Overseas trained teachers

Any overseas trained teacher (OTT) wishing to work as a qualified teacher in England must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Where did you train as a teacher?

Within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland

EEA nationals, who are recognised as qualified school teachers in another EEA member state, or Switzerland, may apply for QTS in England without the need to undertake further training in England.

If this applies to you, you should make an application for QTS to the Teaching Agency.

In Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States

From April 2012, teachers who qualified in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States will be recognised as qualified teachers and be awarded QTS in England without the need to undertake further training in England.

In order to be awarded recognition as a qualified teacher, you must satisfy both of the following conditions:

• You must have completed a course of intial teacher training (ITT) which is recognised by the competent authority in that country; and
• You must have successfully completed or satisfied any further conditions, including any period comparable to an induction period, which are required for employment on a permanent basis in a government school in that country

Teachers who are barred, or subject to any restrictions on their eligibility to teach in their country of qualification, will not be recognised as qualified teachers in England.

Teachers who failed an assessment of the QTS Standards prior to April 2012, as part of a course of ITT in England, will not be awarded QTS under these arrangements - you will need to undertake another course of ITT, and meet all of the Standards, before you can be considered for QTS.

Teachers who previously commenced, but did not complete, a course of ITT may still be considered for QTS without further training.

If this applies to you, you should make an application for QTS to the Teaching Agency.

Elsewhere

If you were trained in a country other than an EEA member state, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the United States, you will need to do the following to gain QTS:

• apply for a work permit, if you require one, to the UK Border Agency (UKBA).
  
• have your overseas qualifications checked for comparability with UK Qualifications, through UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre).
  
• secure a post of at least two terms' duration (where 'term' is defined as a sixth of a school year), either through supply or a fixed-term or permanent contract.

Fixed term and permanent positions

You will need to apply directly to schools advertising positions, as Lambeth are an equal opportunities employer and all jobs have to be advertised.

The best place to look for jobs in Lambeth schools are on the Lambeth and TES websites - the hard-copy Times Educational Supplement is published every Friday.

Supply or temporary work

The Lambeth Schools Supply Service (LSSS) can help teachers find short, long term and even permanent work.

More than 50 per cent of Lambeth schools currently use the service - we also pay to scale, so you receive the correct pay for your qualifications and experience.

• You will also need the support of your Headteacher, as they have to confirm they believe you can meet the Teachers' Standards.
  
• You, or your school, will then need to contact an Emploment Based Initial Teacher Training (EBITT) provider, who will be able to advise you further on timescales, suitability of your post for assessment and the assessment process itself.
  
  Lambeth schools usually work with London South Bank University and E-Qualitas (contact details in right hand column); if they are unable to help, then you should contact the Teaching Agency Teaching Information Line on 08003 892500 for details of other providers.

You must be awarded QTS within four years from the date on which you first work in a state-maintained school or non-maintained special school in England - this is a continuous period, and is only extended for statutory maternity, paternity, adoption or parental leave.

For more information, please go to the Teaching Agency - OTT website, contact the Teaching Information Line on 08003 89250 or at TA.ottp@education.gsi.gov.uk.