02 May Overseas Trained Teachers: How to Succeed in UK Primary Schools with Support from Moore Teachers
If you’re an overseas trained teacher (OTT) considering teaching in UK primary schools, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. The UK education system offers incredible professional opportunities, but the path can be a little complex without the right guidance.
That’s where Moore Teachers, HFL Education’s Primary Specialist, comes in. We’ve supported many overseas trained teachers in navigating their careers in the UK. From understanding ENIC and the 4-year rule, to gaining valuable key stage experience and preparing for interviews, we’re here to help you succeed—every step of the way.
1. Get Your Qualifications Recognised Through ENIC
Before you begin teaching in UK schools, your qualifications will likely need to be verified by UK ENIC (formerly NARIC). This confirms that your degree or teacher training meets UK standards.
Why ENIC is essential:
- It proves your overseas qualifications are equivalent to UK qualifications.
- Many schools and local authorities require it.
- It’s often a prerequisite for obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Applying early for your ENIC certificate ensures you can begin teaching roles quickly and legally in the UK.
Read our blog on how to gain your QTS via the Assessment Only route!
2. Understand the 4-Year Rule
The 4-year rule allows overseas trained teachers to work in state-maintained schools in England without QTS for up to four years from the start of their first teaching role.
Key facts about the 4-year rule:
- Applies from the first day you teach in a maintained UK school.
- After four years, you must obtain QTS to continue in state schools.
- This rule does not apply to independent or academy schools, which may have more flexibility.
- You can apply for QTS during this time, often via the Assessment Only route if you’re experienced.
At Moore Teachers, we make sure all our overseas teachers understand this timeline. We’ll help you plan your route toward QTS to ensure long-term success.
3. Gain Experience Across UK Key Stages
UK primary education is structured into:
- Key Stage 1 (KS1): Years 1–2 (ages 5–7)
- Key Stage 2 (KS2): Years 3–6 (ages 7–11)
Having experience across both key stages is incredibly valuable when applying for long-term roles. Additionally, if you decide to apply for the Assessment Only route, many training providers will require this experience. Moore Teachers can help you with this!
How Moore Teachers helps:
- We can place you in a variety of year groups to broaden your skills.
- We offer honest feedback to help you grow.
- Our schools trust our recommendations, often leading to offers of long-term or even permanent positions.
Gaining hands-on experience across key stages demonstrates your adaptability and increases your appeal to hiring schools.
4. Start with Short-Term Roles to Build Experience and Confidence
Many overseas teachers benefit from starting with daily supply or short-term placements. This gives you the chance to understand UK classroom practices, behaviour management expectations, and curriculum structures without the immediate pressure of a full-time post.
Moore Teachers offers:
- Access to a wide network of trusted primary schools.
- Placements that match your experience and goals.
- Support throughout your placement—from planning to classroom delivery.
- Guidance on curriculum resources and interview prep.
Many of our OTTs who begin on supply work go on to secure long-term teaching positions—often within the first term!
5. Use UK Experience to Stand Out in Interviews
When it comes time to apply for long-term roles, your UK teaching experience gives you an important edge. You’ll be more prepared to talk confidently about:
- Adapting to the UK curriculum
- Managing behaviour and SEN in line with school policies
- Working with teaching assistants and parents
- Meeting Ofsted expectations
6. Why Work with Moore Teachers?
At Moore Teachers, we work with a lot of overseas trained teachers. As part of HFL Education, we have long-standing relationships with Hertfordshire and West Essex primary schools and understand exactly what headteachers are looking for.
What sets us apart:
- We offer personalised support to help you transition into UK schools.
- We have deep expertise in primary education, especially for OTTs.
- Many of our schools are happy to support OTTs into long-term teaching positions.
Whether you’re just arriving or already teaching in the UK, Moore Teachers is here to guide you toward a fulfilling teaching career.
Teaching in UK primary schools as an overseas trained teacher is a rewarding experience—but having the right support makes all the difference. From getting your qualifications recognised to navigating the 4-year rule, building key stage experience, and preparing for interviews, working with Moore Teachers gives you the best possible foundation.
Contact Moore Teachers today by calling us on 01992 611902 or by uploading your CV via our Contact Form. We’ve helped lots of international teachers thrive in UK classrooms—and we’re ready to help you too!