Coming to the UK to Teach

There are regulations determining who can become a teacher in the UK, which varies according to country of origin and qualifications obtained. Teachers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are able to work in the UK and can complete the application form EC1 for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through the General Teaching Council. Teaching qualifications obtained outside the EEA do not automatically lead to the award of QTS, and may need some further training prior to achieving it. The qualifications gained must be assessed, usually by NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre), but those with at least two years' full-time teaching experience may be exempt from the requirement to complete induction. More detailed information is available from the Teacher Training Agency Overseas advice line on 01245 454 321, or by email to OTT@ttainfo.co.uk. Also see the Teaching Zone on this site.

To work in the UK you may need a work permit. Those excluded from this requirement are teachers from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and British Overseas Territories, as well as Commonwealth citizens and spouses or dependants of those holding work permits. If you do require a work permit, it can be applied for by a school, and will be valid for up to five years. A teacher may gain a permit for the full term if he/she holds QTS and GTC registration; however, it is possible to work for up to four years without QTS. Teachernet offers useful advice for teachers coming to the UK from overseas.