Why Overseas Recruitment Is the Solution to the UK Teacher Shortage
How Candidates Solve Teacher Shortage | iCan Teach UK
The UK education system is under increasing pressure. Rising pupil numbers, teacher attrition, and recruitment challenges have led to a national shortage of qualified educators — particularly in key subject areas and regions. While the government and schools continue to invest in domestic recruitment strategies, one solution is proving both immediate and effective: overseas teacher recruitment.
Here’s a data-led look at the scale of the shortage, why traditional recruitment isn’t enough, and how international hires are helping to fill critical gaps in UK classrooms.
The Scale of the Shortage
The UK teacher shortage is not new, but recent years have seen it intensify. According to the Department for Education’s 2024 Teacher Workforce Statistics:
- Secondary schools missed recruitment targets for most subjects — with STEM subjects like Physics, Maths, and Computing among the hardest hit.
- One in three teachers leaves the profession within five years of qualifying.
- Schools in rural areas and high-cost cities like London report ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining staff.
The result? Growing class sizes, increased workload for existing staff, and a direct impact on student outcomes.
Why Domestic Recruitment Alone Isn't Enough
Despite numerous campaigns, bursaries, and incentives, many schools still struggle to meet staffing needs through domestic recruitment alone.
Key reasons include:
- Fewer graduates entering teaching as a first-choice career.
- Burnout and workload pressures driving experienced teachers to leave.
- Geographical imbalances, where some regions face a far greater shortage than others.
- Difficulty recruiting for specialist roles such as SEND, EAL, or subject-specific teaching in secondary schools.
These challenges have left many school leaders looking beyond the UK talent pool.
How Overseas Teachers Fill the Gaps
Overseas-trained teachers are increasingly playing a vital role in stabilising the UK education workforce. They bring with them not only subject expertise, but also diverse perspectives, resilience, and a strong desire to contribute to British schools.
International recruitment supports the system by:
- Meeting demand in shortage subjects like Science, Maths, and Computing.
- Providing qualified, experienced teachers who are often classroom-ready.
- Supporting hard-to-staff schools, especially in rural or high-demand urban areas.
- Enriching school communities through cultural diversity and global perspectives.
International Recruitment in Action: What the Data Shows
The UK government has actively supported international hiring through schemes like the International Relocation Payment (IRP) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) reforms, making it easier for overseas-trained teachers from select countries to work in English schools.
Data from 2023–2024 shows:
- A significant increase in applications from teachers trained in South Africa, India, Nigeria, Canada, and the Philippines.
- Schools who invest in international recruitment report higher retention rates compared to early-career domestic teachers.
- Many international teachers quickly progress to middle and senior leadership roles within their schools.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Success
Of course, successful international recruitment requires careful planning and support:
- Schools must offer induction, safeguarding training, and ongoing CPD to help overseas teachers adapt.
- Pastoral support — especially in housing, visa processing, and cultural integration — is crucial for long-term retention.
- Ethical recruitment practices, in line with the UK’s International Recruitment Framework, ensure fair treatment for all candidates.
Why Teachers Choose iCan Teach UK
We’re not just recruiters. We’re educators, advisors, and relocation specialists with years of experience helping overseas teachers thrive in the UK.
With iCan Teach UK, you get:
✔ Personalised attention
✔ End-to-end support
✔ Honest guidance
✔ A real partnership
Final Thoughts
The UK teacher shortage is a complex, long-term challenge. While there is no single solution, one thing is increasingly clear: overseas recruitment is no longer a stop-gap — it’s a strategic response to a systemic issue.
International teachers bring skills, experience, and diversity that strengthen schools and improve outcomes for pupils. With the right support, they can be the answer to some of the sector’s most pressing staffing challenges.
For schools struggling to recruit, it’s time to look beyond borders.
Contact us today and discover how smooth the process can be with the right support.
