For Overseas Trained Teachers

• Pack a selection of clothing to cover all seasons – layers work well. Include smart clothing for work - scarves and ties are light to pack and can brighten and smarten up any outfit. Keep denim and trainers for after work / weekends.
• Sort out accommodation for your first few weeks. Even better, is ‘dossing’ with a friend for your first two weeks until you find your feet and start earning those wonderful pounds!
• Ensure you have registered with an umbrella company for tax purposes before you leave home otherwise you may miss out on some substantial tax savings. Remember to keep a receipt for your flight to the UK.
• Bring a credit card from home and enough money for a deposit or bond for long-term accommodation (you are normally required to pay one month rent in advance as well as one month upfront for your bond). You will be able to set up a UK bank account and request a UK credit card after your induction with us on arrival but you will need enough money to support yourself for at least the first two weeks.
• On arrival, invest in an ‘A to Z’ map of London or a map of your local area and get that mobile phone working! REd will give you a free UK sim card at your induction. Please remember to turn your mobile off though during class time.
• Make the most of non-contact time at school including before school and lunchtime. It’s amazing how much marking and preparation you can do without having to stay late or take work home.
• Remember to keep right on escalators when travelling in cities and on the tube – London in particular can be a very fast paced city!
• Pick up a free copy of the ‘TNT’ magazine every Monday morning in the main tube stations – they have fantastically cheap travel deals!
• Be punctual for work and allow plenty of travel time. If you’re running late, always keep your REd consultant informed.
• Be enthusiastic! Schools will appreciate your fresh approach and adaptability. Join in and make an effort to really get to know your pupils and new colleagues. Being able to offer your skills and expertise in extra-curricular activities always goes down a treat too!
• Safety and supervision requirements in schools – never touch a student and keep them in sight at all times.
• Most importantly, have fun! This is an incredibly exciting chapter of your life – make the most of it!!!

Checklist…You're Off!

• Passport and valid work visa
• Air tickets (retain for future expense claims)
• 2 x passport photos
• Registered with an umbrella company for tax purposes
• Police check from country of origin
• Teaching Qualifications
• REd confirmation letter
• First few nights accommodation booked
• Tube map
• Credit card
• Mobile phone – free UK sim card given to you on arrival