Looking to teach in the UK?
We can support your move to the UK
To receive tailored advice and job opportunities, select the country you are currently based in below and we’ll provide the most relevant guidance and opportunities for your move.
Where are you currently based?
Obtaining visa sponsorship
The UK’s world-renowned education system offers exciting opportunities for those seeking to build a rewarding teaching career. However, obtaining a visa sponsorship can seem daunting for international candidates.
Below you can find some helpful blogs and external sites which offer information and tips to make this process as easy as possible.
Although we can’t help you directly with your visa application, we can guide you on how to get started and who to contact to set the process in motion! You can read our relocation guide here to find more information on Visa types and where to go to apply.
A guide on how to get Visa Sponsorship
Understand visa's requirements and applications with this helpful blog.
Read MoreWhy teach in the UK?
We provide comprehensive support to help you teach in the UK, including guidance on skilled worker visas and sponsorship options, matching you with schools that align with your experience and offering relocation assistance—from finding accommodation to settling into UK life.
The UK is a fantastic destination for teachers seeking new opportunities, offering:
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- A diverse and welcoming teaching community
- Access to world-class professional development
- Opportunities to gain international experience in UK schools
Life in the UK
We understand that relocating to the UK is a big step. While Engage Education doesn’t provide relocation services directly, we can support you with helpful guidance and resources to make the process easier.
Follow the link below to learn more about life in the UK, explore different regions, discover the types of school you could work in and get practical tips to help your relocation journey go smoothly.
Don't just take our word for it!
"Working with Laura and Pesh on either side of the Atlantic has been phenomenal. Communication is top notch. They were quick to set up possible employment opportunities while staying flexible to time differences, work schedules, and changes to my own thoughts and situations. Any questions I had were quickly answered or I was provided with the route to find the answers. If you are interested in teaching abroad, Engage Education is a tremendous resource to help you with that journey. Highly recommend!!"
"I’ve had a great experience so far. Everyone I have met at Engage has been friendly and supportive. Whenever I have a question, it is answered promptly. Whenever I have a problem, it is sorted quickly. I am enjoying my time teaching in the UK and Engage has helped make the transition easier for me. I felt supported at every step. "
"Really great working with Megan. She made it really easy to transition. Then negotiations between the school and I was lead by Bridget, she got me a permanent position. She negotiated with the school with made it easy for me. I just needed to supply my wants and I received it. Engage Education put in a lot of effort to give me the information I needed and made the transition comfortable."
"Since relocating from Zambia to the UK in June 2024, my experience with Engage has been outstanding. From the very beginning, their specialist agent for South African-trained teachers provided crystal-clear guidance, making the documentation process easy. The support didn’t stop there—Darren was fantastic, helping me secure my first role with excellent interview preparation."
"The relocation process was smooth for the most part as I was given daily update and information that is necessary for my relocation. There were online trainings and meetings that helped to facilitate my relocation. Even after relocating, I was contacted numerous times asking if I need help with anything. For this, I would surely recommend Engage Education if anyone is considering migrating to the UK."
Top relocation FAQ’s
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VisasThe majority of workers who come to teach in the UK are responding to work via what is called a ‘Skilled Worker Visa’, in order to qualify, you must secure a teaching job before arriving in the UK, and that role must meet the salary, language and qualification requirements set out by the UK government.
For more information, click here
Other options include:
UK Ancestry Visa – For those who’s Grandparents or parents were born in the UKYouth Mobility Visa – Available to citizens of specific countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand etc..) for those aged 19 – 35 -
QTSWhether you can get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) depends on what country you qualified in and what your qualification is.Candidates who are fully qualified from the following countries can apply directly:
- Australia
- Canada
- the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Guernsey
- Hong Kong
- Jersey
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- the USA
Subject specialism from additional countries can apply – click here for a full list.Not from a country listed above? You can still work in the UK, but it might effect your pay and or ability to gain a visa. -
SalaryTeachers in the UK are paid according to the Teacher pay scale.How much you get paid will depend on whether you are:
- Qualified or
- Unqualified
Where are they based on the country:- London
- Inner London
- Outer London
- Fringe
- Rest of England
As well as how many years you have taught in the UK or a comparable environment.Pay scales can be found here -
Experience
You’re experience in your home country is really beneficial to working in the UK, but its important to remember that processes and system are different in the UK.
Applications for QTS may be rejected if you cannot prove you have enough experience.
Similarly applications for Skilled Worker Visa’s can be rejected if you cannot demonstrate you reach the required experience level.
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TimeframeThe UK visa process can be complex and take a long time; waiting times depend on what type of visa you are applying for.It’s important to remember that in some cases, you will need to have secured a job before applying for your Visa and this can take time.The following are the average timeframes for the most common Visa Types (as of 2026)
- Skilled Worker Visa – 3 – 8 Weeks (Fast Track Service Available)
- UK Ancestry – 3-6 weeks (Fast Track Service Available)
- Youth Mobility Visa – 4 – 6 weeks (Fast Track Service Available)
Delays are common and fast track services can be removed at short notice in times of high applications.
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