TEFL Course in United Kingdom

Are English teachers in demand in United Kingdom?

There are amazing prospects for ESL teachers in UK with opportunities for both the experienced and inexperienced teachers.

Despite being a more competitive ESL market than Eastern European countries, there are still jobs available for ESL teachers especially those who hold a certificate like the TEFL and a right to work in the country.

The large number of people from all over the world who visit the UK to work, study and start a new life increases the multicultural population willing to learn English and ultimately contributing to the opportunities available for ESL teachers.

The best periods to find teaching opportunities and the highest demands are usually during the summer period when most language schools organize summer camps and language trips for English students and children from other European countries.

What are the requirements to teach English in United Kingdom?

A TEFL certificate and a degree will get your application forward to teach English in the UK. Besides this, you also need experience and enough proof that you understand the educational system and English language itself.  

More importantly, teachers in the UK will be required to obtain a Qualified Teacher Status to be able to teach in the country especially in the state funded schools. You will also need a letter of confirmation or teaching license from your home country.

In addition to all requirements, possessing a work or residency permit in UK makes getting a job easier. For example, spouses of nationals with all the requirements may find it easier to find a teaching job in UK than foreigners who do not already have a permit.  

What type of jobs are available for English teachers in United Kingdom?

The UK education system is well classified and includes the primary and secondary schools as well as higher level education.

For ESL teachers, the type of teaching jobs you should be looking out for includes those with independent language schools as well as private tutoring opportunities.

Teachers who have a state teaching license may be able to teach in public or state schools in the UK. Other opportunities include jobs in private schools, community colleges and telephone teaching where teachers get to teach business and conversational English over the phone via skype or other platforms.

What is the salary for English teachers in United Kingdom?

Salaries for ESL teachers in UK are dependent on the number of hours you spend working and the type of school or teaching that you do. Teachers can earn between £15 and £30 per hour with a TEFL certificate working either online or with an independent institution.

On the average, ESL teachers in UK earn an average of £30, 000 and £50,000 a year depending on experience.

In addition to the basic salary, teachers also enjoy benefits such as holiday allowance and prolonged holiday which may be up to 12 weeks in a year, job security and a pension.

Can you save money while teaching English in United Kingdom?

The cost of living in UK, although generally more expensive that most other ESL destinations, varies from cities and within cities, there is also a variation within cities as areas closest to the city center are more expensive than others farther away.

The cheapest cities to live in UK include Belfast, Sheffield, Liverpool and Cardiff while the most expensive cities include London, Reading, Aberdeen and Bristol.

The cost of living for teachers in the UK is between £800- 1000 euros a month on the average.

Accommodation Options: A decent one bedroom apartment in UK may cost up to £600 per month outside the city center and as much as £750 in the city center.

While a number of institutions in UK may offer housing allowance, it is better to include this in your budget as the benefit is not certain.  

What type of visa do you need to teach English in United Kingdom?

ESL teachers from outside the EEA will be required to obtain a UK visa and must pass certain point’s assessments to be granted visa under the point based immigration system.

The UK has different tiers of visa for which teachers can apply depending on the peculiar conditions surrounding their employment.

One of these is the Tier 2 visa which was previously the work permit and is for skilled workers who are sponsored by their employer to join the UK Labour Force. There is also the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa for Australian and Canadian citizens who are between 18 to 30 years.

Ensure you visit the UK embassy or Consulate in your country for details of the different forms of visa, eligibility, fees and the application process.

Hiring season and process for English teachers in United Kingdom

The peak hiring period for ESL teachers in the UK is in the late spring or early summer period. Teachers who are available for immediate employment may apply in September, October or January.

English teaching opportunities in summer camps are best applied for between December and March.

You can apply for a job online before moving to UK but a typical job interview for ESL teachers in UK happens in person and on rare occasions over the phone or via email

Usually, you may be asked questions concerning your style of teaching, classroom management and your strength to connect with each students personally.

Fun and travel activities while teaching in United Kingdom

There are a lot of amazing places to visit in the UK and apart from its green exotic landscape and diverse culture evident in the food and people. UK also has London which is often regarded as the most incredible city in the world.

Exciting places to visit in UK include the Scottish Highlands with an unbelievably beautiful landscape that will make you forget about any other you have ever seen and then Exmoor.

Exmoor can be described as the dark night city famously tagged a Dark Night reserve for its astounding astral gazing properties. In Exmoor, you will find thrilling spots like ancient burial grounds, rough sea cliffs and wild valleys.

You can also visit Dundee to get a view of its amazing architectural wonders and Scottish designs.  For thrilling adventures, visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall with the oldest and most diverse collection of magical items and sorcery themes including mummified animals like cats, spell casting mirrors and so on.

Other places to visit in UK include Bristol, where the first container park of the city can be found, Lake District which is the largest national park in England and Kent Downs with its scenic natural beauty and lush landscapes.

Important cities in United Kingdom

Most important cities for ESL teachers in UK include London, Manchester and Liverpool.