Teaching in Australia from the UK - What is it really like?
Are you interested in teaching in Australia from the UK? You’re in the right place. Recently I watched a YouTube video that stated you are less likely to get a job in Australia teaching than you are elsewhere abroad. I don’t think this is necessarily true. You just have to be open to teaching outside the main capital cities and tourist hotspots. I can definitely say there is a demand in the regional areas and this does not mean teaching in the outback. There are many options to teach near the beach too.
Disclaimer: the comments below are based solely on my experience as a British secondary teacher, teaching English and Humanities on the Central Queensland Coast.
What do you need to know before teaching in Australia from the UK?
- You will need to get a visa and there are different types (Working Holiday Visa ‘WHV’ 417/ Skilled Visa)
- If you are under 30, the easiest one to get is the WHV but it comes with limitations, as you can only work with one employer for 6 months. That equates to 2 terms, unless you do supply teaching.
- If you want to get sponsorship, this is likely to be regional, as there are enough teachers working in the cities (but it is not impossible).
- Not all teaching qualifications from the UK will be accepted. If you did not do a university based teaching degree then you will not be able to teach in Australia.
- Nor will you be able to teach if you do not have the required amount of supervised student teaching from your teacher training days. But.. it is still possible, so don’t let that put you off. I completed the Teach First (TF) programme, which is considered an ‘unusual’ way into teaching. Therefore, I completed a portfolio of evidence, after a lengthy and difficult application process (jumping through A LOT of hoops).
- Each state is different, so it is difficult to teach across states. Choose carefully where you want to teach and follow their specific requirements. Eg the Victorian Institute of Teaching or the Queensland College of Teaching (I know there are TF teachers teaching in both of these states- so it is possible here)
- You can get a job before you fly out. I used the Smart Teacher’s Agency and had a fantastic experience with them. What’s great is I felt supported with my QCT application, interview preparation and landing the job. I honestly couldn’t have done it without them. Contact one of their officers. They are in a partnership with TES, so it’s very legit!
What is the academic year like in Australia?
The school year comprises four terms running from late January until December. Each state is different though and if you teach in an independent school then you will likely have more holidays than in the state system.
Generally it looks like this:
Late January to Easter (two weeks’ holiday)- Term 1
Easter to June (two weeks’ holiday)- Term 2
July to September (two weeks’ holiday)- Term 3
October to December (five weeks’ holiday)- Term 4
What's appealing about teaching abroad?
- You can grow as an educator and learn different pedagogies.
- Not only can you travel in the country, but you are closer to other destinations than you are from the UK. Eg New Zealand, Polynesian Islands and Asia (from Australia).
- You become internationally minded and this can go a long way in teaching and inspiring young people.
- There is an opportunity to challenge yourself and teach new subjects and curriculum. For example, down under there is an expectation that teachers teach more than one subject. I got to teach History and Geography and whilst daunting at first, it challenged my subject knowledge and allowed a more cross-curricular view of teaching.
- You will grow as a person. No doubt about that.
- Generally Australia is much more relaxed, the schools are not data driven, there is no Ofsted and no marking policies. Guess what? The students still made progress and were prepared for life after school…
- Your salary is higher (double what you are paid in the UK), but the cost of living can be higher too.
- There is a different curriculum, but it is not too difficult to grasp. I found that you could teach in similar ways and they taught very similar texts to the UK.
- You don’t take as much work home and this greatly improves your work life balance. I had time for reading, yoga, brunch with friends. At first I did not know what to do with all my free time. Hard to imagine that isn’t it?
- The year groups are different; the UK’s Year 10 is Australia’s Grade 9… and the exam years are different too.
Best advice for educators relocating overseas:
- Do not criticise the school or practices, instead embrace them and input your ideas with respect.
- Be patient with the process of getting certified and try and complete your application as early as possible to avoid waiting, as it can be a lengthy process.
- There is always CRT (Casual Relief Teaching) if you struggle to find a permanent job. The market can be competitive, especially for primary educators but you can get paid $300 a day and the work is usually consistent.
If you have any questions about teaching in Australia from the UK or any further tips for those seeking to make the change. Please leave them below in the comments. I can only answer and speak about my own experiences and I know this won’t be the same for everyone!
If you want to work in Australia, but you are not a teacher, then click here for the best backpacker jobs to save money.
Photo Credit:Averagelives.com
Hi,
I am really wanting to relocate to Oz to teach. I also completed the Teach First program and wondered if you could explain why this was a difficult route and the application process.
Thanks!
S
Hello! It would vary from state to state but the Queensland College of Teachers were unhappy with the days I was observed in school as they have a required number of days. It is a lot of jumping through hoops but it was 100% worth it. First decide a state you want to go to and apply through their application process. Let me know if you have any other questions! Rach
Hi, I am replying to your comment as I have also been wondering the same thing and you are probably going through the process now.
I also completed the Teach First programme and know that the skills test can be. How have you got on?
Hello,
I want to move to Adelaide, as my partner has got a job there. I am an ECT and have no idea where to start with the process of trying to get a teaching job over there. Does it matter that I am an ECT?
Hey Amy!
You need to register with the the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. https://www.trb.sa.edu.au/ . As you have an oversees qualification, you will first need to check if they accept it by submitting an Application for assessments of qualifications. Once you have done this – you will be able to get a job. Without it – it will be harder. Then you can check on usual sites like Indeed or on https://jobs.education.sa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=106&VacancyTypeID=36229&VacanySubTypeID=36234,36235,36236,36237,36238. Hope that helps! You can do it as an ECT!
Hi,
I am glad I have found this article as its so hard to find information.
I am.wondering if you can offer advice.
I did the bsc science with qts which is the three year ITE degree from the uk which is not recognised In Australia. I then did post grad units to gain a pgce but this was top up to gain 4 years equivalent of study time as the aitsl days it required it. I was just about to pay fir a skills assessment but I read that this also may not be enough. Can I produce a portfolio of evidence and would this help my application?
Thanks in advance, I had given up hope but seems as you found a way, maybe I can.