Frequently asked questions

To register, you will need to fill in our online registration form, then visit us in branch so we can validate your documents. See our page that explains the process to apply in full for more details.

Your DBS certificate needs to be on the update service in order to use it to work at TeacherActive. If it’s not, you will need to apply for a TeacherActive DBS. Please speak to your consultant for more information.

If you’re working on a supply basis, you will be paid every week in arrears, meaning whatever you worked over the last week, you will get paid for in the following week.

No, all of our staff are paid on a PAYE basis via our outsourced payroll provider Workwell. meaning your tax and National Insurance are also deducted from your pay. There are no hidden fees, and what is on your pay slip is yours to keep.

When you are on standby, that means you will be ready and available for work the following day. By going on standby, our team know you are up and ready for the school day and can accept work in your area. See this video by My-Progression for more details.

TeacherActive does not have access to your pay slips, they are kept in a secure system with your payroll provider Workwell. Contact Workwell to access your pay slips.

Firstly, contact your consultant so we can keep your details up to date on our system. You will then need to contact your payroll provider Workwell to update your details.

TeacherActive does not create your P45 or P60, this is kept with your payroll provider Workwell. Please contact Workwell to have this sent to you.

If you're on standby, you need to be up, ready and have your bag packed ready for work at 7:30 AM. This is so if any relevant emergency cover work comes in, you are ready to support the school or educational setting.

When your consultant asks for your availability, it means they are preparing for when placements become available and ensuring you are on the shortlist. By keeping your availability up to date, you're more likely to know when work in your area has become available, and may even have the first chance at a long-term role.

If your availability changes, simply let your consultant know. You can change your availability anytime by phoning or emailing your consultant or local office.

If you're heading into an education setting for the first time, it's always best to dress in smart business dress. In general, this can relate to smart suits or separate smart jackets, shirts, trousers or skirt combinations, along with smart footwear. Be sure to check the school's dress code policy when you are able to.

For more information on dress code, along with what to wear in early years of SEND settings, check out My-Progression's video.

Workwell is the new Eden. Eden has been TeacherActive’s payroll provider and since December 2021 they have been part of the Workwell Group of companies. Now they are known as Workwell, which is what will appear on documents such as payslips.

An education recruitment agency specialises in helping schools and educational institutions find qualified teachers and support staff. We also assist educators in securing the best teaching jobs across the UK, whether for permanent roles, supply teaching, or specialist positions.

TeacherActive connects teachers and support staff with teaching jobs that match their skills, experience, and career goals. We work with schools across the UK, offering permanent, temporary, and supply teaching positions. Simply register with us, and our recruitment consultants will help you find the perfect role.

We recruit for a wide range of teaching jobs, from Early Career Teachers (ECTs) to experienced educators. Whether you're newly qualified or have years of experience, our team can help you find suitable opportunities in primary, secondary, and SEN schools.

No, our services are completely free for teachers. Schools cover the recruitment fees, so educators can benefit from our support in securing the best teaching jobs without any cost.

The time frame depends on the type of teaching job you're looking for. Supply teachers can often start within days, while permanent roles may take a few weeks. Our team works efficiently to match you with the right opportunities as quickly as possible.

Yes! Our education recruitment agency provides CV advice, interview coaching, and career support to help you secure your ideal teaching job.

Using an education recruitment agency like TeacherActive streamlines the job search process and gives you access to a wider range of teaching jobs that may not be advertised publicly. Our team has established relationships with schools across the UK, allowing us to match you with roles that best fit your experience and career goals. We also provide CV support, interview coaching, and career guidance, making the entire process easier and more efficient than applying directly to multiple schools.

At TeacherActive, we take a personalised approach to recruitment, ensuring that both teachers and schools receive tailored support. Our team consists of education specialists who understand the challenges of the sector and work closely with candidates to find the right teaching jobs—whether it’s permanent roles, supply teaching, or specialist positions. We offer ongoing career development, training opportunities, and dedicated consultant support, setting us apart from other education recruitment agencies.

• Supply teaching offers a flexible and rewarding career path, allowing educators to:
  Choose when and where they work – Ideal for work-life balance.

• Gain experience in different schools and settings – Great for early-career teachers or those looking to explore new opportunities.

• Develop teaching skills – Exposure to various classroom environments builds confidence and adaptability.

• Fast-track employment – Many supply teachers transition into permanent teaching roles through their placements.

• No long-term commitments – Perfect for those seeking short-term teaching jobs without the administrative workload of a full-time role.

Whether you’re looking for short-term cover roles or long-term placements, TeacherActive can help you find the perfect supply teaching job.

Yes! TeacherActive has a nationwide network of schools, meaning we can help you relocate and find teaching jobs in different parts of the UK. Whether you’re moving to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, or a smaller town, our consultants can match you with schools in your desired location. We also provide local insights, school recommendations, and support with transitioning to a new role.

Yes, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a legal requirement for all teaching jobs in the UK to ensure the safety of children in education settings. If you don’t already have a valid Enhanced DBS certificate, TeacherActive can help you apply for one as part of our recruitment process. If you’re registered with the DBS Update Service, we can verify your existing certificate without requiring a new check.

The app is for anyone looking to improve their knowledge with education-focused CPD, as well as all registered TeacherActive candidates.

• If you're registered, you can update your availability, mark planned leave, and access CPD content.

• If you're not yet registered, you can still access our free CPD via the My-Progression section.

If you're already registered with TeacherActive and your email is in our system, just use that email and set a password. If you're new, you’ll be asked to enter your name, email and phone number to access CPD content - and your account will automatically upgrade once you’re registered with us.

This usually means there’s a mismatch in the email address we have on file. Please contact your consultant and we can help you resolve this issue.

Simply log in and use the calendar to mark full days, AM, or PM sessions for this week and the next two. Your availability updates instantly in our system.

Yes, you can use the "Planned Leave" feature to mark holidays or personal days up to 12 months in advance.

Standby lets you flag last-minute availability for today and tomorrow - ideal for emergency cover or fast bookings.

No - the app will show when you are booked, but not where. You'll need to check your booking confirmation email or or speak to your sales consultant for full details.

My-Progression is your one-stop shop for all things CPD. Whether you're learning more about safeguarding, behaviour management, preparing for a new job, setting up a new classroom or progressing into leadership in your education career, My-Progression's CPD videos are here to help. 

The TeacherActive app is where My-Progression calls home. Here, you can watch a whole host of bite-sized CPD videos, complete a short quiz and then evidence your learning with a free CPD certificate that is saved directly to your phone. This has all been designed to help you upskill and stay engaged between placements, so you can learn and develop at a time that suits you.

Once you pass a quiz, your certificate is instantly available for download. You can find all completed certificates in the “Certificates” section of your account. This can be found by going to the Home tab on the bottom of your screen, then selecting “My Account” and selecting “Certificates”. You can also view certificates on the My-Progression tab by selecting the completed course and selecting “View certificate”.

First, check all of the sections on our FAQ page for guidance. If the issue continues, contact your sales consultant and we’ll help you resolve it.

If your availability update doesn’t appear immediately, it may be due to a temporary display issue.

Quick Fix: Fully close the app (not just minimise it), then reopen it. Your availability should now appear correctly.

No, the app is not mandatory, but it does provide an easy way in which you can let us know when you're available for work, as well as easy access to our CPD offering.

The app is designed to make managing your availability quicker and easier. While we encourage you to use it as your main tool, you're still welcome to reply to emails or speak with your consultant - whatever works best for you.

Yes, you’ll be able to access the CPD section. Once you register with us, the app will automatically unlock availability tools.

Your account will upgrade automatically within 24 hours after you're added to our system.

We recommend reviewing and updating your availability at least once a week or whenever your schedule changes.

Yes - any CPD certificates you earned before using the app are still valid. If you completed CPD through My-Progression, they continue to count toward your professional development. You can start using the app now to access all of our content and keep everything in one place going forward.

At TeacherActive, we’ve supported educators since 2004 - and since 2018, our International Team has specialised in helping overseas teachers thrive in UK schools. With us, you’ll receive personalised guidance from consultants who’ve made the move themselves, access to free CPD, a guaranteed pay scheme, relocation support, and the backing of a 3,000+ school network. We’re here to make your UK adventure a smooth and successful one.

At TeacherActive, we support education professionals from around the world in finding their ideal role in UK schools. Whether you're a qualified teacher, experienced educator, early career teacher, or teaching assistant, we want to hear from you.

We work with passionate individuals from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Ireland, and beyond - helping them take the next step in their careers. From Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) and SEND specialists to those exploring their first opportunity abroad, we place educators across all school phases and settings, including primary, secondary, early years, special education, and alternative provisions.

We recruit for a broad range of positions including:

• Primary and secondary school teachers

• SEND/ALN teachers and support staff

• Teaching assistants and learning support roles

• Nursery staff and early years practitioners

• Cover supervisors and exam invigilators

You can choose flexible supply work, long-term placements, or permanent positions - whatever suits your goals and lifestyle.

While we can’t guarantee a role before you land, our consultants work closely with schools to match your skills to suitable positions and will do their best to secure interviews or tentative offers ahead of your move. Our guaranteed pay scheme will give added peace of mind while our consultants secure you a role once you're here.

We don’t directly offer visa sponsorship, but we’re here to help you understand your options.
While TeacherActive doesn’t provide sponsorship ourselves, there are many visa routes our international educators can access, like the Youth Mobility Scheme, to allow them to live and work here legally.

We can advise you on what visas are available and what schools typically look for. Once you have the right to work in the UK, we can help you find the perfect teaching or support opportunity and guide you throughout the relocation process.

Need help figuring out which visa might be right for you? Just let us know where you're from and your teaching background—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

You may not need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) immediately, depending on the role and your visa. However, many overseas qualifications are eligible to be converted to QTS. If you’re a fully qualified teacher registered with your local teaching council, your teaching degree likely qualifies. Our team can guide you through the application process for QTS if needed.

Most candidates choose to rent a flat share or studio apartment near their school placement or preferred city. We'll offer tips on trusted letting agents and popular areas for international teachers. Some teachers opt for short-term stays first (e.g. Airbnb) before choosing something longer term. Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff are all popular with newcomers.

Teaching in the UK is dynamic and varied, with opportunities to work across different school types. The curriculum will feel familiar, but classroom management and formal assessment can take some adjustment. With our training and consultant support, you'll adapt quickly. Many international teachers thrive here—building skills, confidence, and lasting connections.

Our free My-Progression platform gives you access to essential training on the UK curriculum, lesson planning, behaviour management, and more. You’ll also earn certificates—including an International CPD Certificate—to strengthen your CV and build confidence in the classroom.

No. There are absolutely no fees to register or work with TeacherActive. Our service is completely free for candidates.

Brilliant! Here's your plan:

• Get in touch with our International Team

• Share your CV and qualifications

• Chat with a consultant via video or WhatsApp

• Receive role recommendations and start the interview process

• Plan your relocation—we’ll help you every step of the way

• Complete onboarding and CPD

• Arrive in the UK and begin teaching!

Let’s start this journey together—email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp at +44 7960 269 080.

No – you can’t cancel a confirmed booking through the app. If you try to enter planned leave for a date you’re already booked, the app will alert you and ask you to contact your consultant directly.

This is to make sure any changes to confirmed shifts are handled properly and with notice. If you need to cancel a booking, please call your consultant as soon as possible.