Teaching in British international schools: the complete guide
What it is really like to teach at a British school abroad: who gets hired, typical packages, contracts, career progression and how to choose a school.
Tens of thousands of UK-trained teachers work in British international schools around the world. For many it is a few years of adventure; for others, a whole career. Here is what to expect.
Who gets hired
British international schools generally look for:
- A recognised teaching qualification, usually UK QTS or an equivalent.
- Experience of at least two years post-qualification, preferably in the UK or another British school.
- Curriculum knowledge: EYFS and Key Stages for primary; IGCSE and A-Level specifications for secondary.
- Clean background checks, including a police check from every country you have lived in. Safer recruitment is standard at good schools.
Shortage subjects such as physics, maths, computer science and some languages, as well as experienced Early Years and SEN teachers, are in particular demand.
Typical package
Packages vary widely by country and school, but a full expatriate package commonly includes:
| Element | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Salary | Tax position in the host country; whether paid locally or partly offshore |
| Housing | Provided accommodation or an allowance |
| Flights | Annual return flights home, for you and your dependants |
| Medical insurance | Local or international cover, and whether dependants are included |
| Tuition for children | Number of places and the percentage covered |
| Relocation allowance | Shipping and settling-in costs |
| Pension / gratuity | End-of-contract payment or contributions |
| Professional development | Budget for courses and conferences |
Schools in some markets (often Western Europe) offer locally-hired contracts without housing or flights, but with a higher base salary and local social security. Compare the real disposable income, not just the headline salary.
The recruitment cycle
Most hiring happens between October and February for an August start. See our recruitment season timeline for the month-by-month view.
Career progression
International schools offer leadership responsibility earlier than many UK schools. Common steps are head of department or year, key stage leader, then assistant or deputy head. Many schools fund NPQs and other leadership qualifications. Moving between schools in a region, or within a school group, is a common way to progress.
Choosing a school as a teacher
Ask the same hard questions parents ask, from the inside:
- Staff turnover and average length of stay
- How leadership treats staff wellbeing and workload
- The school’s legal status and the host-country work permit process
- Exactly what the contract says about notice, renewals and end-of-contract payments
- Talk to current staff, not just the headteacher
A good international school is a great place to build a career. A poor one, far from home, is hard to leave mid-contract, so research is worth the time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need QTS to teach in a British international school?
Most reputable British schools abroad ask for UK qualified teacher status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification, plus at least two years' experience. Requirements vary by school and by host-country visa rules.
How long are international teaching contracts?
Two years is the norm for a first contract, often renewable annually or for another two years.
Can I take my family?
Many schools welcome teaching couples and families. Packages for teachers with children often include free or discounted tuition, but the number of dependants covered varies, so check carefully.