Are you a non-UK teacher or trainee teacher of languages or physics who wants to work in the United Kingdom? If so, you might be eligible for a generous financial incentive from the UK government. This article will explain the international relocation payment (IRP) program, how much it is to apply, who can apply, and how to apply.
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What is the IRP?
The IRP is a payment of £10,000 available to eligible non-UK trainees and teachers of languages and physics who come to the United Kingdom to work or train in the 2023 to 2024 academic year. The payment is designed to cover some of the costs of moving to the United Kingdom, such as:
- The costs of visas
- The immigration health surcharge
- Other relocation expenses
The IRP is a grant, so you do not have to pay it back. You can only receive the IRP once. You can also receive the IRP on top of any bursary or scholarship you are entitled to as a trainee teacher.
The IRP is a pilot scheme that the Department for Education (DfE) runs in the 2023 to 2024 academic year. It aims to attract more teachers and trainees from all over the world who wish to teach or train to teach languages or physics in English state secondary schools.
Who Can Apply for the IRP?
To be eligible for the IRP, you must meet three main criteria:
1. Teaching subject: You must be employed by or trained in an English state secondary school on a contract or course that begins in the 2023 to 2024 academic year and lasts at least one year. You must be working or training as:
- A physics teacher
- A general or combined science teacher (you must teach the physics element of these subjects)
- A language teacher (any language is eligible except English)
If you are employed or trained to teach more than one subject, physics, general or combined science, or a language or languages, you must make up at least 50% of your time in the classroom.
2. Location: You must come from outside the UK to work or train in the 2023 to 2024 academic year. You must not already be living in the UK.
3. Qualifications: You must have a degree, recognized teacher-training qualifications, and at least a year’s experience if you are a teacher. It would help if you also spoke English at an undergraduate level.
You can find more details about the eligibility requirements on the Get into Teaching website.
How to Apply for the IRP?
The application process for the IRP depends on whether you are a fee-paying trainee, a salaried trainee, or a teacher.
Fee-paying trainees: These are trainees who pay tuition fees for their training course. They do not need to apply for the IRP. Their training provider will pay them the IRP directly, along with any bursaries they are entitled to. They should receive the IRP around the end of their first term.
Salaried trainees: These are trainees who receive a salary from their school for their training course. They need to apply for the IRP from the Get into Teaching website. Applications are open from 4 September to 31 October 2023. Eligible applicants should receive the money by 31 January 2024.
Teachers: These are qualified teachers who have secured a teaching job in an English state secondary school. They also need to apply for the IRP from the Get into Teaching website. Applications are open from 4 September to 31 October 2023. Eligible applicants should receive the money by 31 January 2024.
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Before any payments are released, the Department for Education will check all visa and immigration requirements with the Home Office and contact the employing school or training provider to verify employment or training details.
If you start your job or course after 31 October 2023 or miss the application deadline, you can still express your interest in the IRP by emailing [email protected]. The Department for Education will email you when applications reopen in January 2024.
Why Apply for the IRP?
The IRP is an excellent opportunity for non-UK teachers and trainees of languages and physics who want to come to England and join a vibrant and diverse education system. Not only will you receive financial support to cover some of your relocation costs, but you will also benefit from:
- High-quality training and professional development
- Competitive salaries and benefits
- Access to a range of resources and networks
- Exposure to different cultures and perspectives
- Making a difference in the lives of young people
Tips and resources for relocating to the United Kingdom
Moving to another country can be both exciting and challenging. To help you prepare for your relocation to England, here are some tips and resources that might be useful:
Research the cost of living, housing, transport, and healthcare in the United Kingdom. You can use online tools such as Numbeo or Expatistan to compare the cost of living between different cities and countries.
Learn about the education system, curriculum, and standards in the United Kingdom. You can find information and guidance on the GOV.UK website, the National Curriculum website, and the Teachers’ Standards website.
Familiarize yourself with the visa and immigration requirements for coming to the United Kingdom. You can check your eligibility and apply for a visa on the GOV.UK website. You can also find information and advice on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and British Council websites.
Join online communities and networks of teachers and trainees who have relocated or are planning to relocate to the United Kingdom. You can find support, advice, and opportunities to connect with others on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit.
Explore the culture, history, and diversity of the United Kingdom. You can visit websites such as Visit United Kingdom, BBC, and The Guardian to learn more about the country and its people. You can also watch videos, listen to podcasts, read books, and attend events showcasing English life’s rich and varied aspects.
The Bottom Line
The international relocation payment (IRP) is an excellent opportunity for non-UK teachers and trainees of languages and physics who want to come to the United Kingdom to work or train in English schools. It offers financial support to cover some costs of moving to the United Kingdom and joining a vibrant and diverse teaching community.
If you want to apply for the IRP, check your eligibility on the Get into Teaching website and follow the application process accordingly. Don’t miss this chance to receive £10,000 from the UK government and start your teaching journey in the United Kingdom!
