HANDBOOK FOR OVERSEAS TEACHERS

1. HANDBOOK FOR OVERSEAS TEACHERS • Featuring… • Hourglass Education – An Introduction • Sponsorship & Visas • Salary & Tax • The UK Education System • Accommodation in the UK

2. HOURGLASS EDUCATION - AN INTRODUCTION - • Who We Are • Our Service • The Type of Work we Offer • The Benefits of Registering with Hourglass Education • The Benefits of Working with Hourglass Education • The Benefits of Working on a Contract with a School

3. Who we are At Hourglass Education we believe that we are in a unique position; both directors of Hourglass are educationalists with direct experience at the chalk face, having held a variety of teaching positions within mainstream and private education, including key posts within senior management. Our knowledge of the UK education system is derived from extensive employment as: teacher, deputy head, headteacher and LA advisor. In addition to this combined teaching experience of over 35 years, the directors also have a combined experience within education recruitment of over 20 years. We believe that this gives us a comprehensive understanding of the needs of schools with regard to their most valuable resource, their teachers. In addition we have an enhanced appreciation of the needs of our teachers; they too need to be matched to a school which fits their unique profile of experience and capabilities. At Hourglass we pride ourselves on our matching abilities and it is this perception that we believe sets Hourglass education apart from many other teaching recruitment agencies Hourglass specialises in short term, long term and permanent placements of teachers with appropriate experience teaching in the UK or overseas.

4. Our Service Every school would benefit from appointing an overseas trained teacher… At Hourglass, we have over 20 years’ combined experience of recruiting from a wide range of overseas countries, including: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Jamaica, as well as many others. We can fully appreciate the myriad educational, cultural and social experiences that an overseas trained teacher can bring to UK schools and we make every effort to communicate this clearly to our client schools. When we submit your details to our client schools, we do not offer your application as a second best alternative to a UK trained teacher, but as a highly advantageous, inspired addition to a school’s most valuable resource, its teaching staff.

5. The type of work we offer Short term positions A school may be looking for short term cover for an absence. This type of placement might last from one week up to one term. You would be able to benefit from our competitive rates of pay and the tax advantages of working through one of our partner umbrella companies. Long term positions Schools always require extended temporary appointments on a supply basis, due to a variety of reasons such as a maternity cover or long term illness etc. This type of appointment might last from 1 term, to one year and beyond, giving you the security of a long term job. As with the short term position, you would be paid via Hourglass benefitting from our competitive rates of pay and the tax advantages of working through one of our partner umbrella companies. Permanent or fixed term positions on a school contract Schools can experience difficulty making successful permanent appointments through the placement of adverts in the increasingly ineffective TES. If you accept a permanent teaching position facilitated by Hourglass, you will be employed directly by the school and paid by them on a monthly basis, benefitting from full employment rights. If you require a Certificate of Sponsorship, this is the only option available to you.

6. The benefits of registering with us • As an Overseas Teacher exploring the opportunity of teaching in the UK we can offer you… • National coverage • Friendly, supportive and experienced consultants • A Company directed by 2 former Headteachers • Extensive experience within education recruitment • Short term, long term and permanent posts • Highly trained consultants who will match your expertise to the needs of the school; we match teachers to positions which closely reflect their experience, capabilities and stated preferences • We provide comprehensive immigration support • We offer support finding and securing accommodation • We offer a Referral Bonus We will also… • Conduct a document check and verify all your qualifications to ensure you are appropriately qualified. • Verify your identity, secure a Canadian police criminal record check and obtain a UK Criminal Record Check (CRB) to ensure you meet the requirements of UK Schools Safeguarding of Children Policy.

7. The benefits of working with us • As an Overseas Teacher working on a supply basis with Hourglass Education there are many benefits on offer… • We secure you a minimum one year position in a school that should match your profile • We send you information and web sites so you can become familiar with your school and the local area. • We arrange a mentor in your placement school • We assist you to determine the best visa route for you • If required we work with the school to secure your Certificate of Sponsorship • We advise you on Entry Clearance procedures • We ensure that you have sufficient funds to survive the first 5-6 weeks independently • We liaise with you on arrival dates • We advise you how to get to your school location • We help you to arrange initial Bed & Breakfast for 1 week near to your school • We assist you to locate and secure long term accommodation

8. On-going support throughout your teaching placement. You will be assigned a personal consultant who will monitor you at your school and contact you regularly to ensure that you are coping professionally and personally with the demands of your new teaching role and life in the UK. • We organise a comprehensive Induction programme • We offer excellent pay rates • We have a tax efficient payment system enabling you to earn more money • We pay you on a weekly basis. • When you want to move on we will find you a subsequent position • We assist you in securing a place on the OTT GTP programme to obtain QTS, when needed • We become one of your best friends in England and are always available when you need support, advice or just someone to moan to!

9. The benefits of working on a contract with a school • If you require a Certificate of Sponsorship to teach in the UK then you have no choice but to work on a direct contract with a school. The advantages to working on a contract include… • Job security • Monthly pay • Employment Rights • Sickness Benefits • In-house training • Opportunities for career progression

10. SPONSORSHIP & VISAS • Visas – An Introduction • The Youth Mobility Scheme • Ancestral Visas • Dual Nationality • Sponsorship All information in this booklet is provided in accordance to UKBA documents and guidance in April 2011.

11. Sponsorship & Visas • For any teacher from outside the UK or the European Union wishing to work in England will require a visa to do so.To gain entry for work in the UK, there are four possible routes. They are… • Tier 5 – The Youth Mobility System • Dual Nationality • An Ancestral Visa • Tier 2 – Sponsorship of Skilled Workers • The following information details each of the visa routes above and will help you to find out which visa you are eligible for.

12. Tier 5 – The Youth Mobility Scheme • This visa route is the obvious choice for young teachers under the age of 31. The Youth Mobility Visa is granted for 2 years and was previously known as The Working Holiday Visa or Working Holiday Maker. In November 2007 the UK Government moved all visa applications to a points based system and the Youth Mobility Scheme was introduced. The YMS is only available to citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. • To satisfy the requirements of the YMS you must score 50 points to qualify. To score 50 points you must be able to prove the following: • Attributes: - that you hold a valid passport from Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan (30 points) • - that you are over the age of 18 and under the age of 31 at the date of application (10 points) • Maintenance: • - that you have £1600 in personal savings. Supporting evidence of this must be dated no more than one month prior to your application. The UK Government want proof from you that you have the means to support yourself in the UK. • (10 points)

13. Restrictions: It is very important to note that you can not apply for the YMS if you have used a youth mobility visa or working holiday visa to enter or work in the UK previously. It is also important to note that dependants can not accompany you to the UK on this visa! To confirm your eligibility for the YMS you can complete the self assessment points calculator: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator Full information on the YMS can be found on: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf28pbsyouthmobility#21992385 How to apply: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx Visa Fees: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/visafees/visafeeswork Visa Processing Times: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/processingtimes

14. Ancestral Visa • This is a visa which is granted for 5 years for teachers who have a parent or Grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, The Isle of Man or in what is now the Republic or Ireland before 31st March 1922. • Unlike the Youth Mobility Scheme and Sponsorship, Ancestral Visas are non points based, however, you must be able to prove the following… • That you are a Commonwealth Citizen • That you are aged 17 or over • That you are able to and intend to work in the UK • That you can support yourself and any dependants who accompany you to the UK without the use of public funds. On an Ancestral Visa dependants can join you. In the eyes of the UK Border Agency a dependant is your husband, wife, civil partner or eligible partner and children under the age of 18. Dependants must have their own visa in their own passports to enter the UK, they can not travel on the visa in yours! • Full information on Ancestral Visas can be found on: • http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf9ukancestry • How to apply: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

15. Visa Fees: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/visafees/visafeeswork Visa Processing Times: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/processingtimes

16. Dual Nationality Dual Nationality or Dual Citizenship is the holding of two or more nationalities by one person. British Citizenship is generally acquired because of birth, descent or naturalisation. A British citizen is unrestricted in their entry to and work undertaken in the UK. However, you must have a British passport. Full information on British Citizenship can be found on: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/ Canadian and US citizens who are eligible for British Citizenship must apply to the British Embassy in Washington DC: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports-old/citizenship/ If you have Dual Nationality in another European Union country and have a dual second passport then, just as a British Citizen, you are automatically granted entry to work in the UK. For information on how to apply for dual nationality with an EU country the first step is to contact their Embassy in Canada.

17. Tier 2 – Sponsorship of Skilled Workers • For teachers who are not eligible for the YMS, an Ancestral Visa or for British Citizenship the only route available is sponsorship. • Sponsorship can only be issued by a School or a Local Authority in the form of a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is a virtual document with a unique reference number which teachers use to apply for entry clearance. Not all Schools and Local Authorities can issue sponsorship, only those who have applied for a UKBA licence. • Permission to enter the UK on the basis of sponsorship is granted according to a points based system and you must score 70 points to qualify. To score 70 points you must be able to prove the following: • Attributes: - that you have a Certificate of Sponsorship. For this you will need your reference number. (30 points) • - that the position you have secured will pay you at or above the appropriate rate for the job. (20 points) • Controls: • - that you meet the required English standard. If you are a National from one of the following countries then your passport will prove this: • Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Christopher (Kitts) and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America.

18. If the country you are a National of did not feature in the list then you need to provide evidence of an English Language test or that you took a degree which was taught in English - that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially. You must provide evidence that you have personal savings to the amount of £800 (plus £533 per dependant) for a consecutive 90 day period dated no more than one month prior to the date of application. (10 points) Recent changes have been introduced which not only limits the number of ‘restricted’ certificates of sponsorship (sponsorship issued to teachers outside of the UK) but prioritises the applications as well. However, 20,700 ‘restricted’ certificates will still be approved for 2011-2012 with those for shortage subjects (maths and science) being considered for application first. Full information on Tier 2 – Skilled Worker (General) Sponsorship can be found on: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf26pbsskilledworker The Policy Guidance on Tier 2 Visas: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tier2-guidance.pdf

19. How to apply: http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx Visa Fees: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/visafees/visafeeswork Visa Processing Times: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/processingtimes

20. SALARY & TAX • Methods of Pay & Salary • Deductions & Tax • Applying for a National Insurance Number • Your salary working through Hourglass Education • Your salary working direct with a School

21. Methods of Pay & Salary There are two ways you can be paid working as a teacher in the UK. You can receive a direct salary from a school if you are contracted with them or you can be paid on a weekly basis through Hourglass Education. As previously detailed in the ‘Sponsorship and Visas’ document the visa you are eligible for can have an affect on the method in which you are paid. If you require a Certificate of Sponsorship then you can only work on a school contract and be paid directly by the school. This is strictly stipulated in UKBA Immigration Rules. Salary will be discussed when an offer of employment is made. Hourglass Education will support you fully and negotiate on your behalf. We want to ensure that the salary offered to you is fair and that you are happy with it. If you are planning to apply for The Youth Mobility Scheme, an Ancestral Visa or if you have Dual Citizenship (UK or EU) then you can work either on a supply basis or on a contracted basis. Therefore you can receive a monthly salary from a school or you can work through Hourglass Education. Most schools who are contemplating making an offer of employment to an overseas based teacher will do so on the basis of long term supply through Hourglass if their visa allows it.

22. Deductions & Tax It makes no difference whether you are being paid by a school on a contract or by Hourglass Education on a supply basis, you must pay tax! Similarly the taxes deducted from your salary are the same. Taxes are deducted at a percentage of your salary so unfortunately the more you earn the more tax you pay. All taxes and deductions must be clearly illustrated on your payslip. Income Tax This is tax on your income @ 20% (for salaries under £34,999) or @ 40% (for salaries over £35,000). Not all of your income is taxed as you do receive a personal tax allowance. For the 2011-2012 tax year the basic Personal Allowance - or tax-free amount - is £7,475. Therefore Income Tax is only due on taxable income that's above your tax-free allowances. National Insurance National Insurance contributions entitle you to certain state benefits the most significant of those being the National Health Service. Healthcare in the UK is free of charge but you must have a National Insurance Number. The only exception to free healthcare is dentistry and prescriptions which are not free of charge. National Insurance is deducted at 12%.

23. ERNI This is Employers National Insurance and is paid by your employer, not by you. This deduction is made at the same time as your income tax and national insurance contributions are made.

24. Applying for an NI number All residents living and working in the UK (who are over the age of 16) must have a National Insurance number. Upon your arrival to the UK you will not be automatically sent an NI number, you must apply for it. The first step is to call Jobcentre Plus on Tel 0845 600 0643 (lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. Jobcentre Plus will either send you a postal application or they may call you for an ‘Evidence of Identity’ interview. An ‘Evidence of Identity’ interview is a one to one interview and will feature questions about your background and circumstances and why you need an NI number (which in your case is for the purpose of employment). You will be asked to bring with you certain documents to prove your identity. Once you have submitted your application and following an ‘Evidence of Identity’ interview (if requested) you will receive a letter confirming your NI number; a plastic NI card will follow but this can take up to 12 weeks. You must notify your employer of your NI number as soon as you receive it.

25. It is important to note that although it is very important to apply for an NI number as soon as you can, you can still start work. You will simply be issued with a temporary NI number until your permanent one is processed. A temporary NI number starts with TN (for temporary number) then your date of birth (format 31 05 73) and then M or F (male or female). For example, TN 31 05 73 M Further information about the process for applying for a National Insurance number can be found on this website: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/intro/number.htm

26. Your pay working through Hourglass • Teachers working through Hourglass are paid in line with the UK qualified teacher payscale. As a supply teacher you are paid a daily rate over 195 days (the number of days in the academic year) and this is processed on a weekly basis. There are massive tax advantages to being paid in this way. • Teachers working on a contract with a school are paid on a PAYE (pay as you earn) basis. This means that after their personal tax allowance, income tax and NI contributions are deducted at the standard percentage. If you work through Hourglass Education via a managed services payroll then you can submit certain employment expenses as a way of increasing your personal tax allowance, therefore reducing your taxable income. These expenses include: • subsistence (meals) • travel to and from school • stationary, books and postage. • If you are a teacher fresh to the UK then you can benefit most from this scheme because you can submit significant expenses such as: • rent or guesthouse costs, • flight (and that of family members; spouse and children only) • subsistence (all meals)

27. This can have a huge affect on your annual income. The daily rate offered to Hourglass Education teachers is between £115 and £122 per day depending on the location you will be working and the cost of living in that area. An enhancement on salary is available dependant on experience. The following is an Illustration of how it works and how you can benefit… 1. On a daily rate of £115 your gross weekly salary would be £575.  If you were to submit the maximum amount of weekly expenses then your take home/net pay would be approximately £520.   A regular UK teacher being taxed on the standard PAYE basis would receive approximately £436.   A UK teacher would need to earn a salary of £26,500 or £135 per day in order to match your net salary.  Therefore, your equivalent salary through Hourglass Education is in fact £26,500. 2. On a daily rate of £122 your gross weekly salary would be £610.  If you were to submit the maximum amount of weekly expenses then your take home/net pay would be approximately £558.

28. A regular UK teacher being taxed on the standard PAYE basis would receive approximately £460.   A UK teacher would need to earn a salary of £28,500 or £146 per day in order to match your net salary.  Therefore, your equivalent salary through Hourglass Education is in fact £28,500. It is important to note that as a teacher new to the UK who can submit expenses such as accommodation, subsistence, flights etc, it is not difficult to reach your maximum weekly allowance (approx £340 - £370).  However, if you were to houseshare, where your outgoings are much lower, then the amount of expenses you submit can be reduced and consequently your net salary.  On the flip side of that your cost of living is much lower so your disposable income after rent, bills, groceries etc does not necessarily suffer. 

29. Your pay working through a School Teachers in the UK are paid according to pay scales issued by the UK Government. These pay scales are designed so that teachers are offered a salary in line with their qualifications, experience and the location of work/cost of living. The Main Teachers Pay Scale (2010-2011) Schools in Inner London: Min £27,000 - Max £36,387 Schools in Outer London: Min £25,117 - Max £35,116 Schools in the London Fringes: Min £22,626 - Max £32,588 Schools in the rest of England & Wales: Min £21,588 - Max £31,552 Sometimes schools making an offer of employment to a teacher who is overseas qualified do so on the ‘Unqualified Teacher’ pay scale. The reason behind this is that overseas qualified teachers do not have Qualified Teacher Status in the UK. In this situation Hourglass will use their expertise in the field to negotiate and pursue a higher salary on your behalf. The Unqualified Teachers Pay Scale (2010-2011) Schools in Inner London Min £19,893 - Max £29,008 Schools in Outer London Min £18,789 - Max £27,992

30. Schools in the London Fringes Min £16,856 - Max £26,052 Schools in the rest of England & Wales Min £15,817 - Max £25,016 A teacher’s salary is reviewed each year however an increase in salary is not guaranteed just because a teacher has an additional years experience; it has a lot to do with the contribution they are making to the school. A teacher on a contract is usually paid on a monthly basis and payment will be processed either by the school or the local authority.

31. The Education System in England • Our Education System - An Introduction • The Structure of Schooling • Types of Schools at Secondary Level • The National Curriculum • Examinations & Assessment

32. An Introduction Education in England is overseen by the Government's Department for Children Schools and Families. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of five up to sixteen. Although over the next couple of years this is planned to rise to seventeen in 2013 and then eighteen in 2015. Children start their compulsory education at primary level then at the age of eleven move into secondary education. From the age of sixteen, if students wish to continue their education then they move into the Sixth Form stage until the age of eighteen.

33. The Structure of Schooling The structure of education and schooling is categorized by key stages: The positions available in England are primarily at secondary level (key stage 3 and 4), although there could be some key stage 5 depending on the type of school. Some secondary schools in England educate students aged 11-16 so any students looking to continue into key stage 5 education have to move to a nearby 11-18 school with a Sixth Form Centre or to a Sixth Form College.

34. Types of Schools There are different types of secondary schools that Hourglass Education works with in the UK. They are Comprehensives, Academies and Grammar Schools. Comprehensive Schools are non-selective, state funded schools and the intake of students is drawn from the school’s catchment area. These schools work under the direction of their local authority (their Council). The majority of students in England attend comprehensive schools. Academy Schools were introduced in 2000. They are still directly funded by the Government but are free to receive any additional funding either personal or corporate. Academies are self-governing so are free from local Government control. More and more schools are submitting applications to become Academies and it was recorded in April 2011 that 629 schools were now operating as Academies. Grammar Schools are selective of their intake on the basis of a child’s academic ability. Any student wishing to attend a grammar school must sit an examination called the ‘Eleven Plus’. It is generally the top 25% of students who secure a place. Grammar Schools, like comprehensives, work alongside a local council (local authority) and are state funded.

35. The National Curriculum All Government maintained schools must follow the National Curriculum, which was formed following the Education Reform Act in 1988 with the purpose of standardizing the content of lessons across all schools to enable Nationwide assessment. There are two main purposes of the National Curriculum: To provide opportunities for all students to learn and to achieve; That it should aim to promote a student’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, preparing them for their future lives and the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they will encounter. The core subjects of the National Curriculum are Mathematics, Science and English and these are compulsory for all students aged 4-16. The National Curriculum website is www.curriculum.qcda.gov.uk

36. Examinations & Assessment The progress of students is monitored throughout their education. Assessment can come in many forms but the most formal of these assessments is generally done at the end of the key stages. At key stage 1 & 2 level a students educational assessment is measured by SATs (Standard Assessment Tests/Tasks or Standard Attainment Tests). These assessments are made up of teacher led and test-based assessment. Originally SATs were conducted at key stage 3 level but this has recently been scraped. At key stage 4 level students work towards GCSE examinations (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in all of the academic subjects they study. GCSEs are taken at the end of Year 11 in the form of examinations. Some subjects have an element of course work to them in addition to the final exam. For students studying vocational subjects they work towards BTEC Certificates (Business & Technology Education Council). At key stage 5 level students reduce the number of subjects they study (generally to three or four) and for academic subjects they work towards A levels (Advanced Level General Certificate of Education). A levels are the standard entry level qualifications for eligibility to University. For students studying vocational subjects they work towards BTEC National Awards.

37. Accommodation in the UK • Accommodation in England • Organising Initial Accommodation • Organising Long Term Accommodation

38. Accommodation in England When it comes to your living costs in the UK, your accommodation will be the most expensive. It is difficult to estimate how much it will cost you because rent can vary widely. As I am sure is the case anywhere the cost of rent in urban locations will be significantly higher than rent in rural locations. In England you will also find that the cost of accommodation is more expensive in the South of England than it is in the Midlands or the North, although in recent years the extent to which they differ has gotten smaller. London is by far the most expensive part of England to live. The cost of accommodation also varies according to your personal preferences. For example, initial accommodation in a 5* Hilton Hotel centrally located in town will cost you significantly more than a small family run guesthouse just down the road from school. Likewise a penthouse apartment on a riverside will cost you significantly more than a one bedroom apartment on the outskirts of town. It is important to remember that teacher salaries in the UK do generally provide a good standard of living and are reflective of the cost of living in that area. It is also important to remember that as a Hourglass teacher you can offset the cost of your accommodation against tax!

39. Organising Initial Accommodation We always advise that you organise accommodation in a guesthouse close to school initially. It will make your first couple of weeks much easier and enable you to concentrate on settling in at school and getting to grips with the curriculum. Guesthouses are generally cheaper and can provide a much more intimate and friendly environment than a Hotel. Staying in a guesthouse also allows you some time to get to know the local area and to research and view rental properties. When it comes to organising short term accommodation your consultant at Hourglass will help you search for somewhere reasonably priced which is close to school. Unfortunately we can not book for you but we will support you as much as possible.

40. Organising Long Term Accommodation It is important that you take some time to research rental properties before signing any rental agreements. Most lettings are long term either six months or one year and most landlord’s will require one month’s rent as deposit and one month’s rent up front so it is important you find a property you know you are going to be happy with. Please do not book rental property before you arrive! In our experience it does not end happily. Most letting agent websites are very informative and do provide lots of photos, however, this is not the same as viewing the property in person and what you think you are going to find when you get there can be completely different. It is also important to take advantage of local knowledge. Talk to teachers at school and find out which areas you should look at for rental property and which they recommend you avoid. You also need to consider public transport routes in the area. The best website we have found for finding rental property is the Right Move website http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent.html . Local newspapers also feature a property page at least once a week and they will advertise both agency and private lettings.

41. Speak to colleagues at school because they may know someone who is looking to rent a property. Estimation of Rental Costs: A one bedroom apartment in Central London = £750 pcm approx A one bedroom apartment in South East of England = £550 pcm approx A one bedroom apartment in rest of England = £450-500 pcm approx Also a great way to keep costs low is to house share. Find out if there are teachers at school who house share and if they have a room spare or if you are starting a school at the same time as another teacher then you can consider looking for a property to rent together. As is the case with guesthouse accommodation, your Hourglass consultant will help with your search for a rental property but we can not get involved with booking rental property or contracts. Organising accommodation is your responsibility, it is not the responsibility of Hourglass Education of the School you will be joining.