A comprehensive guide for teachers from Spain looking to teach in England

As a teacher in Spain, your training and experience will allow you to teach in different countries. Over many years, we have worked closely with teachers from Spain who are looking to teach in England. If this is of interest to you, we've written you a comprehensive guide to cover everything you need to know about becoming a teaching in England.

But rest assured, we can help you every step of the way, just sign up FREE here

Teaching in England can be a fun and rewarding experience that really helps to develop your experience and improve your teaching skills. Even if you only spend a few years, teaching in the UK, you will return home a better teacher. If you really catch the travel bug, you can use your experience here to keep travelling and work elsewhere in Europe or around the world. 

Understanding the English Education System and how it differs to Spain

The English education system is slightly different from the education system in Spain. Children in England start primary school at the age of four or five and move on to secondary school at the age of 11. Secondary school lasts for five years and ends with the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. After GCSEs, students can choose to continue their education in sixth form or college.

In terms of teaching methods, the English education system places a greater emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking than the Spanish education system. Teachers are expected to facilitate learning and encourage students to think for themselves, rather than simply imparting knowledge.

Qualifications and Requirements for Becoming a Teacher in England

To become a teacher in England, you need to have a degree and a teaching qualification. The teaching qualification can be a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) program. These programs typically last for one year and involve practical classroom experience, as well as academic study.

In addition to a degree and teaching qualification, you will also need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is a background check that ensures you do not have a criminal record. You will also need to meet the national standards for teachers, which include having good communication skills, being able to plan and deliver lessons effectively, and having a commitment to professional development.

What you’ll need to teach in England

If you are already a qualified teacher, you do not need to retrain to teach in England.

You will need:

• to apply for English ‘qualified teacher status’, or be able to demonstrate strong non-UK qualifications and experience
• a high standard of written and spoken English
• to pass criminal and professional safeguarding checks (these will be organised by your employer)
• a visa or immigration status allowing you to work in the UK

The correct visa or status could be one of the following:

• a pre-existing right to work in the UK, such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• a job offer allowing you to apply for a skilled worker visa - you can read more about that here 
• eligibility for another type of visa

Finding Job Opportunities in England

This is where Aquinas Education really show our strength. We are recruiting for teaching jobs across the whole of England and the UK. We have teams based in offices around England who have specialist knowledge of their own area, so if you're interested in working in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham or anywhere, the local team have all the answers to any questions you may have. 

Working closely with you, we will help you find suitable job opportunities, prepare your application materials, and provide support throughout the application and interview process.

Applying for Jobs and Interview Tips

When applying for jobs, it's important to tailor your application to the specific job and school you are applying to. We will work with you to ensure your application highlights your teaching experience and your knowledge of the English education system. You should also include any relevant qualifications, such as a PGCE or SCITT qualification.

When preparing for an interview, we will help you to research the school and its ethos, as well as the specific job you are applying for. It's a good idea to think about how you can contribute to the school and how you can help students achieve their goals. Be prepared to answer questions about your teaching style, your teaching experience, and your ability to work as part of a team with other teachers and staff.

Tips for Relocating to England

Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience, but we can help you make this transition much smoother. Before you move, research the area where you will be living and find out about local amenities and services. Join social media groups for expats and teachers in the UK, and connect with other teachers from Spain who have made the move. When you arrive in the UK, our team will meet you at the airport and help you settle in, so you will immediately feel welcome.

In terms of what else you can do, here are a few tips. 

• Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, but there are things you can do to make the transition easier. The following are some tips for adjusting to the culture in England:
• Learn about the culture: Before you arrive in England, research the culture and customs. This will help you to understand the people and the way of life.
• Join social groups: Joining social groups can help you to meet new people and make friends. There are many social groups for expats and overseas teachers in England.
• Explore the local area: Exploring the local area can help you to familiarise yourself with the new environment. Visit local attractions and try new foods.
• Be open-minded: Be open-minded and willing to try new things. Embrace the differences and learn from them.
• Get involved: Getting involved in local activities and events can help you to feel part of the community. Volunteer or join a club or society.

Catholic Schools in England

If you are a Spanish Catholic teacher, you will find that Catholic schools in England provide a supportive and welcoming environment in which to teach. These schools aim to provide a Catholic education to their students, which means that they teach the Catholic faith and values as part of their curriculum.

Catholic schools in England are similar to other schools in terms of the subjects they teach and the qualifications they offer. However, they also have a distinct religious dimension, which is reflected in the ethos of the school and the way in which the curriculum is taught.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales runs a network of over 2,000 schools, which educate around 800,000 students. These schools are divided into primary schools, which cater to children aged 4-11, and secondary schools, which cater to children aged 11-18.

Catholic schools in England are known for their high academic standards and their emphasis on discipline and moral values. They are also known for their sense of community and the strong relationships that exist between students, parents, and teachers.

At Aquinas Education we work with many Catholic schools across London and Liverpool as well as the rest of the UK. We have opportunities available for great teachers to join these schools. We advertise many of these roles but others are filled almost immediately by people who have registered with us. It's why we recommend registering if you're interested in a role that you don't see advertised. 

Summary

Teaching in England for Spanish teachers is an exciting opportunity to travel, learn and develop your teaching skills. When you register with Aquinas Education we will make the move as easy and straightforward as possible and do much of the background work for you, so you don't need to worry. 

Teach in England, you'll be made very welcome.