Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) offers a flexible career with the chance to work in the UK and around the world.
Whether you’re considering a career change, looking for seasonal work or planning to teach abroad, there are different routes to becoming a TEFL teacher.
Why work in TEFL?
Rewarding and varied
You’ll be helping people from all over the world to speak English and achieve their goals. Expect variety and fresh challenges with each class.
Work around the world
Do you want to experience life in another country? TEFL teachers are in demand all over the world, from the UK to Japan and Brazil.
Flexible hours
There are full-time, part-time, flexible and summer English language teaching roles available. You can take up teaching around other projects and commitments.
Gain transferable skills
Working in TEFL, you will develop intercultural communication, presenting and leadership skills, which will look great on your CV.
What makes a good TEFL teacher?
A good TEFL teacher has:
- clear communication skills
- strong planning and organisational skills
- appreciation and sensitivity to other cultures
- confidence working with people
- a creative, adaptable approach
- a love of learning
Where can you teach?
Teaching English in the UK
Specialist English language schools need teachers throughout the year to teach students of all ages.
Universities and colleges need teachers to support international students with their English skills.
Summer schools
Residential junior centres offer English and activity courses for under-18s during school holidays. They are often based at boarding schools, and staff may live on-site.
Many teachers work in the UK during the summer and teach abroad for the rest of the year.
Teaching English around the world
The opportunity to work around the world motivates many people to become TEFL teachers.
You can work at publicly funded schools as a language assistant or for private language schools. You don’t need to speak another language; you just need a high level of proficiency in English.
Most schools abroad will ask for a TEFL qualification and previous teaching experience. Teachers who train in the UK often work at a UK school first to gain experience before going abroad.
How to become a TEFL teacher
There are multiple ways to qualify as a TEFL teacher in the UK.
Most English language schools will look for one of the following:
- Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA or CertTESOL)
- AccessTEFL
These qualifications provide practical training and teaching experience to help you start your career in TEFL. They are recognised by employers in the UK and around the world.
What you’ll learn
Whichever route you choose, you will learn how to:
- plan lessons
- use teaching resources
- teach reading, listening, speaking and writing skills
- understand and explain grammar
- understand diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
Entry requirements
Previous teaching experience is not usually needed. Most training providers require you to:
- be 18 years old or over
- have Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels or Scottish Highers
- have an advanced (C1) level of English
TEFL qualification routes
CELTA and CertTESOL
CELTA and CertTESOL are internationally recognised entry-level teaching qualifications. They are usually completed before starting your first teaching job and are accepted by English language schools across the UK and worldwide.
Find out more and book your CELTA or CertTESOL course online.
AccessTEFL
AccessTEFL is an on-the-job teaching qualification recognised by British Council accredited schools across the UK. Before starting AccessTEFL, you must complete at least 30 hours of introductory TEFL study, such as an online introduction to TEFL course.
Look for advertised AccessTEFL jobs or ask a school that interests you if they accept AccessTEFL trainees.
Visit our member directory to find UK language centres
Find out more about AccessTEFL [insert link to AccessTEFL page REF 142]
Comparing TEFL qualifications
| CELTA | CertTESOL | AccessTEFL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | face-to-face, online or hybrid | face-to-face, online or hybrid | on-the-job |
| Course hours | 120 hours | 130 hours | 124 hours |
| Course length | four or five weeks full-time, up to a year part-time | four or five weeks full-time, up to a year part-time | three to nine months |
| Assessment | observed teaching practice and written assignments | observed teaching practice, written assignments and reflective tasks | observed teaching practice, classroom-based and desktop research tasks |
| Awarding body | Cambridge English | Trinity College London | English UK |
Career progression
Experienced teachers can:
- specialise in areas such as Business English
- become a director of studies or academic manager
- move into teacher training
- work in centre management, operations or student services
- move into marketing and sales roles within the sector
More information about TEFL careers
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to teach English in the UK?
Most English language schools in the UK look for a recognised TEFL qualification such as CELTA, CertTESOL or AccessTEFL. These qualifications provide practical training and teaching experience and are widely recognised by employers in the UK English language teaching sector.
Can I teach English in the UK without teaching experience?
Yes. Previous teaching experience is not usually required to start a career in English language teaching. However, most English language schools in the UK expect teachers to hold a recognised TEFL qualification such as CELTA, CertTESOL or AccessTEFL. Many TEFL training courses are designed for people who are new to teaching.
Do I need to speak another language to become a TEFL teacher?
No. Most TEFL teachers teach English through English and do not need to speak their students’ first language.
What level of English do I need to become a TEFL teacher?
Most training providers expect prospective TEFL teachers to have an advanced level of English, typically equivalent to CEFR level C1.