People in all walks of life relocate for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s to be closer to family. For others, it’s to take advantage of new job opportunities. Some relocate for lifestyle reasons – they want to experience living in a new country, or they’re looking for an adventure.
Overseas trained teachers who relocate to the UK typically do so for one or more of the following reasons:
1. To take advantage of the many job opportunities available
There are many reasons why the UK is such an attractive destination for overseas trained teachers. For starters, there’s a high demand for qualified teachers in the UK. The demand is so high that the UK government has a specific visa category for overseas trained teachers – the Tier 2 (General) visa.
2. To earn a higher salary
In general, salaries for teachers in the UK are higher than in many other countries. In fact, according to the most recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), teachers in the UK earn an average of almost £40,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the OECD average of just over £30,000.
3. To experience living in a new country
For many overseas trained teachers, relocating to the UK is an opportunity to experience living in a new country. The UK is an incredibly diverse and multicultural country, and living here can be a truly enriching experience.
4. To improve their career prospects
For many overseas trained teachers, relocating to the UK can be seen as a way to further their careers. The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious schools, and many overseas trained teachers see relocating here as a way to further their education and improve their career prospects.
UK state schools have a structured pay scale that most independent and academy schools follow, with a salary range of £81,942-£117,197 for top-tier headteachers.
5. To enjoy a better quality of life
The UK is consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world. In fact, according to the most recent United Nations Human Development Index, the UK is ranked as the 13th best country in the world. This is thanks to many factors, including the high quality of healthcare, education and infrastructure.
If you’re an overseas trained teacher considering relocating to the UK, there are several hoops to jump through in order to make the transition. The first is to obtain a valid visa. As mentioned above, the UK has a specific visa category for overseas trained teachers – the Tier 2 (General) visa.
To apply for this visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer. Once you have this, you will also need to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
If you’re considering relocating to the UK as an overseas trained teacher, there are a number of things you need to do to make a move. The UK is a great place to teach, with a high demand for qualified teachers and many job opportunities available. Salaries are also relatively high, and you can enjoy an excellent quality of life. With a little planning, you can be on your way to an exciting new teaching career in the UK.