Why do rates of pay vary with contract positions and agency payroll?
Working with an Agency allows you to be paid as a qualified teacher. If you sign a contract without obtaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you are paid on the lower unqualified pay scale. Most schools will help you gain your QTS if you sign on for an extended term. It is worth the effort. Most people choose to work with an agency in the long-term so that they don’t have to worry about QTS and because working with an agency allows you the flexibility to work at times convenient to you. A weekly pay cheque from the agency is also an added bonus. Contract employment will mean you are given a monthly salary.

What are the benefits of working long-term through agencies?

• Your wage is calculated and paid directly to your bank account on a weekly basis
• Social events
• Weekly Pay
• Flexibility
• High rates of pay

What are the benefits with signing a year long contract directly with a school?

• Holiday pay
• Continuity of work
• Sick pay

Do agencies/schools subsidise flights to the UK?
Not usually. If a school is desperate to fill a vacancy they may make a trip to Australia on a recruitment drive and offer to pay for your trip to begin work in the UK. More often than not when a school converts your wage to Australian dollars it looks to be a very lucrative amount however most of the time you would be in front if you worked through an agency and paid for your own flights. Please feel free to contact our office if you would like to discuss a remuneration package that you have been offered.

Can I get out of a year long binding contract?
Yes, as long as you give one terms notice. If you are given a work permit it is more difficult without personal hardships. Sponsorship can cost your school a large amount of money, so it is expected that you will give your school a decent length of service in repayment for this. The changing of a teacher mid term can upset the dynamics of a classroom so have a really good think and assess your position before taking on any position.

What expectations do I place on students when I first begin teaching in the UK?
This is an individual decision that is usually governed by your own personality. It is a good idea if you begin teaching in London to try and get to know your class before placing really high expectations on the students. Communication is the key, try to talk about interesting topics that the students will be occupied by.

What do I do if a student threatens me?
Never panic, this is usually a temper issue that can be put at ease with reassurance and level headed thinking. Try to extinguish the tantrum with calming tactics first. If this does not help send a reliable student to the year co-ordinator or office so that someone can come and remove the student from your room.

What do I do if no cover work is left for the class?
Always try to have a contingency plan when it comes to Supply Teaching in London. Plan for the unexpected. It is a good idea to have your own games and activities in case a teacher has not left any/enough work for the students to go on with. Subject managers and year level co-ordinators are a good source of info if you get stuck.

How do I book a cheap holiday?
The internet and TNT always have a good range of holidays for you to choose from. Remember to plan in advance if you want to save as much money as you can.

When is the best time to travel in Europe?
Follow the seasons. It is great travelling Europe at any time of the year. Don’t expect to be skiing the Alps in July!!!!!! Winter in Europe is very cold; always pack warm clothes and remember to read up on busy times of year so that you can book accommodation in advance.

What are the best airports to travel from?
Heathrow is the cheapest to get to but unfortunately most low cost carriers only operate from Luton, Gatwick, Stanstead and London City. Assess which airport is closest to you and try to book when tickets are cheap. Buses service all airports and are the cheapest form of transport but they also take the longest amount of time.

Is it easy to find accommodation in the UK?
If you look in the right places. Checkout our links to accommodation.

Does anything go in Amsterdam?
.... Pretty Much but always remain aware of your surroundings. It's a good idea to read up on all local law prior to travelling to any country.