Information for Overseas Trained Teachers about Teaching in British Schools
All state-maintained schools teach the National Curriculum which is divided up into a number of Key Stages. If you are serious about teaching in the UK you would do well to read up on the National Curriculum a little before beginning job interviews.
The Key Stages are:
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Key Stage
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Age Range
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School year
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Early Years/
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3 to 4
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Nursery
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Foundation
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4 to 5
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Reception
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Key Stage
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5 to 6
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Year 1
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Primary
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1
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6 to 7
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Year 2
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7 to 8
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Year 3
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Key Stage
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8 to 9
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year 4
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2
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9 to 10
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Year 5
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10 to 11
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Year 6
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Key Stage
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11 to 12
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Year 7
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Secondary
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3
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12 to 13
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Year 8
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13 to 14
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Year 9
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Key Stage
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14 to 15
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Year 10
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4
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15 to 16
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Year 11
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AS
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16 to 17
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Year 12
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Level
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17 to 18
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Year 13
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School Terms in the UK
The UK school year starts in September and ends in July. The year is split into 3 school terms with a short half term break in the middle of each school term. The longest break is held during the summer which usually runs for about 6 weeks.
The year is set out approximately as below:
Autumn School Term - Early September till late December (Christmas Holidays about 2 weeks)
Spring School Term - Early January till Easter Weekend in April (Easter Holidays about 2 weeks)
Summer School Term - After Easter till late July (Summer Holidays about 6 weeks)
Overseas Trained Teachers and QTS
Overseas trained teachers (OTT) are allowed to work in the UK for a period of up to four years without holding QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). It is important to note that it is mandatory that all Overseas trained teachers attain QTS within 4 years from when they first start teaching in the UK. If you plan on staying awhile or possibly returning to teach in the UK one day, it's important that you obtain your QTS. This can be done by:
- The OTT program is for experienced overseas trained teachers
- The NQT program is for newly qualified teachers with less than 1year teaching experience
- The recognition of experience route for those who are experienced teaching in the UK
- The Postgraduate Certificate of Education is an option for those who cannot undertake one of the on-the-job routes above
The Training Development Agency for Schools has more information about QTS.
