Recruiting from overseas
How overseas recruitment can work for you
Unlock a world of teaching talent.
Many of our schools are looking outside the UK to fill their vacancies. For more than 20 years, Hourglass has been sourcing, recruiting and successfully relocating high calibre, highly valued teachers who have been trained and gained experience overseas. These teachers bring a rich and diverse life view which enhances classroom experience and broadens horizons for the whole school community. We have helped hundreds of teachers move their lives and build their careers in the UK – but we never fail to be impressed and gratified by the positive impact their talent, energy and dedication has in our client schools. Where it works best, hiring managers view recruiting from overseas not as a quick fix, but as part of their long-term resourcing strategy. We continue to offer support as they rise through the ranks, often progressing from the classroom to middle and senior leadership positions. Find out more about the advantages of recruiting from overseas, and how Hourglass can help with your staffing requirements.
Read moreTailor-made trips with your needs in mind
Ready to go?
You can commission a unique recruitment drive – either virtually, using video technology, or face-to-face in the host country. Either way, Hourglass will present you with an interview schedule made up of pre-vetted teachers, handpicked according to your own unique requirements. Whether you decide to travel, or stay in the UK, these are extremely efficient, cost effective methods which allow schools and academies to conduct meaningful interviews and make swift, informed hiring decisions. Offers of employment can be made immediately, and our dedicated team will follow up, offering support with contracts, visa applications, relocation preparation, and taking full responsibility for security, identity and professional competence checks.
Read moreHost a virtual recruitment event
'Meet' teachers from around the world.
Hourglass will arrange for you to video interview a range of pre-vetted teachers, handpicked according to your own unique requirements. Without leaving your own office, you’ll be able to meet and evaluate the most talented teachers from around the world. Whether you decide to travel, or stay in the UK, these are extremely efficient, cost effective methods which allow schools and academies to conduct meaningful interviews and make swift, informed hiring decisions. Offers of employment can be made immediately, and our dedicated team will follow up, offering support with contracts, visa applications, relocation preparation, and taking full responsibility for security, identity and professional competence checks.
Read moreCase study - Yvonne
Yvonne relocated in 2015. She's now a primary headteacher.
Yvonne relocated in 2015. She is married, with children and travelled on a Tier 2 visa with a certificate of sponsorship from her employer. Motivation: Her primary motivation was the career development potential in the UK. She was also excited by the cultural diversity she would experience in London. From a personal standpoint, Yvonne was keen to broaden her horizons and explore the world from an English perspective. Outcome: As an experienced teacher who qualified in Jamaica, Yvonne was an excellent candidate for English schools. Since joining a multi-academy trust in the south east of England she has quickly made a positive impact and was promoted to head up one of the trust’s three primary schools. Yvonne found the visa application process the most nerve-wracking part of her relocation. However, her consultant provided the information she needed and “was there every step of the way to answer any queries”. Yvonne’s family has also benefited by the diversity in London. Inspired by friends and colleagues, they are eager to increase their list of travel destinations to include the home countries of the people they have met in the UK.
Read moreCase study - Richard
Richard settled in quickly. He's now Lead Teacher, Inclusion.
Motivation: Richard was motivated by the wish to experience a different culture. He felt that having a very different life experience from his students would benefit his pedagogy and classroom presence. He had always wanted to travel to the UK and jumped at the opportunity to meet representatives from Hourglass Education in Kingston: “I like the historical significance of the UK – and it’s really easy to get around, especially in London.” Outcome: Right from the initial screening interviews in Kingston, Richard came across as a well-planned and organised classroom teacher. He demonstrated a highly structured approach and his ability to include many complementary strategies to enhance learning. He is committed to giving students what they need to take ownership of their own learning. It took Richard a little while to acclimatise – not only to the weather, but also to the working culture in his school in the south east of England. He says, “I found it a bit surprising that a lot of the administrative paperwork is done by the teacher in English schools”. Nevertheless, Richard’s perseverance has paid off. He’s a valued member of the team and is now Lead Teacher, Inclusion.
Read moreWe have recruited significantly in the last two years - more from Hourglass than either national adverts or any of the other agencies combined.
There are a lot of mediocre staff out there masquerading as your typical 'outstanding teacher available immediately'. Hourglass don't make these claims and if they do, they seem well founded.
Gavin, Vice Principal
Our support staff make a difference, every day
Learning support
Teachers rely on support staff to provide assistance and help young people achieve the outcomes they need. There are lots of roles which fall into this category and include teaching and classroom assistants, learning support assistants, learning mentors, librarians and technicians in science, ICT, food and design and technology.
Logistical support
A well-run school can be misleading. There are many moving parts which may not be obvious, which ensure it runs smoothly. This would not be possible without the support staff underpinning the business of education. Every SLT relies on business managers, admin and finance staff, cover supervisors, examinations officers and school attendance officers to ensure everyday life carries on efficiently.
Supporting the school environment
It goes without saying that young people deserve to learn in a safe and healthy environment. Every school has child protection officers to safeguard its pupils, and the whole community benefit from the support provided by the staff who look after the facilities and physical environment.