The UK education system is experiencing an unprecedented demand for qualified educators. From primary schools to secondary academies and colleges, educational institutions are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit locally, especially in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), and Special Educational Needs (SEN). To combat this, the UK government actively encourages overseas educators to apply, making teaching jobs UK with visa sponsorship one of the most stable routes to moving to and working in the country.
For international teachers, the path to a UK classroom involves understanding the qualified teacher status (QTS) process, navigating school academy trust sponsorships, and meeting the specific salary requirements established for 2026. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to secure a sponsored teaching position in the UK.
The State of Teacher Recruitment in the UK
Teacher shortages span the entire country, but regional schools and large Academy Trusts face the toughest recruitment hurdles. To fill these gaps, the Home Office permits state-funded schools, independent schools, and academy networks to sponsor international candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route. Teaching roles are highly regarded, and because these positions are tied to national pay scales, the visa application process has specific salary exemptions and rules that differ slightly from corporate sectors.
Salary Thresholds for Teachers in 2026
Immigration regulations for Skilled Workers require sponsored employees to meet minimum salary thresholds. However, public sector roles governed by national pay scales—including teachers holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)—benefit from special rules:
- Standard Skilled Worker Threshold: While the standard minimum salary for corporate workers is £41,700, sponsored teachers on recognized national pay scales are subject to a lower minimum threshold, typically aligned with the national teacher pay scales (generally starting at around £23,200 per year or the actual pay scale rate, whichever is higher).
- Unqualified Teachers: If you do not yet hold QTS but are hired to teach, you may be sponsored, but you must meet either the unqualified teacher pay scale rates or standard thresholds depending on the specific job classification and school type. Check our detailed salary requirements guide for a complete breakdown of professional thresholds.
- New Entrant Threshold: For younger teachers (under 26) or those transitioning from a Graduate visa, the minimum general salary threshold is £30,960 if not on a recognized national pay scale.
Top Academy Trusts and Schools That Sponsor Visas
Rather than individual schools, it is often most effective to target Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). MATs are groups of schools operating under a single administrative umbrella, and they almost always hold group-wide A-rated sponsor licences. Here are the leading academy trusts offering visa sponsorship:
1. Harris Federation
The Harris Federation is one of the most successful MATs in England, managing dozens of primary and secondary academies across London and the South East. They have a dedicated international recruitment team and frequently sponsor teachers in secondary mathematics, sciences, computer science, and English.
2. Ark Schools
Ark is a network of 39 schools in London, Birmingham, Portsmouth, and Hastings. They have a strong reputation for professional development and actively sponsor overseas teachers. They offer support for gaining QTS while working, making them a popular choice for international graduates.
3. United Learning
United Learning operates over 100 academies and independent schools across the UK. Because of their size, they have a massive capacity for visa sponsorship and recruit teachers across almost all subject areas, including primary education and early years specialties.
4. Oasis Community Learning
Oasis runs over 50 academies across England. They focus on community-centric education and have a long history of hiring and sponsoring international staff. They frequently sponsor teachers in regional towns where local recruitment is exceptionally challenging.
5. Academies Enterprise Trust (AET)
AET is a national network of nearly 60 primary, secondary, and special schools. They regularly sponsor teachers for STEM subjects and special education roles, offering comprehensive support through the visa application process.
How to Secure a Sponsored Teaching Job in the UK
Landing a sponsored teaching role requires a structured approach. Follow these essential steps:
Step 1: Check School Licence Status
Before applying for a teaching role, confirm that the school or trust is a licensed sponsor. You can search our live database of licensed employers at the UK sponsor directory. If the school is not on this list, they cannot issue the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) required for your visa.
Step 2: Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
While some independent schools can sponsor unqualified teachers, having QTS makes you highly competitive and qualifies you for public sector pay scale salary thresholds. If you trained outside the UK (e.g., in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, or the EU), you can often apply for QTS online without further training. Check the GOV.UK teacher training portal to verify your eligibility.
Step 3: Monitor Employer Changes
Schools and education providers frequently apply for new sponsor licences as their recruitment needs evolve. Keep an eye on new additions and changes to the register using our licence changes directory to find newly approved education sponsors.
Step 4: Use Our Sponsorship Checker
If you are in discussions with an independent school or a small academy, use our sponsor checker to verify their licence class, ensuring it is A-rated and active under the Skilled Worker route before signing any contract.
The Visa Application Process for Teachers
Once you receive a formal job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed school trust, you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa. The process involves:
- Submitting your visa application online via the GOV.UK portal.
- Providing your CoS reference number and details of your salary.
- Passing the English language requirement (unless you are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English).
- Providing a criminal record certificate from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years (mandatory for education roles).
- Paying the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can primary school teachers get visa sponsorship in the UK?
Yes. Primary school teachers are fully eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided they are hired by a licensed school and their salary meets the required pay scale thresholds.
Are supply (substitute) teachers eligible for sponsorship?
Generally, no. Supply teachers work temporarily across multiple schools, whereas visa sponsorship requires a permanent contract or a fixed-term contract with a single licensed employer who acts as your sponsor.
Does a teaching visa allow me to bring my family?
Yes. Teachers sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route are permitted to bring their partners and dependent children to the UK, unlike new care workers who face restrictions on dependants.