Teaching in London means having the right qualifications, securing a work visa, and finding a school to sponsor you. Along with that, you’ll need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or be able to show you’re working towards it. Most teaching positions require a Skilled Worker visa, which your employer handles.
Here’s what trips people up: the application process has multiple steps. One wrong form delays everything by weeks. Many teachers feel lost figuring out which qualifications count.
This article breaks down what you need before applying for jobs in London. We’ll cover qualifications, QTS, visas, and the roles you can apply for.
Let’s look at why schools across London want overseas teachers.
Why London Schools Welcome International Teachers
Schools across London face ongoing teacher shortages, and they’re actively looking for qualified educators from overseas. This creates real opportunities for teachers ready to relocate.
The reasons schools welcome international applicants include:
- Subject shortages: Maths, science, and modern languages have the most vacancies right now. If you teach one of these subjects, schools might fast-track your application because they’ve been searching for months to fill these roles.
- Diverse perspectives matter: London classrooms have students from over 300 different language backgrounds. Along with that, teachers from other countries bring fresh viewpoints that help students see the world differently. It makes learning richer for everyone in the class.
- Competitive pay: You’ll earn between £30,000 and £50,000 per annum based on your experience and where the school is located. Most positions include pension contributions, and some schools even help with housing costs during your first year.
- Career progression: Starting as a classroom teacher doesn’t mean you’ll stay there forever. For example, many international teachers move into head of department roles, take on leadership responsibilities, or mentor newly qualified teachers within a few years.
- City experience: London gives you access to world-class museums, theatre, and history on your doorstep. Thus, we recommend that you spend your weekends exploring Borough Market, catching West End shows, or taking quick trips to other parts of England.
Now that you know why schools want you, let’s talk about what qualifications open those doors.
Qualifications That Open Doors for Teaching in London
Schools in London want to know three things about your background before they consider your application. Yes, your teaching credentials from home likely meet their standards, but understanding what they look for helps you prepare better.
Here’s what schools check when they review applications from overseas teachers:
Your Teaching Degree and Experience
A bachelor’s degree with teacher training is the baseline requirement. If you have a specific degree plus a postgraduate teaching certificate, that works too. Schools usually prefer at least one year of classroom experience.
Some positions welcome teachers fresh out of training, but more years of experience open doors to better-paying roles. For example, a teacher with five years of experience might start at a higher salary band than someone just beginning their career.
Subject Specialism Requirements
Secondary school positions focus on specific courses. If you teach maths, science, or languages, you’ll find plenty of vacancies waiting. However, primary teachers need experience across multiple study areas instead.
Bear in mind, the demand varies by subject, so maths and science teachers often have more options. Schools also value teachers who can lead extracurricular activities related to their subject expertise.
English Language Proficiency
UK schools need proof that you can communicate well in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 or above usually works. Other recognised tests are fine as well.
Meanwhile, teachers who studied in English or come from English-speaking countries often skip this step. Some schools accept alternative evidence, like references from previous employers confirming your language skills.
Once you’ve ticked these boxes, the next step involves getting your official UK teaching status.
Getting Your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Qualified Teacher Status is your official licence to teach in England’s state schools. Without it, most schools won’t hire you for permanent positions, though some independent schools make exceptions.
The QTS shows you meet UK teaching standards. It covers things like classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment. If you trained outside the UK, you’ll need to apply for QTS recognition through the Teaching Regulation Agency.
The application is simpler than it sounds: you submit your qualifications, and they review whether your training matches UK standards. Sadly, teachers from countries like Australia, Canada, or New Zealand usually have their qualifications accepted without much fuss. The whole assessment takes a few weeks to finish in most cases.
Don’t worry if this sounds complicated. Many overseas teachers go through the same process every year, and agencies like OTJR can guide you through the paperwork. Some teachers even start in temporary roles while waiting for their QTS approval to come through.
You’ve got the qualifications, and soon you’ll have your QTS sorted. But how do you get permission to work in the UK?
Visa Pathways for Overseas Teachers
The visa process worries most overseas teachers when it doesn’t have to be. Many don’t know that your school handles most of the heavy lifting once it decides to hire you.
The main route for teachers coming to work in England involves three components:
Skilled Worker Visa for Teachers
This is the visa you’ll need for full-time teaching positions. Teachers qualify because of the UK’s shortage occupation list in many areas.
Also, your salary must meet the minimum threshold, which is usually £30,000 per annum or the going rate for your position, whichever is higher. Plus, this visa allows you to work for up to five years initially.
What Your School Needs to Sponsor You
Schools must have a sponsor licence to hire overseas teachers. Most established schools in London already have this sorted. They’ll issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is basically a reference number you use in your visa application.
Basically, your employer pays a sponsorship fee as part of bringing you on board.
Timeline and Costs to Expect
According to the official UK Government guidance, visa applications typically take three weeks once you submit everything. You’ll pay £769 if your visa is up to three years, or £1,519 for longer periods.
There’s also an immigration health surcharge of £1,035 per year, giving you access to the NHS. For a two-year visa, expect total costs around £2,839, plus you’ll need £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself initially.
With visa requirements clear, you’ll want to consider which teaching position matches your goals.
Full-Time Roles vs Support Roles: Which Suits You?
Not all teaching positions in London look the same, and understanding the differences helps you choose what fits your situation best.
Here’s what you need to know about your options:
Full-Time Permanent Positions
These roles give you stability and a consistent income throughout the school year. You’ll work at one school, teach the same classes, and build relationships with students over time.
Though salaries vary based on your experience and location within London, most permanent positions include benefits like pension contributions, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.
It’s a fact that schools often provide more support for visa sponsorship when hiring for a permanent position.
Support Roles and Supply Teaching
Supply work offers flexibility if you’re not ready to commit to one school yet. You might work at different schools each week, covering for absent teachers or filling short-term vacancies.
In this case, the pay is usually calculated per day rather than an annual salary. Many overseas teachers start with supply work to get familiar with the UK education system before applying for permanent positions. It’s also a good way to network and find schools where you’d like to work long term.
The choice depends on what you value more right now: stability or flexibility. Either path can lead to a rewarding teaching career in London.
Ready to Start Your London Teaching Journey?
Moving to London as an overseas teacher is more than possible when you know what’s required. You’ll need the right qualifications, your QTS sorted, and a valid work visa. Even though the process takes effort, thousands of international teachers make it happen every year.
The key is having support along the way. OTJR works with overseas teachers to find positions that match their skills and experience. We help with the application process, connect you with schools actively hiring, and guide you through visa requirements.
Our team understands what international teachers need because we’ve helped hundreds make the transition successfully. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with us today.