The UK teacher shortage has created opportunities for international educators, including Nigerian teachers looking for teaching jobs in the UK.
Many schools are struggling to fill vacancies in key subjects, leading to an increased demand for qualified teachers from overseas.
As a Nigerian teacher considering a move to the UK, knowing which subjects are in high demand can improve your chances of securing a job and visa sponsorship.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most needed teaching subjects in the UK, visa requirements, and how Nigerian teachers can apply for UK teaching jobs.
Subjects in high demand in UK?
- Mathematics – One of the biggest teacher shortages in secondary schools.
- Physics – A major shortage, especially at A-Level.
- Chemistry – UK schools struggle to recruit qualified science teachers.
- Biology – Demand is rising for biology teachers, particularly at GCSE level.
- Computer Science – A rapidly growing field with few specialist teachers.
- Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German) – UK schools lack language teachers.
Nigerian teachers with expertise in these subjects are more likely to get job offers with visa sponsorship.
Can Nigerian teachers teach in the UK?
Yes!
The UK government actively recruits international teachers to fill teacher shortages, especially in high-demand subjects.
As a Nigerian teacher, you can apply for teaching jobs in UK primary and secondary schools if you meet the qualifications.
Eligibility requirements for Nigerian teachers
- Bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed) or a subject degree + PGCE.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or eligibility to obtain it.
- Fluency in English (e.g., IELTS if required).
- Experience teaching in Nigerian schools.
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows schools to sponsor international teachers, making it easier for Nigerian teachers to relocate.
How can overseas teachers address the UK teacher shortage?
The UK government is taking steps to recruit more teachers from overseas to address the shortage.
UK Government Initiatives for International Teachers
- International Relocation Payment (IRP): a £10,000 grant for overseas teachers in shortage subjects.
- Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship: UK schools can sponsor qualified Nigerian teachers.
- Get Into Teaching Program: a recruitment campaign for international teachers.
If you teach maths, science, or computer science, you may qualify for relocation incentives and fast-tracked job offers.
Requirements for Nigerian teachers to teach in UK
- Check if your qualifications are recognized — a B.Ed. or a subject degree with PGCE is usually required.
- Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) — Apply directly for QTS if eligible or use the Assessment-Only QTS route.
- Apply for UK teaching jobs in high-demand subjects.
- Secure Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship from a UK school.
- Move to the UK and start teaching!
Many UK schools sponsor Nigerian teachers for work visas, especially for maths, science, and language subjects.
UK regions with the highest demand for teachers
- London – High demand for teachers in all subjects, especially maths and science.
- Birmingham – One of the hardest-hit areas for teacher shortages.
- Manchester – Lacking secondary school teachers in STEM subjects.
- South West England – Schools in rural areas need more teachers.
- East of England – High demand for science and language teachers.
Applying for jobs in these areas increases your chances of getting visa sponsorship and relocation benefits.
How Nigerian teachers can secure UK teaching jobs
With the ongoing UK teacher shortage, there is a huge opportunity for Nigerian teachers to apply for teaching jobs in high-demand subjects.
Maths, science, and languages are the most needed teaching subjects.
Nigerian teachers can apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.
Teaching jobs in London, Birmingham, and Manchester have the highest demand.
Check your qualifications and apply for QTS to improve your chances.
NEXT STEPS:
- GUIDE TO MOVING TO UK AS A TEACHER
GOOD LUCK.
Are you a Nigerian teacher planning to apply for a UK teaching job? Let us know in the comments!
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