The opportunity to teach abroad is a dream for many educators, and the United Kingdom, with its rich educational heritage and diverse cultural landscape, is a top destination. For Filipino teachers, the prospect of working in the UK offers not just professional growth but also the chance to experience life in a vibrant, multicultural society. However, one crucial step in this journey is obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a mandatory certification for teaching in most schools in England and Wales.
This article will guide you through the process of applying for teaching positions in the UK and securing your QTS. We will cover everything from understanding the requirements and gathering necessary documentation to navigating the application procedures and adapting to the UK education system. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a recent graduate, this comprehensive guide aims to make your transition to teaching in the UK as smooth and successful as possible.
Teaching in the UK: A Guide for Filipino Educators
This article is based on a YouTube video from Journey with Freddy. Click the link below to watch the original video:
Embarking on a teaching career in England can be a fulfilling journey for Filipino educators. Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a crucial step in this process. Although you can teach in England for up to four years without QTS, obtaining this certification will significantly enhance your job prospects in various schools, including academies, free schools, and private institutions.
Routes to QTS
There are four main routes to obtaining QTS for teachers and trainees outside the UK:
- Apply for QTS in England using the professional recognition service
- Apply for assessment-only QTS
- Apply for teacher training in England
- Train for international qualified teacher status (iQTS)
Your eligibility for each route depends on various factors, including where you qualified, your subject specialism, and your teaching experience.
Applying for QTS in England
You may be eligible to use the Department for Education’s professional recognition service, Apply for QTS in England, based on your qualifications and teaching experience. This route is available to teachers from countries such as Australia, Canada, the USA, and several European and Commonwealth nations.
To be eligible, you must meet strict mandatory requirements. It’s important to note that obtaining QTS does not automatically provide you with a teaching job or a visa. These must be applied for separately, though some schools in England do sponsor visas.
Applying for Assessment-Only QTS
If you are not eligible for the Apply for QTS in England service, the assessment-only QTS route might be suitable. This route allows experienced teachers with a degree to gain QTS without completing a teacher training program. You will need to demonstrate your teaching skills and meet the required standards through an assessment conducted by a UK-approved teacher training provider.
Key points about assessment-only QTS:
- Fees: Costs range from £1,500 to £4,000, varying by provider and location.
- Assessment: Conducted at your place of work by an examiner from the training provider.
- Requirements: Minimum of 2 years’ teaching experience, a bachelor’s degree, and qualifications in English and mathematics at the GCSE level (or equivalent).
Working as a Teacher While Undergoing Assessment
You can work as a teacher in England under the 4-year rule, allowing you to teach without QTS for up to four years. During this period, you can apply for assessment-only QTS while earning a salary. However, assessment-only training providers do not offer assistance with job placements or visa applications.
Applying for Teacher Training in England
Non-UK citizens can apply to train to teach in England, leading to QTS. This involves:
- Training Programs: Typically a full-time, one-year course.
- Costs: Fees vary from £9,250 to £32,000, depending on immigration status and the training provider.
- Relocation: You must relocate to the UK for the duration of the training.
International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)
iQTS is a UK government-backed teaching qualification delivered online by English teacher training providers in partnership with international schools. It adheres to the same standards as QTS and leads to automatic QTS award. This route is open to all non-UK citizens and does not require a visit to the UK.
The 4-Year Rule Exemption
Qualified teachers from outside the UK can teach in England for up to four years without QTS, even in schools where QTS is usually required. This exemption allows you to gain valuable teaching experience while working towards obtaining QTS.
Special Considerations for SEND Teachers
Teachers with a qualification limited to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) must demonstrate the ability to adapt their teaching for all pupils to gain QTS. SEND teachers can pursue QTS through the assessment-only route or by training to teach in England.
Applying for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)
Another route for becoming a qualified teacher in England is through the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status. If you have QTLS status and membership with the Society for Education and Training (SET), you can work as a qualified teacher in schools in England. This status is particularly useful for those specializing in post-16 education. Schools and local authorities will decide your suitability for specific teaching positions, and you will be exempt from the statutory induction period required for newly qualified teachers.
International Teacher Training Courses
Several international teacher training courses are available for those outside England, but it’s important to note that not all of them lead to QTS. Courses like the Postgraduate Certificate of Education International (PGCEi) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), when completed outside the UK, do not automatically qualify you to teach in English schools where QTS is required. However, these qualifications can be valuable and may allow you to apply for assessment-only QTS or teacher training in England subsequently.
Obtaining QTS is a vital step for Filipino educators aspiring to teach in England. Whether through professional recognition, assessment-only, or additional training, various pathways are available to help you achieve this goal. By understanding the requirements and processes involved, you can embark on a successful teaching career in the UK, enriching both your professional life and the educational experiences of your students.