The United Kingdom has streamlined the process for Nigerian teachers aiming to secure Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), especially those trained in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and modern foreign languages.
This move opens up more opportunities for qualified educators from Nigeria who are interested in relocating to the UK for teaching roles.
According to new guidelines released by the UK’s Department for Education, applicants must meet several requirements to be eligible to teach in secondary schools in England.
A valid international passport is essential, as other forms of identification are not accepted.
In addition, a teaching qualification equivalent to a UK Level 6 or above is required. If this credential is not a bachelor’s degree, applicants must also hold a separate bachelor’s degree.
All listed qualifications must be accompanied by both certificates and academic transcripts or diploma supplements. These documents must clearly show the teaching practice undertaken during training.
However, it’s important to note that some Nigerian qualifications are not recognized in the UK, including the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Teachers Certificate Grade II, and pre-1990 Associate Certificates in Education.
Eligibility is currently limited to those qualified to teach specific subjects such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and several foreign languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.
Degrees in related fields like agricultural science or economics will only be accepted if a significant portion of the academic or training focus was on one of the approved subjects.
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be achieved either through a degree taught in English or by passing a recognized test like IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration.
Once an application for QTS is submitted and accepted, candidates will be required to obtain a Letter of Professional Standing (LoPS) from Nigeria’s Teachers Registration Council (TRCN).
To do this, they must provide their QTS application reference, TRCN certificate and license, a valid ID, and contact details for schools where they’ve taught.
Teaching experience must include post-qualification, unsupervised instruction for at least four students, and working within schools that provide compulsory education.
The application process begins on the official UK government website for QTS applications. After submitting the required qualifications and documents, candidates will undergo an initial review.
If successful, they will be instructed to contact TRCN for their LoPS, which will be sent directly to the UK Department for Education.
Once QTS is granted, teachers can begin applying for jobs. The UK’s Teaching Vacancies website allows applicants to search for positions that offer visa sponsorship.
After securing employment, the school provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is essential for applying for the UK Skilled Worker Visa.
To complete the visa process, applicants must pay the necessary fees, including the Immigration Health Surcharge, submit biometric data, and prepare for relocation. This includes booking travel, finding accommodation, and learning about the UK school system and culture.
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