Becoming a qualified teacher in the UK: A guide for internationally trained teachers

Thinking about relocating to the UK and bringing your teaching expertise? If you’re an internationally trained teacher looking to work in primary, secondary or special schools in England, gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is an important step in the process. 

QTS is the professional qualification recognised by the Department for Education (DfE). Whether you’re early in your career or have years of classroom experience abroad, the UK welcomes skilled, passionate teachers who can enrich its diverse school communities.

In this blog, we break down the main routes to QTS, who is eligible, and what to expect from the application process.

Why do I need QTS?

Some schools, such as private schools or academy schools, may employ teachers without QTS, but most prefer you to have it. You do not need QTS to work in early years education or further education.

Obtaining QTS gives you:

• Recognition as a qualified teacher in the UK boosts your credibility and broadens your opportunities
• Eligibility for Early Career Teacher support, including a reduced timetable
• Access to the qualified teacher pay scale, which enhances your earning potential
• The opportunity to earn additional qualifications

Check if you’re eligible

The UK offers several routes for internationally trained teachers.

You may qualify for QTS without additional training if:

• You’re a fully trained and certified teacher in your home country
• You completed a teacher education program comparable to the UK’s standards
• You can demonstrate English language proficiency
• You have no prohibitions or sanctions against your teaching practice

Teachers from many countries, including Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, South Africa, India, Jamaica, and others, can apply directly for recognition of their existing qualifications.

Apply for QTS via the professional recognition service

Overseas-trained teachers may apply through the Department for Education’s professional recognition service. You must meet strict eligibility criteria, depending on the subject or school you are looking to enter, as well as your qualifications.

Documents needed:

• Proof of teaching qualifications
• Evidence of teaching experience
• Identification documents (passport or national ID)
• Proof of English language ability if not a native speaker

This application does not include your job or visa; you must apply for those separately.

If you’re not eligible yet, don’t worry

If your training doesn’t fully meet the UK’s requirements, there are still well-established routes available to help you bridge the gap.

Assessment Only (AO) QTS

Experienced teachers can gain QTS without additional training by being assessed in their current role.

Eligibility:

• At least two years of teaching experience
• Experience in two different schools
• A bachelor’s degree
• English and mathematics qualifications equivalent to GCSE grade 4
• Science qualification equivalent to GCSE grade 4 if teaching primary

Documents needed:

• Teaching portfolio demonstrating that you meet the UK teacher standards
• Qualifications and certificates (degree, GCSE equivalents)
• Evidence of teaching experience from at least two schools
• Identification documents
• English language evidence (if required)

You may teach in the UK while completing this assessment under the four-year rule for overseas teachers.

Teacher training in England

You can also complete a full initial teacher training course in the UK, leading to QTS. This typically involves a combination of school placements and academic studies.

England offers several ITT programs, such as:

• School-based training (like School Direct or Teach First pathways)
• University-led PGCE courses
• Postgraduate apprenticeship routes

Documents needed:

• Academic qualifications (bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
• Identification documents
• Proof of English language ability
• Application to the training provider
• Visa documentation if you are a non-UK citizen

Secure a teaching role in England

You can teach in some schools while working toward your QTS. Many headteachers are enthusiastic about hiring internationally trained teachers because of the global perspectives and experience they bring, and Engage Education can help you get connected with those opportunities. 

After gaining QTS

Once you obtain QTS, you’re officially recognised as a fully qualified teacher in the UK. From here, you can explore long-term roles, leadership pathways, further study, and much more. You may also need to complete a two-year Early Career Teacher induction if you have less than two years’ teaching experience.

Here’s what our  global talent acquisition team at Engage Education say:

Your international experience is an asset, and the UK’s education system thrives when teachers like you bring new energy, ideas, and expertise into classrooms. If teaching is your passion, don’t let borders hold you back. Thousands of internationally trained educators successfully transition to the UK every year. With clear application routes, growing global recognition of teacher qualifications, and a range of different schools across the country, your journey to teaching in the UK is absolutely achievable, and Engage Education can support you every step of the way!

Ready to do it? Your classroom in the UK is waiting. Get in touch with us today! https://engage-education.com/teach-in-the-uk/