UK School Teacher (Primary & Secondary) Recruitment 2025
Primary & Secondary School Teachers are in high demand across the United Kingdom. Eligible candidates can apply online through official portals to begin or continue their teaching career in the UK.
Important Dates
Notification Released
9th September 2025
Application Start Date
10th September 2025
Last Date to Apply
15th October 2025
Selection Process
Rolling basis by schools
Result Declaration
To be announced by respective schools
Age Limit & Relaxation
Minimum Age: 21 years
No maximum age limit, subject to fitness and qualification.
Application Fee
Category
Fee
All Applicants
No Fee (Free Application)
Eligibility & Qualification
Post
Qualification
Primary Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree + Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in UK
Secondary Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree in relevant subject + QTS
Overseas Applicants
Equivalent qualification + English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Teachers in the UK are offered competitive pay packages depending on location and experience:
Primary Teacher: £30,000 – £41,000 per year
Secondary Teacher: £32,000 – £45,000 per year
London Allowance: Additional £3,000 – £5,000
Experienced Teachers: £50,000+
Benefits
Pension scheme & retirement benefits
Paid holidays & sick leave
Professional training & development
Opportunities for promotions (Headteacher, Senior roles)
Support for overseas relocation
Job Responsibilities
Design and deliver engaging lessons
Assess and monitor student progress
Maintain discipline and classroom management
Collaborate with staff and parents
Support extracurricular activities and events
Training Routes & NQT Induction
Common training routes:
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) — academic route
SCITT / School Direct — school-centred training
Teach First — leadership-focused graduate route
NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) induction is a statutory one-year period of support and assessment in England for teachers achieving QTS.
Visa & Sponsorship (Overseas Applicants)
Most non-UK candidates apply via the Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2). Key points:
Find a school that is an official sponsor (holds a sponsor licence).
Typical minimum salary thresholds apply — depends on role and experience.
English language requirements and documented qualifications are required.
Salary & Pay Scales
Teacher pay varies by nation, region, and school type (state/academy/independent):
England (state schools): Main Pay Range (approx) £28,000–£41,000; Upper Pay Range higher for experienced staff; London weighting for inner/outer London.
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: Separate national pay scales — often broadly comparable but check local guidance.
Independent schools: Pay varies widely — can be higher but depends on school.
Typical Job Responsibilities
Plan and deliver effective lessons, assess student progress and provide feedback
Maintain classroom management and a safe learning environment
Participate in parent-teacher communications and school events
Engage in continuing professional development (CPD) and school improvement activities
Career Growth & Senior Roles
Progression pathways:
Classroom Teacher → Senior Teacher → Subject Leader / Head of Department
Specialist roles: SENCO, Curriculum Lead, Pastoral Lead
Application Tips (UK-specific)
Use a clear UK-style teaching CV: concise, achievements-based, evidence of impact on student outcomes
Prepare a tailored covering letter addressing the person specification
Be ready to deliver a short demo lesson — plan for assessment criteria and different learner needs
Collect references and proof of qualifications before applying — recruiters often ask early
Announcements & Shortages
Shortage subjects (ongoing): Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Modern Languages, and SEND. Schools may offer incentives or retention payments for hard-to-fill posts.
Detailed Guidance for Overseas Applicants (Practical Checklist)
Qualification assessment: Get degrees assessed if necessary and obtain any UK equivalency letters.
English test: Book an IELTS/UKVI test if the sponsor requires proof of language ability.
Criminal record checks: DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland) may be required after hire — start local checks early.
Health checks: Understand medical/fitness requirements for roles that require driving or physical duties.
Visa documentation: Ensure your passport, offer letter (CoS), and proof of funds (if required) are ready.
Support & CPD
Most schools provide induction and CPD for new teachers. Look for advertised roles that mention "mentoring", "NQT induction", or "CPD opportunities".
Where to Apply (practical places)
School websites — vacancies page (often fastest)
Local authority job boards — e.g. teachingsouthwark.org or similar
Teacher recruitment agencies (specialist) — ensure they are reputable
National portals GOV.UK teaching jobs regional portals
Sample Timeline (Apply → Start)
Stage
Approx. Time
Application submitted
Day 0
Shortlisting & interview
1–3 weeks
Interview & demo lesson
1–2 weeks
Offer & documentation
1–3 weeks
Visa processing (if required)
2–12 weeks (depends on case)
Subject-wise Demand / Shortage List
Current shortage subjects in UK schools where recruitment is high:
Mathematics
Physics
Computer Science
Modern Languages (French, Spanish, German)
Special Educational Needs (SEN/SEND)
Regional Hiring Trends
Which UK regions have highest teaching vacancies and incentives:
London & Greater London — London weighting pay + relocation support
South East England — competitive salaries for STEM teachers
Scotland & Northern Ireland — government incentives for rural posts
Wales — priority recruitment for shortage subjects
Teacher Housing & Relocation Support
Some schools and councils offer:
Temporary accommodation for overseas teachers
Relocation allowances for first year
Guidance on local council registration, bank accounts, and GP registration
Professional Development & CPD Opportunities
School-led workshops and training programs
Access to online CPD modules and certifications
Mentorship programs for NQTs
Leadership training for career progression
Teacher Wellbeing & Support
Employee Assistance Programs (counselling, mental health support)
Work-life balance initiatives in state & independent schools
Peer support networks for overseas teachers
Professional Associations & Memberships
Joining associations can enhance credibility & networking:
National Education Union (NEU)
Association of Teachers & Lecturers (ATL)
Chartered College of Teaching
Sample Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans
Helpful for overseas and newly qualified teachers:
Official curriculum guidelines for England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland