TEFL Certificate UK

The Country

There is great demand for English language teachers in the UK, with demand increasing over the summer months due to the many (some estimate at least 800) intensive summer school programs. There are opportunities for teaching English in the UK year round, but competition for jobs is quite strong, so a little persistence is necessary in order to secure a position.

Many qualified and experienced English teachers return to the UK from their time teaching abroad and seek further employment teaching English in the UK. Combine this with the many teachers with higher TEFL qualifications such as a Dip TEFL, and you can see why access to jobs teaching English in the UK demands teaching experience and often a higher qualification.

There are still opportunities for the newly qualified teacher during the summer months, and for returning teachers throughout the year.

Teachers are usually paid per hour or class, with the pay being between GBP8-14 per hour. Preference is given to EU passport holders, and of course, UK nationals, but jobs are available for those from outside the EU through the Student Work Abroad Program.

The cost of living in the UK is increasing every year and increasingly English teachers are finding it more difficult to make ends meet by just working for a language school. To increase income here it is useful to seek private lessons to support your language school hours.

Opportunities for teaching English in the UK are very good during the summer months of July and August when thousands of English language students from all over the world come to England, Scotland and Wales for summer holiday language camps, where they combine language learning with extra curricular activities and cultural tours.

English teaching positions during the summer are well paid (up to GBP300 per week), and often include free accommodation and meals. Positions are advertised as early as February with schools continuing to recruit even during July and August.

Sample Job offer for Teaching English in the UK

"Summer EFL Jobs in Brighton, England. 6wk contract. Remuneration Package includes:
£205.00 per week (Wed to Wed), accommodation for duration of contract. Full board (3 meals & 2 refreshment breaks daily), sports / recreation facilities available in certain sessions, £5 lunch money, in addition to packed lunch, when on Full-Day Excursion Duty, £50 contribution to travel expenses to Hurstpierpoint (Less Tax), 1 day off per week, 2 day Induction Course. Responsibilities: Plan and teach 15 hours a week: Fri, Sat, Sun, Tue, Wed using course books and materials of your choice. Supervise dormitories and activities after class and at weekends. Deliver 3 homework preparation lessons per week on Fri, Sun, Wed. Test, evaluate and monitor student’s progress once a week. Write final certificates and reports: once a week. Attendance & supervision on full-day and afternoon excursions: one per week. We are looking for teachers who are native speakers, are enthusiastic and willing to work with young students, have relevant EFL training / degrees / certificates, have classroom experience at any level, are prepared to accept other duties as well as teaching (i.e. Excursions, residential supervision)."