25th June 2024

How to sponsor the best international talent for your teacher roles in the UK

The UK recognises the immense value international teachers bring to its classrooms. As schools strive to create diverse, culturally rich learning environments, hiring overseas educators has become increasingly important. This in-depth guide explores the benefits and processes for schools looking to sponsor international teaching talent.

Understand the benefits of hiring international teachers

Hiring international teachers brings numerous benefits to UK schools. But above all, welcoming teachers from around the world promotes a globally-minded education experience for all. In fact, international teachers offer unique perspectives shaped by their backgrounds, enhancing students’ cultural awareness and empathy. They introduce new ideas, innovative teaching methodologies, and varied lived experiences into lesson plans. 

Beyond academics, international teachers model the importance of being active global citizens who respect all cultures. They act as bridges between communities, using their linguistic skills and cultural insights to build connections. 

Not only that, but these teachers contribute to staff diversity and enrich the professional learning community. This is hugely important in cultivating an open-minded, culturally competent school environment inspiring students’ growth.

Finding the right candidates

To find the right international teaching candidates, schools can leverage various recruitment platforms, such as job boards, educational websites, and specialised agencies like us. With our long-standing expertise in recruitment and an extensive network, our team can find the perfect candidates to meet your school’s needs and are there to make the entire sponsoring process seamless. 

Networking within the education sector and getting referrals from current staff can also help in finding strong candidates. We host a unique programme known as the “virtual iday”, where UK schools can efficiently recruit international teaching talent. This virtual event allows schools to interview and evaluate candidates worldwide through immersive online interactions. Here, you can gain insights into their skills and cultural fit without initial travel costs.When finding the right candidate for the job, you should make sure that their teaching qualifications from back home can be applied over here. Overseas-trained teachers will need to have a fully recognised teaching qualification from their home country. In some cases, they’ll also need current registration with the relevant teaching regulatory body in their home country. For more details on overseas teaching qualifications, take a look at our overseas teacher guide.

Navigating the sponsorship process as a school

Navigating the sponsorship process involves several steps for schools. 

• First, schools must become a licensed sponsor by applying to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). 
• Once approved, Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) can be assigned to international teachers, allowing them to apply for a visa. 
• Once you have selected your teachers, you should support them with their visa application process by providing all the necessary documentation and guidance. 

However, it’s important to be aware of the costs involved, including the sponsorship licence fee. Currently, schools will need to pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship which costs £239. Schools must also pay for an Immigration Skills Charge of up to £1,000 per year of the visa. It’s also important to note that the visa processing time for the UK Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visas can take up to 3 weeks, so you should aim to begin this process well in advance.

Facilitating a smooth transition for international teachers

Once sponsorship and visa approval is secured, schools must support international teachers’ integration into their new professional and personal lives in the UK. Upon their arrival, you should provide your teachers with orientation resources covering practical topics like:

• Finding accommodation options and understanding house rental processes
• Navigating local transportation systems
• Setting up banking, bill payments and understanding taxes
• Obtaining a National Insurance number and accessing healthcare
• Compulsory background checks and documents required
• Introduction to school policies, HR protocols and curriculum
• Local area guides highlighting communities, cultural centres and more

You should also look to assign your teachers a mentor or a “buddy” who can offer support and ease them into school life during the initial months. Welcome events hosted by your school are also a great way to facilitate social connections within the wider staff community from day one.

And, of course, ongoing professional development tailored to international teachers’ needs, as well as pastoral care support services addressing their psychological and emotional wellness, are key to having long-term success overall.

At Engage, we have helped schools secure hundreds of internationally trained teachers over the past decade. We provide schools with guidance and support throughout the entire hiring and application process, guaranteeing a stress-free process. Book a consultation with us to talk through sponsoring an international teacher.