Your Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching in the UK as an Overseas Teacher
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching in the UK | iCan Teach UK
Thinking about making the move to teach in the UK?
Whether you’re from Australia, South Africa, Canada, or anywhere else in the world, the UK offers exciting teaching opportunities, career growth, and the chance to live in one of the most diverse and historic regions in the world.
But how do you actually get started? This guide walks you through every key step — from the first application to starting your new role in the UK.
Step 1: Understand Your Eligibility
Working in SEN builds valuable skills that can boost your career:
- Teaching qualifications (like B.Ed, PGCE, or equivalent)
- English proficiency
The UK generally recognises teaching qualifications from countries like:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- South Africa
- The USA
Avoid overly lengthy or academic CVs. Keep formatting clean, use UK spelling, and focus on impact.
Step 2: Prepare a UK-Style Teaching CV
UK schools expect a clear, concise 2-page CV
highlighting:
- Your teaching experience by year level/subject
- Qualifications and certifications
- Curriculum experience
- Extracurricular involvement
- Safeguarding or child protection training
Avoid overly lengthy or academic CVs. Keep formatting clean, use UK spelling, and focus on impact.
Step 3: Interview Preparation
Interviews may happen via video while you’re overseas, or in person if you’re already in the UK.
Expect:
- Behavioural questions: “Tell me about a time you managed classroom behaviour.”
- Scenario-based questions: “How would you support a student with SEN?”
- Safeguarding questions: Every interview will touch on this — it’s non-negotiable in UK schools.
Practising UK-specific terminology and being aware of British education values (Ofsted, differentiation, inclusion) will help you stand out.
Step 4: Visa Guidance & Documentation
- A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor (school or trust)
- Sponsorship certificate (CoS)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Clean criminal record checks (home country + any countries you’ve worked in)
- TB test certificate (from certain countries)
- NARIC certificate if your qualification needs UK comparison
Step 5: You've Secured a Role — What Now?
- Submit visa documents & book your biometrics appointment
- Confirm accommodation
- Book flights and prepare finances (consider cost of living in your chosen area)
- Attend safeguarding and school induction
- Register with a UK GP (doctor)
- Open a UK bank account
- Get a UK SIM card
- Explore your local area — and get to know the transport system!
Final Thoughts
Relocating to teach in the UK is a big decision — but with the right guidance, it’s entirely achievable and incredibly rewarding! We’re here to support you every step of the way — from CV polishing and job matching, to visa application and your first day in school.
📩 Ready to get started?
Reach out to our iCan Teach UK team and take the first step toward your UK teaching adventure.
