Teaching in the UK is a thrilling experience for South African teachers
Venturing to the UK offers South African teachers not only a chance for exploration during school breaks but also a plethora of professional opportunities. The global demand for teachers means that qualified teachers can swiftly find themselves in their own classrooms, while experienced teachers can embrace new challenges and leadership roles.
For those teaching in the UK, the experience gained opens doors to prestigious positions in British International Schools worldwide.
Regardless of your destination, TimePlan Education is committed to facilitating a smooth transition into this professional journey. Our seasoned team assists with necessary documentation, matches you with opportunities aligned with your career objectives, and provides comprehensive support for interviews and training. As you embark on this new chapter, you'll join our supportive community, benefitting from emotional encouragement and a vibrant array of social engagements.
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Visas for South African teachers in the UK
South Africans hoping to work in the UK will need a British or EU passport, have British ancestry or be eligible for a tier 2 sponsor visa.
Tier 2 visas are only available when the school has a sponsorship licence, and due to the cost for the school to acquire a sponsorship licence, sponsorship visas will likely only be possible for very experienced, qualified teachers of certain, high demand subjects.
If you are unsure, our government's website has a great tool for checking which if any visa you will need. You can find that here.
Your qualifications and career progression
What Qualification will South African teachers need in the UK?
South African teachers will need to hold a full teaching qualification, such as a BEd or a PGCE. South African teachers must also hold full SACE registration.
What is QTS?
QTS, Qualified Teacher Status, is an accreditation given to qualified teachers in the UK, many schools see it as a gold standard for teachers, South African teachers can teach for up to four years before they need QTS.
How do I get QTS?
Teachers from South African are unable to gain automatic QTS but can teach in the UK for up to 4 years without it. If you intend to work in the UK for more than 4 years, you will need to gain QTS through the Assessment Only Route (AOR).