Top 5 Shortage Subjects in the UK – and Why Overseas Teachers Are in Demand
Managing Teacher Shortages | iCan Teach UK
The UK education system is currently facing a significant teacher shortage — particularly in certain key subject areas. As a result, overseas-trained teachers are in high demand to help bridge the gap, brin global perspectives to UK classrooms, and support student outcomes across the country.
In this blog, we’ll break down the Top 5 shortage subjects in the UK, explain why these gaps exist, and show how overseas educators can make a meaningful difference.
1. Maths
Why it’s in shortage:
Maths has consistently topped the UK’s shortage list due to:
- A high number of teachers leaving the profession
- Intense competition with private sector jobs
- Low enrolment in teacher training programs
Why overseas teachers are valued:
Teachers from countries like South Africa, Canada, and Jamaica often bring strong subject knowledge and practical teaching strategies that help engage students — especially in challenging secondary maths.
2. Science
Why it’s in shortage:
Science teachers, particularly in physics, are critically under-supplied:
- Many physics graduates opt for industry careers
- Training routes into science teaching remain undersubscribed
Why overseas teachers are valued:
UK schools’ welcome science teachers with:
- A background in practical/lab work
- Experience delivering international curricula (e.g., CAPS, IB, or Ontario Science)
- A passion for STEM learning
3. Computing / Computer Science
Why it’s in shortage:
With digital skills becoming essential in the modern world, computing has become a core subject — but:
- Few UK teachers are trained in computer science
- The curriculum is evolving rapidly, making it hard to recruit and train fast enough
Why overseas teachers are valued:
Teachers with experience in:
- Coding (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
- Software development or engineering
- Tech-focused education models
…are in high demand. Many overseas-trained teachers also bring up-to-date industry knowledge.
4. Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)
Why it’s in shortage:
The UK struggles to recruit teachers for:
- French
- Spanish
- German
Contributing factors include:
- Fewer UK students studying languages at university
- Low uptake in language teacher training programs
Why overseas teachers are valued:
Fluent speakers from Europe, Latin America, and Africa bring cultural immersion and native-level fluency to UK classrooms — both of which are difficult to replicate locally.
5. Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Why it’s in shortage:
There’s a growing need for teachers who can support students with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Speech and language needs
- Emotional and behavioural difficulties
Yet many UK schools struggle to find SEN trained specialists.
Why overseas teachers are valued:
Educators with inclusive teaching experience or qualifications in special education are hugely valuable, particularly in:
- PRUs (Pupil Referral Units)
- Mainstream schools with SEN resource bases
- Special education schools
What This Means for Overseas Teachers
If you specialise in any of the above subjects, you’re in a strong position to teach in the UK.
UK schools actively sponsor skilled worker visas, especially for high-demand roles.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salaries
- Career development pathways
- Relocation support (in many cases)
- Exposure to diverse educational settings
Final Thoughts
The UK needs passionate, skilled, and resilient teachers now more than ever — especially in high-demand subjects. If you’re an overseas-trained educator with experience in any of the five areas above, your skills are not just wanted — they’re essential.
Ready to take the next step?
We help overseas teachers find roles in the UK, prepare for interviews, and navigate the visa process — from start to finish. Contact the iCan Teach UK team today and let’s explore your options.
📩 Speak to Dunbar Education today about your recruitment needs:
