Teach in the UK – Hayley’s Journey

Why did you decide to teach in the UK?

I had been teaching for four years in Australia and last year I came for a holiday in the UK and Europe. I immediately fell in love with London. I had some friends that had taught in the UK before and had told me what an amazing experience it was. I felt ready to challenge myself and give myself new opportunities for work and travel. The UK seemed the perfect place to do this!

What made you choose anzuk Education as your preferred agency?

A friend from university who had previously lived in London and taught there recommended anzuk Education. I then did a little bit of my own research, and anzuk seemed to offer everything I was looking for.

How did you find the transition and registration process with anzuk?

The transition and registration process was so easy. anzuk has offices in Australia so both the Melbourne team and London team called me regularly just to check in, see how I was going and provide me with all the essential information.

They helped me set up my police checks prior to coming, I arrived in London and completed the registration process and I was ready to teach the following day!

I came over to the UK not knowing anybody so the agency was my number one point of call for general living advice. They were so friendly and supportive and made my transition to London seamless.

What are the biggest differences you have found between teaching in Australia and the UK?

There are a lot of differences, like the children have ‘school dinners’ in a lunch hall! It is a lot more workbook based work and there is a lot of emphasis on marking (or correcting which is what we call it Australia).

The curriculum is quite different as well. In primary school in history I get to teach about the royal family and their history which I never got to do in Australia.

What do you enjoy most about teaching and living in the UK?
I love the people you meet, all the Aussies and Kiwis are in the same boat so everybody is so friendly. I also love the travel! School holidays allow for so many trips to see new amazing places. You are just so close to everything, a weekend in Edinburgh or Paris is really easy.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of moving to the UK to teach?

Just do it, don’t be worried not knowing anybody, you’ll meet so many amazing people on the journey. In regards to schools in the UK, definitely get some experience in different schools and find the school that is the right fit for you.

My last bit of advice is just say ‘yes’ to as many social opportunities as possible, you won’t regret it.

I sometimes can’t believe that this is my life, it’s incredible…