Lots of international teachers dream about working in the UK, but the visa process and job search can feel pretty overwhelming. There are teaching jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship, so qualified teachers from abroad can work in UK schools. Some schools are actually willing to sponsor a Skilled Worker visa for the right candidate.

Finding these jobs isn't always straightforward, but there are official resources and job boards that list teaching roles with sponsorship. Sites like GOV.UK’s Teaching Vacancies let job seekers filter for positions that offer visa sponsorship.

You can also try private job boards and school websites, such as Glassdoor and Indeed.

Knowing which schools sponsor and how to apply makes life a lot easier for overseas teachers. This quick guide will break down the process, eligibility, and where to find the latest job postings.

Overview of Teaching Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK

UK schools are looking for skilled teachers from abroad due to subject shortages and shifting educational needs. International teachers can fill roles in both state and independent schools if they meet the UK’s standards.

Types of Teaching Jobs Available

Visa-sponsored teaching jobs in the UK are available in primary and secondary schools, as well as in special education. The most in-demand subjects for overseas teachers include Mathematics, Science (especially Physics and Chemistry), and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

There are also roles for teaching assistants, language teachers, and leadership positions like department heads. Both new and experienced teachers can find opportunities, since UK schools value a variety of backgrounds. Schools often advertise teaching positions with visa sponsorship, so searching for these is a good starting point.

UK Education System Overview

The UK education system is mostly split into primary (ages 5–11) and secondary (ages 11–16 or 18) schools. There are state-funded and independent schools, each with their own hiring rules.

Schools are often grouped into multi-academy trusts or local authorities. Teaching standards are set by national frameworks, and teachers may need to adapt to the UK curriculum or work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Some international teaching qualifications are recognised, but requirements can change depending on the school and subject. Schools that offer sponsorship must be licensed by the Home Office to employ non-UK citizens.

Key Requirements for International Applicants

To work in the UK, international teachers need a valid visa. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor school.

The job offer must meet minimum salary and skill requirements. Applicants usually need a teaching qualification that’s recognised in the UK.

Some teachers might have to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but there are a few exceptions based on experience and country. English proficiency is a must and might have to be proven with a test.

If you want the full details, the recruitment guidance covers all the visa and QTS eligibility rules. Schools that sponsor visas usually help with the paperwork and support new hires through the process.

Visa Sponsorship Process for Teachers

International teachers often apply to UK schools by securing visa sponsorship from a licensed employer. The process can feel a bit strict, with specific eligibility criteria, steps, and fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Visa Sponsorship

To land a UK teaching job with visa sponsorship, you’ll need a job offer from a licensed school. The job must meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements, including a salary that hits the minimum threshold.

Applicants must prove their English skills and have the right teaching qualifications. Not every school can sponsor, so it’s important to look for jobs that specifically mention sponsorship for overseas teachers.

Double-check your immigration status before applying. More details are on the official UK government guidance for overseas teacher recruitment.

Application Steps for Sponsored Teaching Positions

First, find job openings that offer visa sponsorship. These are listed on specialist job sites and school websites that clearly state sponsorship is available.

Send in a tailored CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience. If shortlisted, you might be invited to an interview—sometimes online, sometimes in person.

Get through the interview, and if you’re successful, the school will make a formal offer and start the sponsorship process. You’ll then need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

The visa application happens online and includes providing biometric data, proof of qualifications, and proof of English proficiency. If you’re already in the UK on another visa, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. For more info, check out teaching jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship.

Certificate of Sponsorship and Associated Costs

Once you’ve secured a job, the school issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic record with a unique reference number that you’ll need for your visa application.

The school pays a sponsorship fee, currently £239 per certificate. Employers might also pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which can reach £1,000 per year depending on the school’s size.

Teachers cover their own Skilled Worker visa fees, which usually start at £719. There’s also a healthcare surcharge. For a detailed fee breakdown, check this teacher visa sponsorship guide.

Types of UK Visas for International Teachers

International teachers have a few visa options for working in the UK. The right choice depends on your job offer, qualifications, and personal situation. Some visas let your family come along too.

Skilled Worker Visa Details

The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for overseas teachers with a job offer. The school must be a licensed sponsor, and the job needs to meet salary and skill requirements.

You’ll need to prove your English ability and have an official certificate of sponsorship. The minimum salary threshold varies by subject and region.

This visa can lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) if you stay long enough. You can find all the details on the UK government’s page about recruiting teachers from overseas.

Alternative UK Visa Options

Don’t have a direct job offer? There are other routes. The Graduate visa lets international grads from UK universities work for up to two years (or three with a PhD).

The High Potential Individual visa is for graduates from top global universities. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is for young people (mainly 18-30) from certain countries, like Australia and New Zealand, to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

Other routes include the UK Ancestry visa (for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent) and the British National (Overseas) visa for eligible people from Hong Kong.

Indian nationals can apply under the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Irish citizens don’t need a visa to work in the UK. EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are also covered, as explained in Get Into Teaching GOV.UK.

Visa Options for Dependents and Family

Many work visas, including the Skilled Worker visa, allow teachers to bring their partner and kids to the UK. Each family member needs to apply separately and meet the requirements.

You’ll have to show proof of your relationship and enough funds to support your family. Partners can usually work, and children can attend school.

Family visas are needed unless the dependent qualifies another way, such as Irish citizenship or the EU Settlement Scheme. Some visas, like the Graduate and Youth Mobility Scheme, don’t allow dependents, so check the rules before applying.

For more on family requirements, see immigration guides like DavidsonMorris.

Working Conditions and Pay for Sponsored Teaching Positions

Sponsored teaching jobs in the UK come with a variety of salary levels, contract types, and options for career growth. Pay can shift quite a bit depending on your qualifications, experience, and the kind of school you end up in.

Roles can be anything from short-term cover to permanent jobs. There’s a surprising amount of variation out there.

Salary Range and Pay Scales

Most UK teachers are paid using national pay scales. If you’re a newly qualified teacher (NQT), you’ll start on the Main Pay Scale (MPS), which usually runs from about £30,000 to £41,333 per year.

The exact amount depends on where you work and the school’s type. As teachers gain experience, they move to the Upper Pay Scale (UPS), where salaries can rise to around £46,000.

Those who take on extra duties might get a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payment—these can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds each year. Salaries must also meet the minimum Skilled Worker visa requirements, which ensures your pay is legal for visa purposes.

Some schools pay more for shortage subjects or if you bring specialist experience. It’s worth checking, as there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Full-Time, Part-Time, and Temporary Roles

Visa-sponsored teaching roles might be full-time or part-time. Full-time usually means about 32 to 40 hours per week, covering all the usual duties—lesson planning, marking, meetings, you name it.

Part-time jobs are common too, especially in subjects with fewer teaching hours or for people needing flexibility. Sometimes, sponsored teachers are hired for fixed terms—think maternity cover or long-term sick leave.

Temporary and supply roles don’t always qualify for sponsorship, so it’s smart to double-check contract details and hours. Most schools want sponsored teachers to keep continuous employment to maintain their visa.

Job adverts often use Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) hours to show how pay and workload stack up, which can help you compare roles more easily.

Professional Development Opportunities

Professional development matters for everyone, including teachers on visas. Many schools run regular training sessions, offer mentoring, and support early-career teachers as they settle in.

You’ll usually find opportunities for courses like subject updates, safeguarding, or behaviour management. Some schools also help teachers work towards higher qualifications—think National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) or leadership training.

Sponsored teachers can often join career development programmes, which is great if you’re aiming for more responsibility or a TLR payment. These chances help you build new skills and meet pupil needs.

Support for settling into the school’s culture and meeting professional standards is pretty common in UK teaching jobs, which definitely helps if you’re new to the country.

Finding and Applying for Sponsored Teaching Vacancies

Lots of UK teaching positions are open to overseas candidates if the school has a visa sponsorship licence. Knowing where to look, understanding the visa sponsorship process, and putting together a strong application can really boost your odds.

Where to Find Visa Sponsorship Teaching Jobs

You can find visa-sponsored teaching vacancies on government and education job boards. The official Teaching Vacancies website lets you filter jobs by visa sponsorship, which is honestly a lifesaver when you’re searching.

Sites like Gov.uk’s overseas teacher guidance and Get Into Teaching offer practical info about sponsored roles and highlight current shortages. Commercial job boards such as Indeed list plenty of relevant jobs too.

Searching for terms like "teacher with visa sponsorship," "Skilled Worker visa teaching vacancies," or "international teacher jobs" can help you find what you’re after.

The Application Process Explained

First, check if the school is licensed to sponsor visas. The job advert should say if they offer sponsorship.

You’ll usually need to fill out an application form, send an updated CV, and write a cover letter that’s specific to the job. Schools often have a set process: applications close, then there’s shortlisting and interviews.

If you get the job, the school can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for your visa application. Be ready with all your documents—qualifications, references, proof of English, the works.

Timing matters. Many schools close applications within two to four weeks of posting, so don’t hang about.

Tips for a Successful Application

Read the job description and person spec carefully. Match your skills and experience to what they want—it really helps your application stand out.

Tailoring each application is worth the effort. Mention your knowledge of the UK curriculum or any UK/international teaching experience you’ve got.

Double-check your documents before sending and make sure you apply before the deadline. Following up with the school after you apply can show you’re genuinely interested.

School Types and Subjects in UK Sponsored Teaching Roles

Visa-sponsored teaching jobs in the UK are available in all sorts of schools, cities, and subjects. There’s a real mix, and some areas have bigger shortages than others.

Knowing your options can help you zero in on the right roles.

Types of Schools Offering Sponsorship

You’ll find visa sponsorship in academies, local authority maintained schools, and some faith schools like Church of England or Roman Catholic schools. In big cities—London, Manchester, Birmingham—there’s higher demand, so sponsored roles pop up more often.

Academies are state-funded but have more freedom, and they often sponsor overseas teachers. Local authority maintained schools are run by councils and might offer sponsorship if they’re struggling to fill posts.

Church schools sometimes sponsor teachers, especially for religious education or hard-to-fill vacancies. Some independent schools will sponsor if they can’t find qualified candidates for certain subjects.

Special education schools sponsor teachers too, especially for special educational needs (SEN) roles. Jobs exist for both class teachers and unqualified teachers, but sponsorship is more common for those with qualified teacher status.

In-Demand Subjects and Teaching Specialisations

Certain subjects are in much higher demand for visa sponsorship. Maths, science (especially physics and chemistry), and computer science are always near the top of the list.

Modern foreign languages like French, German, and Spanish are also tough for schools to staff. Special education roles for students with learning difficulties often attract overseas teachers with sponsorship.

English, geography, and design technology sometimes get sponsorship, mostly in cities with staff shortages. While jobs exist for both secondary and primary teachers, secondary subject specialists are usually in greater demand.

If you want to see which subjects are in demand right now, the Teaching Vacancies site is a good place to start poking around.

Leadership and Career Progression

Visa sponsorship isn't just for entry-level teaching jobs. Plenty of schools are open to sponsoring leadership roles—think head of department, assistant headteacher, or even deputy and headteacher positions.

There's particular interest in leaders for priority subjects like STEM or modern foreign languages. If that's your area, you're probably in luck.

Senior roles usually demand qualified teacher status. Experience in the UK or a similar education system? That's often on the checklist, too.

Some schools actually map out career progression for sponsored teachers. You might find yourself offered extra training, a mentor, or more responsibility as you settle in.

Academies and bigger schools—especially in the busier cities—tend to sponsor leadership candidates more often. Their size and wider subject needs make sponsorship more feasible.

Leadership vacancies show up in both local authority maintained schools and academies. If a school is struggling to recruit leaders locally, they're even more likely to consider overseas applicants.