FAQs

Some Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to work as a teacher in the UK ?

Am I eligible for a working visa ?

	A recognised degree in Teaching. Please note: Only teachers trained in member states of the European Union (EU) can gain immediate Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In order to gain QTS you must undergo a QTS assessment course, which can take anything from 3 months to one year. This does not prevent you from teaching in the UK though, as any qualification which results in you having the right to teach in government schools at home, allows you to teach in the UK.
	A valid working visa (non-EU candidates only)
	At least two up-to-date professional references
	A Police Clearance certificate

There are a number of ways in which you can work in the UK. You need to make sure that you have the right to work before you come to the UK. If you don't, you may not be able to work or you may even be refused entry. In all cases, seek advice from your British Consulate.

	Working Holidaymaker Visa: If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country and are under 30 years of age you may be able to get a Working Holidaymaker visa that gives you up to two years in the UK. Recent changes mean that holders of this visa can work full time in their own profession and be eligible for a Work Permit at the end of their two years.
	Patriality or Ancestry Visa: If you have a grandparent born in the UK you may be able to get a Patriality or Ancestry visa which gives you four years in the UK without work restrictions.
	European Citizenship: If you have a parent or grandparent born in the UK or Europe you may have access to a European passport which gives you unlimited access to work in the UK.
	Work Permit: These relate to specific jobs and require a British employer to sponsor an individual, having previously been unable to fill the position locally. Agencies are not able to sponsor for work permits - only the school is able to do this.

What are the rates of pay ?

Our guaranteed minimum rate of pay is £125 per day but we frequently pay above this with our average rate £135 per day. We constantly review our pay rates (upwards) so you may find that, by the time you’ve applied, this rate has increased. Earnings can vary as some positions may pay more than our guaranteed minimum, if for example the class has a high level of Special Educational Needs. Increased rates are invariably linked to an increased workload. Rates of pay may also vary depending on your qualifications and experience, see our information on finances for more details.

How will I be paid ?

Wages are paid into your bank account weekly, based on the previous week's timesheet. Check out our information on finances for more details.

Where can I work and for how long?

The majority of our vacancies are based in London, although we also have vacancies in the surrounding counties. If you're interested in working elsewhere in the UK, for example in the North of England, we can help with that too. We have lots of information on living in London on this site that you may be interested in.

Long term posts can be for anything from six weeks to a year. If you're covering someone on maternity leave your post may be for two or three terms and for long term sick cover it might be on a week by week basis. Many teachers find that, once in a position, they can stay on indefinitely as, term by term, the school gives them the option to stay on. You can work in the UK for as long as your visa allows you and for up to four years before gaining Qualified Teacher Status.

What accommodation is available ?

We can advise you on accommodation and can supply you with a list of preferred hotels and hostels throughout London that welcome working holiday makers. Should your requirements be longer term, then we can suggest the best places to look for good value accommodation. Check out information on the London and Outside London for more details.

Can I find a position before I leave home?

We find that most teachers wish to see the school and meet with the staff before accepting a position; Headteachers also appreciate the opportunity to interview teachers in person and this is much our preferred method. Ask yourself: Would I accept a job in my own country without first visiting the school and meeting the boss? If the answer is no, then you shouldn't consider doing so in a new country, teaching a new curriculum, without any of your usual support structures.

What do I do next?

If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly.