The UK has a high demand for teachers, making it a great opportunity for Nigerian educators looking to advance their careers.
However, moving to UK as a teacher from Nigeria involves multiple steps, from securing a job offer to settling into a new environment.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring your smooth transition.
1. The UK education system
Before applying for teaching jobs in the UK, it is essential to understand how their education system works.
School Types
The UK has state-funded schools (public schools) and private (independent) schools.
Most international teachers work in state-funded schools.
Key Stages
The UK education system is divided into stages:
- Early Years (ages 3–5).
- Primary School (ages 5–11).
- Secondary School (ages 11–16).
- Sixth Form (ages 16–18).
Curriculums
Schools in England follow the National Curriculum, while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have slightly different educational structures.
2. Qualification requirements
To be eligible to TEACH IN UK, you must meet certain requirements.
Academic credentials
A Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.) or if your degree is not in education, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is required.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Most UK schools require teachers to have (QTS) which you can either obtain with your TRCN or choose to study in the UK and obtain QTS through a PGCE course.
3. Visa & immigration process
To legally work in UK as a Nigerian teacher, you will need a Skilled Worker Visa.
UK Skilled Worker Visa allows foreigners to work in the UK if they have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Eligibility criteria
- Job offer from a UK school with visa sponsorship.
- Salary of at least £30,000 per year.
- QTS certificate.
Application process
- Get a job offer from a UK school that is licensed to sponsor work visas.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your employer.
- Apply online for the Skilled Worker Visa via the UK government’s website.
- Attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application centre in Nigeria.
- Receive your visa decision (within 3–8 weeks).
4. Teaching jobs in UK
To move to the UK, you will need a UK teaching job with visa sponsorship.
Where to find UK teaching jobs
Recruitment Agencies like TeachAway and Engage Education specialize in hiring international teachers too.
📌 Schools facing teacher shortages (e.g. Maths, Science, etc.) offer visa sponsorships more.
5. Job application process
Once you find a job opening, you need to prepare your application.
Writing a UK-style CV
- Keep it concise (2 pages max).
- Highlight your teaching experience, qualifications, and skills.
- Include relevant certifications (QTS, PGCE, IELTS, etc.).
Interview preparation
- Research the UK school system and curriculum.
- Prepare for behavioural and subject-specific questions.
- Practice mock interviews with fellow educators.
6. Employment terms and conditions
UK teacher salaries and benefits vary based on location and experience.
| England (excl. London) £31,650 – £49,084 Outer London £36,413 – £53,994 Inner London £38,766 – £60,092 |
Also review the following items on their contracts before signing.
- Working hours (usually 8 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Friday).
- Annual leave (typically 13 weeks of school holidays).
- Pension and health benefits.
7. Planning your relocation
For your accommodation,
Start with temporary housing (Airbnb, hostels, or short-term rentals).
Or use sites like Rightmove or Zoopla to find permanent housing.
For your finances,
Save at least £3,000 – £5,000 for initial expenses. Open a UK bank account (Monzo, Revolut, or a high-street bank like HSBC).
8. Settling into UK life
Join Nigerian teacher communities in the UK. Familiarize yourself with UK laws, healthcare, and public transport.
Attend training sessions to understand UK teaching methodologies.
Join teaching unions like the National Education Union (NEU) for support.
NEXT STEPS:
- LIST OF UK SCHOOLS OFFERING VISA SPONSORSHIP
- UK TEACHER SALARIES & BENEFITS EXPLAINED
GOOD LUCK.
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