Moving to the UK to teach is an exciting adventure, but preparing for it while still in Australia can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don't have to wait until you land to start your teaching journey. With the right preparation and support, you can secure teaching opportunities before you even board your flight.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for teaching jobs in the UK, from Australia, visa requirements, to acing your virtual interviews.

Exploring Teaching Opportunities Across England and Wales

The UK offers diverse teaching opportunities across different regions, each with its own character and benefits. Whether you're drawn to bustling cities or peaceful countryside, there's a perfect location for your teaching career. Below are some of the locations you can choose from with Zen Educate: 

Major Cities

• London

• Birmingham

• Manchester

• Leeds

• Liverpool

• Nottingham

• Leicester

Coastal Living

• Devon

• Cornwall

• Sussex

Regional Hubs

• Bristol

• South Yorkshire

• Cardiff

• Derby

• Preston

Commutable to London

• Surrey

• Hertfordshire

• Essex

• Berkshire

View all positions in England and Wales

Zen Educate's Comprehensive Support

Zen Educate offers teaching positions across the above regions for Nursery, Primary, Secondary, and SEN teachers. Our innovative platform allows you to apply for teaching opportunities based on your preferences, including location and commute time. This means you can find the perfect match for your lifestyle and career goals, whether you prefer city centre excitement or countryside tranquillity.

Mastering Your Virtual Interview

Since you'll be interviewing from Australia, video interviews will be your primary method of connecting with UK schools. Here's how to ensure you present yourself professionally and effectively.

Free Interview Training and Support

Start your free training to help you prepare

Zen Educate offers free training and support to help you prepare for interviews. This includes:

• Mock interview sessions

• Feedback on your interview

• Guidance on common UK interview questions

• Tips for discussing your Australian experience in a UK context

Making Your Application Stand Out

Your application is your first impression with UK schools. Here's how to make it compelling:

Highlighting Your Australian Experience

UK schools value the fresh perspective and diverse experience that international teachers bring. Emphasise:

• Your adaptability and Australian experience

• Unique teaching methods or approaches from Australia

• Cultural awareness and the ability to work with diverse communities

Demonstrating UK Knowledge

Show that you've done your homework:

• Reference the National Curriculum in your application

• Mention specific UK educational initiatives or policies

• Discuss how your skills align with UK teaching standards

• Show awareness of current educational trends in the UK

• Visit the school's website to understand the school's values and ethos

Understanding the school

Important topics to research:

• What are the school values and ethos?

• What is their approach to teaching and learning?

• Who are the key members of staff?

• Who is their designated safeguarding lead?

• What does their latest OFSTED report say?

• How are children with SEND supported and included?

• What is their approach/policy for behaviour management?

All of this information can be found on their school website and in their policies and procedures.

Types of interview questions

School leaders will ask questions to help them understand if you have the right experience, skills and values to work within their school.

Questions will typically fall into two groups:

1. Competency-based questions about teaching and learning

2. General interview questions about e.g. why you’re interested in this position

Competency interview questions

Competency-based questions are used to assess whether you have the right skill, knowledge and attitude to perform well within the role.

Key competencies the panel will be looking to assess are:

• Teamwork

• Ownership

• Communication

• Creativity

• Teaching and learning knowledge (pedagogy for teachers)

• Supporting children with SEND

General interview questions 

Always remember to prepare answers for more general questions. These can really help the school get to know you better, and importantly, your motivations for working with young people.

Some good examples are:

• Why do you want to work with young people?

• Why do you want to work at this school?

• Why do you want to work as a Teacher?

• What do you think will be the challenges for you in this role? (Remember to have some good examples of how you propose to overcome them!)

Technical Preparation

Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection. Consider having a backup option, like mobile data ready.

Audio and Video Quality: Test your microphone and camera beforehand. Clear audio is more important than perfect video quality, but both should be functional.

Platform Familiarity: Whether it's Zoom, Teams, or another platform, practice using the software beforehand to avoid technical difficulties during the interview.

Setting the Scene

Location: Choose a quiet, well-lit room where you won't be interrupted. Natural light is ideal, but avoid sitting with bright light behind you.

Background: Keep your background simple and professional. A plain wall or bookshelf works well. Avoid anything distracting or too personal.

Positioning: Position your camera at eye level to maintain natural eye contact. Sit up straight and ensure your face is clearly visible.

Professional Presentation

Dress Code: Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Professional attire shows respect for the process and helps you feel confident.

Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera (not the screen), and use natural hand gestures. Smile genuinely to show enthusiasm.

Preparation Materials: Have your CV, portfolio, and any relevant documents easily accessible. Keep notes nearby.

Checklist

Use the following checklist to ensure you have everything prepared for the day!

• Research the school (visit their website)

• Know why you want to work at the school

• Prepare any nerve-calming exercises

• Prepare examples for competency questions

• Prepare examples for general interview questions

• Plan your outfit

• Test your internet connection

• Refresh your knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education

• Remember to smile, say hello and breathe

You can complete your Safeguarding Children Level 2 CPD qualification for FREE here - LVL2 Safeguarding Training

Taking the Next Step

Teaching in the UK offers incredible opportunities for professional growth, cultural exchange, and exploring Europe (with 13 weeks' holiday a year). With proper preparation and the right support, you can secure a position before you even leave Australia.

Zen Educate's platform makes this process straightforward by connecting you directly with schools across England and Wales. Our comprehensive support system ensures you're prepared not just for your applications and interviews, but for your entire transition to UK teaching.

Create your profile today and start browsing long-term opportunities!