers with a work visa or EU passport in schools across the UK. Finding the perfect job that matches your experience and travel plans can be challenging however the recruitment industry is very effective. Many recruitment agencies specialize in connecting people from overseas with employers in the UK, offering both supply teaching and full-year positions subject to visas and other factors.
Employment Scope
Choose from a Long-Term, Day-to-Day Supply or Permanent teaching position at various levels and facilities.
Demand
Qualified teachers and technicians with at least two of experience will thrive in positions in London and beyond.
Lifestyle
Enjoy the flexibility to work day-to-day for frequent travel or choose a long-term contract.
Scope: Available Positions
For teachers arriving in London from overseas, there are many vacancies available, from agency supply teaching to permanent positions. Teaching jobs in Britain are usually categorized as Part-time, Daily Supply, Term-time, and Full-time. The notes below explain what these terms mean for you.
Note: The type of visa you hold will affect the types of positions you can choose from.
Long-Term Positions: Benefits and Responsibilities
Long-term teaching positions offer flexibility that permanent positions don’t have. Long-term contract teaching positions are ranging from 6 weeks to a full term or longer, offering the benefits of a full-time staff member and the stability of working 5 days a week. As a long-term teacher, you will have full classroom responsibilities, including creating lesson plans, assessing students, liaising with parents and educational bodies, and participating in professional development.
Day-to-Day Supply Opportunities: Benefits and Responsibilities
Day-to-day supply can be a great way to start your teaching career in London. This type of employment is common and popular among newly arrived teachers. Teachers from overseas appreciate the chance to teach in various schools, gaining insight into the British system. You can enjoy a flexible schedule that doesn’t revolve around set school terms and may even secure a long-term position at a school you like.
As a supply teacher, you will play a vital role in covering the absence of a permanent teacher.
Demand: Levels of Education and Associated Institutions
Teaching positions in England are available at various school levels and educational facilities, including Nursery Schools and Early Childhood Centres, Primary and Secondary Schools, and Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities.
Nursery Schools and Early Childhood Centres
Childcare centres are known as Day Nurseries and are either privately owned or run by the local district unit called a Borough. In addition, there are usually Nursery departments within Infant or Primary schools.
Pre-schools are also known as Nurseries and are for children up to 4 years old, after that the children enter the first year of formal learning which is called a Reception class. The Reception Class is equivalent to Kindergarten in Australia and New Entrants in New Zealand.
Nursery Assistants are also employed in nursery schools and primary schools. As a nursery assistant, you work under the supervision of more experienced nursery workers to create safe and fun learning for children.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Britain has both public and private schools within all sectors of the education system. Students at the Primary school level will be between 5 to 11 years of age while students at the secondary level will be between 11 and 18 years of age. In some cases, students aged 16 to 18 years will attend a special tertiary or 6th-form college.
The core subject areas within the national curriculum include English, Mathematics, Science, Design & Technology, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, PE, and computing. In England, GSCE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams are taken at 16, and Advanced ‘A’ Levels are taken at 18.
In primary schools, there have been significant changes to the way Literacy and Numeracy are taught. These new requirements are well supported, and you will know exactly what needs to be achieved in each lesson. You will be guided by supporting materials and can get more information on teaching Literacy and Numeracy through your recruitment agency if needed.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Schools or Facilities
There are SEND departments located in mainstream schools and there are also separate SEND schools that provide education at both the primary and secondary levels. SEND schools have smaller classes that are often supported by a teacher and a classroom assistant, or a Nursery Nurse in the case of primary schools.
Special schools support a range of special educational needs and the 4 major areas are:
- Communication and interaction
- Cognition and learning
- Social, emotional and mental health
- Sensory and physical needs
Some schools specialise further in supporting children with autism, visual impairment or speech, and language and communication needs (SLCN).
Lifestyle: Locations & Earnings
Location
Teaching Posts are located in cities, towns and rural areas, in publicly funded or independent schools. Most positions are indeed available in the greater London area, as well as Manchester and Birmingham due to the majority of the population being located in these areas.
How Much You’ll Earn
Many roles are contract and can tend to earn a little more on an hourly basis to take into account many benefits which you don’t receive. To give you an idea, a qualified teacher salary can range from £30,000-£46,500 per annum in England excluding London. In London, it can range from £31,300 to £47,000 per annum. Salaries are reviewed yearly depending on the school’s performance and management arrangements.
Receiving additional payments on top of your salary is also plausible if you have to take on extra responsibilities.
Qualified Teacher Salary
| Area | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| England (excluding London) | £30,000 | £46,500 |
| London | £31,300 | £56,959 |
| Wales | £30,000 | £46,500 |
| Scotland | £38,600 | £48,500 |
| Northern Ireland | £24,100 | £41,000 |
How to Prepare
Finding a Job
- Cut to the chase by simply registering with specialist recruitment agencies for teaching recruitment that is focused on helping people from overseas – ideally before you arrive.
- Discover the opportunities available by reading the information below.
- Begin applying to specific teaching jobs. (When you register at step one, you can choose to receive a job email)
Before You Go Check List: What You’ll Need
- Teaching qualification
- At least two years of teaching experience
- A valid work visa or EU passport or Right to Abode see Visas for Teachers
- A CV and References
- Plans to travel
- A sense of adventure!
Visa & Immigration Information
To enter and work as a teacher, British immigration requires you to have a valid Visa, Work Permit or Passport. The information below is specific to Teachers wishing to travel and work. For more information about the specific visas and permits themselves please visit WORKgateways’ UK Visa section for official sites and visa agencies.
Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme Visa)
With a Working Holiday Visa, teachers can work in their chosen profession on a supply basis but not permanently. This means you could choose to work on a day-to-day or long-term contract placement.
You don’t need a visa to teach if you are an Irish citizen, settled under EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), or have an indefinite leave to remain in the UK. This means you can undertake any type of teaching placement, whether it’s day-to-day, long-term contracts, or permanent positions.
Sponsorship to Stay Longer than Your Working Holiday Visa Allows
If you wish to stay in the UK longer than your Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme visa) allows, you can explore getting a permanent job with an employer who can sponsor your visa. It’s best to start this process before your Working Holiday Visa expires. A recruitment agency can sometimes help you find sponsored positions.
Skilled Worker Visa
Over the past few years, the UK’s education scene has been facing a persistent shortage, with a lack of qualified teachers available to fill classrooms. This means that if you do not qualify for any of the other visa or passport types you may be able to get a skilled worker visa where an employer applies for a work permit on your behalf for a specific position. Many agencies can help you with this, even before you leave your home country.
Table of Contents
FAQs
Answers to some questions you might have
Is my qualification recognized in the UK?
The best way to know your situation is to check your qualifications with the statement of comparability. Qualifications completed outside the UK need to be compared to the level of UK education frameworks.
Is a long-term, day-to-day supply or permanent position best for working travellers?
A Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme Visa) enables travellers to get day-to-day (supply) or long-term jobs, but not permanent jobs. Often teachers from overseas enjoy day-to-day supply jobs as these positions allow them to experience a variety of teaching environments to get insight into the overall British system, have flexible schedules that don’t require you to plan a trip around the normal school term, and potentially find long-term positions.
How will I get my schedule for day-to-day supply jobs, and can I turn some down?
Note that the key to day-to-day supply work is keeping in touch with your recruitment agency’s office. Often positions are filled on the evening prior to, or the morning of, the day a teacher is required. You will likely be asked to contact your agency’s office about 4 pm to 6 pm each afternoon and then between 7 am to 9 am each morning to see what’s on for that day, or the next and let them know if you are available. It is your responsibility to be prepared for work early and ensure you can access travel information promptly! Of course, you will have the option to refuse as well.
What types of educational facilities have available opportunities in the UK?
Teaching positions can be available in either of the following institutions:
- State-Funded Schools – state-funded institutions maintained by both the local and central government. These schools are managed by LEAs (local education authorities) OR
- Independent Schools – not funded by the government and are largely supported and maintained by parents.
Can I teach on a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes. You can find day-to-day supply positions or fixed-contract (long-term) positions that last 5 weeks to a full term or potentially even longer.
Are there positions available in central London?
Yes there are. For reasons of population and need most teacher vacancies are located in urban centres including London, Manchester and Birmingham. However there are also positions available in smaller towns and rural areas.
When is the British school term?
The British academic year runs from September to July.
In general:
- Autumn Term 1st week in September to 3rd week in December
- Spring Term 2nd week in January to Easter (April)
- Summer Term After Easter (April) to 3rd week of July
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