Overseas applicants
You must have qualified teacher status (QTS) to take up a teaching post in England in a maintained school or non-maintained special school. The same requirement to hold QTS is not currently in place for free schools or for academies (depending on their funding agreement). This is subject to change from 1st September 2027.
Important eligibility update
From 9 September 2026, teachers who completed their teacher training in Ghana, India or Nigeria are no longer eligible to apply for QTS through the Apply for QTS in England service. Alternative routes into teaching in England may still be available. Click here for further information. Department for Education
Qualified teachers from outside of the UK
If you are a qualified teacher from outside the UK, there are opportunities to teach in England and bring your skills and experience to a diverse range of schools. England's education system offers a wide range of career opportunities and professional development pathways. If you completed your teacher training outside the UK, you may be able to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements. Visit Overseas -trained teachers:apply for qualified teaching status in England for further information.
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), an executive agency of the Department for Education, is the awarding body for QTS.
Click to check you are eligible to apply for QTS, and to see ways to get into teaching if you have trained outside the UK
Before applying for QTS
Eligibility to apply for QTS depends on where you completed your teacher training and whether you meet the Department for Education's requirements. Click here for further information.
Teachers who completed recognised teacher training in the following countries and regions may be eligible to apply for QTS in England:
Additional arrangements apply to teachers who qualified in:
Jamaica
Singapore
South Africa
Full eligibility criteria are available through the Department for Education's QTS application service.
QTS, visas and employment
Holding QTS can improve your opportunities when applying for teaching roles in England. However, obtaining QTS does not guarantee employment and does not provide a visa. [gov.uk]
Schools and trusts recruit independently and make their own appointment decisions. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet the relevant immigration and right-to-work requirements before employment can begin.
What you will normally need to apply for QTS
Applicants will typically need to demonstrate that they:
Hold a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree
Have full professional status to teach in the country where they qualified
Have completed any mandatory induction, probation or professional requirements required in that country
Have at least one school year of teaching experience after qualifying as a teacher
Have no conditions or restrictions on their teaching practice
Meet the required standard of English language proficiency where applicable
Further requirements may apply depending on the country where your teaching qualification was obtained. Full details can be found through the Department for Education's QTS service. [gov.uk]
To fulfil employment requirements you will also need to provide:
Proof of identity
Verification of right to work in the United Kingdom
Overseas police check (if applicable) – police clearance checks need to be issued within 3 months prior to leaving an overseas country
Qualifications that meet UK equivalent standards – check here
Proof of address
National Insurance number
UK bank account details
Minimum of two verified and authenticated references. Candidates must submit the two most recent professional reference letters or referee contact details. All referees are then contacted to verify authenticity. References are assessed to ensure candidates’ suitability to work in schools
Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. For further information, see www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview
Fitness to work and occupational health clearance
Requirements may vary between employers. Check the information provided by the recruiting school or trust for full details.