Teaching is one of the best career paths for international professionals looking to work and relocate to the UK. With ongoing teacher shortages in several subjects, many schools in the UK actively hire international teachers and provide visa sponsorship.

One of the most important terms you will encounter is QTS — Qualified Teacher Status.

This guide explains everything you need to know about QTS, how to get it, visa sponsorship opportunities, salaries, routes for international teachers, and the best platforms to find teaching jobs.

What Is QTS?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional certification required to teach in most state schools in England.

It proves that you are qualified to teach and meet the professional teaching standards set by the UK education system.

Think of QTS as the official teaching license for England.

Without QTS, your teaching opportunities in state-funded schools become limited.

Which Parts of the UK Use QTS?

The UK has different education systems.

England

QTS is the standard qualification for teachers.

Wales

Uses QTS but under Welsh education regulations.

Scotland

Uses a separate registration system through the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

Northern Ireland

Has its own teacher registration requirements.

Most international teachers targeting the UK usually focus on England because:

• It has more sponsored jobs
• It has higher international recruitment
• The immigration pathway is easier

Why QTS Is Important

Having QTS can:

• Increase your chances of employment
• Increase salary opportunities
• Make visa sponsorship easier
• Allow you to work in public/state schools
• Improve long-term career growth

Many schools prefer teachers with QTS even when it is not legally mandatory.

What Jobs Can You Get With QTS?

With QTS, you can work as:

• Primary school teacher
• Secondary school teacher
• SEN (Special Educational Needs) teacher
• Supply teacher
• Head of department
• Assistant headteacher
• International school teacher

Subjects with the highest demand include:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Special Education
• Modern Languages

Is QTS Mandatory?

Not always.

Schools That Usually Require QTS

• State/public schools
• Government-funded schools

Schools That May Hire Without QTS

• Some academies
• Private schools
• International schools

However, schools that sponsor visas often prefer candidates with recognized qualifications because sponsorship is expensive and competitive.

Routes to Get QTS

There are several pathways.

1. PGCE With QTS

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is one of the most popular routes.

You:

1. Complete teacher training
2. Gain classroom experience
3. Receive QTS

Usually takes:

• 1 year full-time

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• English proficiency
• School placements

This route is ideal for:

• Fresh graduates
• Career changers
• International students

2. School Direct

This route allows you to train directly in schools.

Benefits:

• Real classroom experience
• Some salaried positions available
• Better networking opportunities

3. SCITT

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programs are run by groups of schools rather than universities.

Good for people who prefer practical training.

4. Teach First

Teach First offers leadership-focused teacher training.

You earn while training.

Very competitive.

5. Assessment Only Route

This is one of the best options for experienced international teachers.

You do not need to redo full teacher training if you already have significant teaching experience.

Instead:

• Your teaching ability is assessed
• You demonstrate classroom competence
• You receive QTS if successful

Best for:

• Experienced teachers from abroad
• Teachers already working in schools

International Teachers and QTS

International teachers can still teach in the UK.

There are multiple pathways depending on:

• Your country
• Your qualifications
• Your teaching experience

Some teachers may qualify for direct recognition while others need additional assessment.

What Is iQTS?

International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) is an international version of QTS designed for teachers outside the UK.

It allows you to:

• Train remotely
• Study internationally
• Gain a qualification aligned with England’s teacher standards

Benefits:

• Can be completed outside the UK
• Helpful for international schools
• Can later lead to full QTS recognition in England

QTS vs PGCE vs iQTS

QualificationWhat It IsGives QTS?Best ForQTSTeaching licenseYesTeaching in EnglandPGCEAcademic teaching qualificationUsuallyNew teachersiQTSInternational version of QTSPathway to QTSOverseas teachers

A PGCE alone is not always enough without QTS.

Requirements for QTS

Requirements vary by route, but common requirements include:

Bachelor’s Degree

You generally need a recognized degree.

English Language

International applicants may need:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Other accepted English tests

Teaching Experience

Especially important for assessment-only routes.

DBS Check

Disclosure and Barring Service checks criminal records for safeguarding purposes.

Can You Teach in the UK Without a PGCE?

Yes.

You can still get QTS through:

• Assessment Only route
• Some employment-based programs
• Certain international recognition routes

Experienced teachers often choose this pathway to save time and money.

UK Teacher Salaries

Teacher salaries depend on:

• Experience
• Subject
• Region
• School type

Average Salaries

• Newly qualified teachers: around £30,000+
• Experienced teachers: £40,000+
• London salaries are usually higher

Shortage subjects often receive:

• Recruitment incentives
• Relocation support
• Additional allowances

Visa Sponsorship for Teachers

Teaching is one of the strongest visa sponsorship pathways in the UK.

Most sponsored teachers apply through the:Skilled Worker Visa

Subjects With High Sponsorship Demand

The highest sponsorship demand is usually in:

• Maths
• Science
• Physics
• Computing
• Special education

Primary school roles also exist but competition is usually higher.

How Visa Sponsorship Works

A school:

1. Offers you a job
2. Issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
3. You apply for a Skilled Worker visa

After approval, you can relocate and work legally in the UK.

Some schools also help with:

• Relocation
• Accommodation
• Visa guidance

Best Websites for UK Teaching Jobs

Here are some of the best platforms to search for UK teaching jobs and visa sponsorship opportunities.

Official Government Platforms

• Find Teaching Jobs UK
• Get Into Teaching UK

Visa Sponsorship Platforms

• VisaGigs
• TES Jobs
• Eteach
• Teaching Abroad Direct

Recruitment Agencies

• Teaching Personnel
• Protocol Education
• Reed Education

VisaGigs is useful for finding:

• Visa-sponsored jobs
• International opportunities
• Relocation-friendly employers

Common Mistakes International Teachers Make

Confusing PGCE With QTS

A PGCE does not automatically guarantee long-term teaching eligibility without QTS.

Applying to Non-Sponsoring Schools

Not every school sponsors visas.

Always verify sponsorship availability before applying.

Ignoring Shortage Subjects

Applying in high-demand subjects greatly increases success chances.

Weak CV Formatting

UK schools expect:

• Clear safeguarding awareness
• Structured teaching experience
• Strong classroom management examples

Best Route Depending on Your Situation

If You Are a Fresh Graduate

Best route:

• PGCE with QTS

If You Already Teach Abroad

Best route:

• Assessment Only QTS
• International recognition pathways

If You Want Faster Relocation

Best route:

• Apply directly for shortage subject teaching jobs with sponsorship

Step-by-Step Roadmap for International Teachers

Option 1 — Already Qualified Teacher Abroad

1. Evaluate your qualifications
2. Apply for QTS recognition or assessment route
3. Apply to sponsoring schools
4. Receive sponsorship
5. Apply for Skilled Worker visa

Option 2 — Non-Teacher With Degree

1. Enroll in PGCE/QTS program
2. Complete teacher training
3. Gain QTS
4. Apply for sponsored jobs

Option 3 — International Student Route

1. Study education-related course in UK
2. Complete QTS training
3. Secure teaching job
4. Switch to Skilled Worker visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get QTS Online?

Some iQTS and training programs offer online components, but teaching practice is still required.

Is QTS Valid Outside the UK?

It is highly respected internationally, especially in British curriculum schools.

Can I Move With Family?

Yes. Skilled Worker visas often allow dependents.

Is There an Age Limit?

No official age limit exists.

How Long Does QTS Take?

• Assessment-only: a few months
• PGCE routes: about 1 year

Final Thoughts

QTS is one of the most valuable qualifications for teachers who want to work in the UK. It improves employability, increases salary potential, and opens the door to visa sponsorship opportunities.

For international teachers, the fastest and most practical pathway often depends on:

• Your teaching experience
• Your subject area
• Your existing qualifications

If your goal is relocation through teaching, focus on:

• Shortage subjects
• Schools that sponsor visas
• Obtaining recognized teaching qualifications

With proper planning, teaching can become one of the most reliable pathways to building a career in the UK.