Specialism overview
Provision may include first-language English, English as a second language qualifications, and literature courses at IGCSE, A Level or IB. Schools value teachers who can move between these confidently and who plan with language demand in mind.
Typical international-school context
Text selection is made with the local cultural context in mind, so reading lists sometimes differ from those used in the UK. Teachers who are comfortable adapting schemes of work, rather than importing them unchanged, tend to settle in quickly.
Relevant qualifications
- A degree in English or a closely related subject
- PGCE or an equivalent recognised teacher training route
- Qualified Teacher Status where required
- Additional English as an additional language training where held
Experience schools may value
- Teaching literature at A Level or IB higher level
- Working with students at early stages of English acquisition
- Whole-school literacy or reading initiatives
- Examination marking or moderation
Preparing your CV
International schools read a lot of CVs, so make the English detail easy to find. Lead with your current role, then set out the curriculum, year groups and qualifications you have taught, and keep the formatting plain so it survives being forwarded as a PDF.
- Name the curriculum and examination boards you have worked with
- Give year groups or key stages rather than vague phase descriptions
- Include leadership, mentoring or coordination responsibilities
- Mention relevant professional development and accreditation
- Keep it to two pages and avoid photographs or personal identifiers you do not need to share
Interview preparation
Most international recruitment starts with an online interview, often followed by a task, a recorded lesson or a live teaching activity. Schools want to see how you think about learning, not a rehearsed script.
Prepare examples that show impact over time: a group you moved forward, a scheme of work you rebuilt, a pastoral situation you handled well. Have questions ready about curriculum, timetable, support staffing and induction, because thoughtful questions read as professionalism.