There are currently numerous teaching positions available in the UK offering visa sponsorship for foreign nationals looking to kickstart their careers. Qualified teachers with experience are being recruited and supported to relocate to the UK for a specified period. Following this, they have the option to apply for a permanent work visa. If you’ve been aspiring to become a teacher in the UK, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
One of the interesting things about teaching jobs in the UK is that you can expect to have more breaks than any other teacher from other parts of the world.
In addition, a teaching job in the UK offers a highly competitive salary, alongside lots of opportunities for you to progress in your teaching career.
In this article, we will be looking at how, where, and what you need to get teaching jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship.
Teaching Jobs Qualifications for Foreign Job Seekers
To work as a teacher in the UK, you need to meet several qualifications and requirements:
- Valid Visa or Status: You must have a valid visa or immigration status that allows you to work in the UK. This could be a skilled worker visa sponsored by your employer or settled/pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme.
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from an employer in the UK that qualifies you to apply for a skilled worker visa. Your employer will usually sponsor your visa application.
- Teaching Skills and Experience: You should be able to demonstrate your teaching skills and experience to your employer. This may include previous teaching roles, relevant qualifications, and any additional training you have undergone.
- Financial Requirement: You must have the equivalent of £945 in your bank account for a minimum of 90 days before applying for your visa. This is to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially in the UK.
- Teaching Qualification: You must have a recognized teaching qualification that is equivalent to a UK teaching qualification. This is typically a degree in education or a related field.
- English Qualification: You must have English language proficiency at the level required for teaching in the UK. This is usually demonstrated through tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): In some cases, you may need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in order to teach in state schools in England. This can be obtained through a variety of routes, including completing a teacher training program or assessment process.
By meeting these qualifications and requirements, you can work as a teacher in the UK and enjoy a rewarding career in education.
Salary Range for Foreign Teachers in the UK
The average salary for foreign teachers in the UK is £30,667. However, several factors can affect a teacher’s salary in the UK. These factors include:
- Qualification.
- Location.
- Allowances
Qualification
A teacher’s salary in the UK is dependent on qualifications and experience. Based on these factors, the standard UK salaries for teaching staff are between:
- Unqualified/trainee teacher: £17,208 – £27,216.
- Teacher (average pay range): £23,720 – £35,008.
- Teacher (upper pay range): £36,646 – £39,406.
- Leading practitioner: £40,162 – £61,005.
- Headteacher: £45,213 – £111,007.
Location
A teacher’s salary in the UK can vary widely depending on the location of the school. Schools in inner London can pay more than schools located elsewhere. The salary ranges for a teacher in the UK based on location are between:
- Inner London: £29,664 – £40,372
- Outer London: £27,596 – £38,963
- London fringe: £24,895 – £36,157
- Elsewhere in England and Wales: £23,720 – £35,008
Allowance
In the UK, schools that provide additional allowances for their teachers may offer slightly lower base salaries compared to those that do not provide such allowances. However, the overall compensation package, including allowances and benefits, can vary significantly depending on the school’s salary structure and policies.
Allowances in schools typically cover various aspects such as housing, relocation, and additional responsibilities. For example, a school in a high-cost area like London might offer a housing allowance to help teachers afford accommodation in the area. Similarly, schools might provide allowances for teachers who take on additional roles or responsibilities, such as leading a department or organizing extracurricular activities.
The decision to offer allowances and how they are structured can vary widely between schools and regions. Some schools may prioritize offering higher base salaries, while others may prefer to provide a range of allowances to attract and retain talented teachers. Ultimately, the total compensation package, including allowances, benefits, and salary, should be considered when evaluating a teaching position in the UK.
Things You Need to Get Ready for Your Sponsored Teaching Job
To prepare for a potential sponsored teaching job in the UK, it’s important to get organized. Here are a few things you can do:
- Apply for criminal history checks from your country of residence and any other country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.
- Gather your travel history for the last 5 years.
- Ensure you have the equivalent of £945 in your bank account for a minimum of 90 days. If you don’t have this amount yet, start saving.
- If you plan to travel with family or a dependent, be prepared to cover their travel expenses as well.
To live and work in the UK as an international teacher, you must have a valid work visa. However, if you possess either a UK or EU passport, you can teach in the UK without any restrictions. This means that individuals holding passports from countries within the European Union, as well as those from the UK itself, can work as teachers in the UK without needing a separate work visa.
For international teachers who do not hold a UK or EU passport, obtaining a work visa is a necessary step to legally work in the UK. There are different types of work visas available, depending on factors such as the nature of the job, the length of stay, and the individual’s qualifications. It’s important to carefully review the visa requirements and application process to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.
In summary, having a valid work visa is essential for international