The True Cost of Vacancies: Why Investing in Overseas Teachers Saves Schools Money
Why Overseas Candidates Stay Longer | iCan Teach UK
With stretched budgets, rising pupil numbers, and increasing demands on staff, every pound spent in education needs to deliver maximum impact. For many schools, teacher vacancies are not just a staffing challenge — they come with a high hidden cost.
While some leaders hesitate to invest in overseas recruitment due to perceived upfront costs, the reality is clear: long-term overseas teachers are often a more cost-effective solution than repeated short-term fixes.
Let’s break down the true financial picture — and why overseas recruitment is a smarter investment.
1. Vacancies Aren’t Free — They’re Expensive
An unfilled teaching post doesn’t just leave a gap in the timetable. It creates a domino effect that impacts staffing, pupil outcomes, and the bottom line.
Here’s what vacancies often lead to:
- Agency supply cover on daily rates
- Increased workload for existing staff, leading to burnout and further attrition
- Lost learning and inconsistency for students
- Additional recruitment costs as roles are re-advertised multiple times
2. Agency Spend Adds Up Fast
Over-reliance on agency supply staff is one of the biggest drains on school budgets. Consider this:
- Covering one full-time teacher vacancy with supply for a full academic year can exceed £40,000–£50,000, with no guarantee of consistency or quality.
- That figure doesn’t include the recruitment time, induction, or learning loss experienced by pupils during constant staffing changes.
In contrast, overseas teachers — especially those placed on Skilled Worker visas — are more likely to:
– Commit to long-term roles
– Offer better value for money over time
– Require one-time setup costs, not ongoing fees
3. The Case for Long-Term Overseas Teachers
While hiring from overseas does come with upfront costs (e.g. visa support, relocation), these are often less than a year of agency cover — and the return on investment is far greater.
4. They Reduce Recruitment and Training Costs
Investing in overseas teachers doesn’t just save money — it strengthens your school:
- Stability for students: Familiar faces and consistent teaching
- Improved outcomes: Qualified, experienced teachers committed to the role
- Reduced workload: Lighter pressure on existing staff
- Diversity and enrichment: Global perspectives that enhance your school community
These benefits directly impact Ofsted readiness, staff morale, and pupil progress — things that short-term cover can’t provide.
5. How iCan Teach UK Makes It Easy
At iCan Teach UK, we support schools through every step of the international recruitment process — from sourcing and screening to visa sponsorship and onboarding. Our placements are designed to be:
– Cost-effective
– Fully compliant
– Low-risk, high-reward
We also help schools plan for long-term staffing needs, so you’re not constantly reacting to vacancies — you’re solving them before they appear.
Final Thoughts
The question isn’t just “Can we afford to recruit from overseas?”
It’s: Can you afford not to?
Teacher vacancies cost schools time, money, and outcomes. Investing in overseas talent gives you long-term, qualified, committed teachers — often at a lower cost than short-term fixes.
With the right recruitment partner, it’s not just financially sensible — it’s transformational.
Want to see a cost breakdown tailored to your school or trust? Get in touch — we’re happy to help you make the numbers work.
📩 Ready to get started?
Reach out to our iCan Teach UK team and take the first step toward your UK teaching adventure.
