Are you a Newly Qualified Teacher or New to the UK?
For newly qualified teachers or teachers new to the UK finding the right job to begin your career can be difficult. We are perfectly placed to provide guidance and advice to newly qualified teachers and/or teachers that have just moved to the UK seeking their first role as a school teacher in the UK.
We have set out a guide to the UK education system that we hope will help people considering a teaching career in the UK or newly qualified UK teachers.
The UK Education Structure
The English Education system is split into different stages which are based upon particular ages.
Legally compulsory education lasts for 11 years, with statutory ages between 5 to 16 years. Throughout these ages it is a legal requirement that children receive full-time education suited to their ability, age and special education needs.
The local education authority (LEA) will allow children to be home schooled, but they must be sure that any child not in school is appropriately provided for.
Children follow the National Curriculum and are assessed by National Curriculum tests called SATS at the end of each Key Stage.
The National Curriculum is divided into 5 Key Stages:
| Key Stage |
Age |
Years |
| Foundation stage |
Age 3-5 |
Nursery and Reception |
| Key Stage 1 |
Age 5-7 |
Year group 1-2 |
| Key Stage 2 |
Age 7-11 |
Year groups 3-6 |
| Key Stage 3 - SATS |
Age 11-14 |
Year groups 7-9 |
| Key Stage 4 - GCSE |
Age 14-16 |
Year groups 10-11 |
| Key Stage 5 - A-Level |
Age 16-18 |
Year groups 12-13 |
UK School Year:
| Term |
Description |
| Autumn Term |
1st week in September to 3rd week in December |
| Spring Term |
2nd week in January |
| Summer Term |
After Easter (April) to 3rd week in July (every 6/7 weeks there is a 1 week 1/2 term break) |
Teaching in the UK
There are thousands of schools in the United Kingdom from traditional, fee-paying, independent schools to inner-city schools you will come across many different schools in your search. Each school will vary with regards to the expectations of teachers and students, and the amount of resources available to you. One thing that remains consistent throughout every school is the requirement for teachers that are flexible, enthusiastic with a ‘can do’ mentality.
Teaching Job Roles in the UK:
There are many different job roles available to teachers looking to work in the UK. For a list of our latest available job roles please see our teaching jobs board.
If you are looking for an introduction to teaching in the UK then day-to-day supply teaching is a good route to follow. You can gain a valuable insight into the varying and unique way in which each school is run. You will get to teach children of different ages in a variation of schools within a short period of time. Schools often require supply teachers to cover teacher sickness and sudden absences.
If you want the responsibility of a full-time teacher then long-term/permanent teaching jobs will suit you better. By working in the same school for a period of time you will become immersed in in school life. Long-term job roles also have benefits of regular work and better job security.
Governing Bodies:
Department for Education
The Department for Education is responsible for education and children's services in England.
Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted)
Ofsted is the inspectorate for children and learners in England.