Overseas trained teachers

There are over 60 overseas trained teachers currently employed in Bedfordshire schools. If you have a teaching qualification obtained from any country which is part of the European Economic Area your qualifications will probably be recognised by the General Teaching Council for England and you will be awarded QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).

For other teachers it will be necessary for you to be assessed - by showing that you are familiar with the National Curriculum and current 'competencies' for all teachers in England. Schools are able to offer training and support to help overseas teachers and the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) makes a grant available to fund the cost of this.

Currently teachers may work for up to four years as a temporary teacher without QTS. You cannot work beyond this even if you have been granted Leave to Remain. It is expected that you will be able to achieve QTS within this time.

If you are looking to work in Bedfordshire you should apply to schools advertising suitable vacancies in the usual way. Where necessary schools will apply for a work permit on your behalf. All training and/or assessment places are allocated by local Designated Recommending Bodies (DRBs).

Places are limited therefore you are advised to contact them to check availability. Details of all DRBs can be found on the TDA website.