UK Classroom Culture – A Guide for Overseas Teachers

Teaching in a UK classroom can be highly rewarding for overseas teachers and support staff, but it also comes with its own unexpected set of challenges. In order to help overseas staff adapt as quickly as possible when they come to the UK, we have prepared a number of hints and tips that will help you hit the ground running when you start at your new school.

Presentation/Appearance:

Most schools in the UK will operate a dress code that is either smart business dress or professional attire. As such you should dress professionally and modestly, unless specifically advised otherwise, for example if teaching Physical Education or Dance.

A professional dress code means that the following items are not appropriate for staff to wear in schools: Trainers, jeans, caps or beanie hats, hoodies, leggings, and revealing clothing. Use your professional judgement around what is appropriate to wear when setting an example to the young people in your care.

Greetings and Interaction in School:

Be friendly and approachable with the students but make sure to establish clear boundaries. Treating the students and your fellow staff with respect will help you build those professional relationships and enable you to engage with the students ore quickly to help them feel comfortable and supported in the classroom.

Classroom etiquette:

You will be provided with a specific location, usually the staff room, where you can eat your breakfast/lunch and use your mobile phone if required during your breaks.

Respect the diversity and culture of the area:

The UK is an incredibly diverse country, particularly in the bigger cities and as such you will potentially have a classroom filled with students from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. You should always take steps to be as respectful as possible, do not make any assumptions about students based on their cultural background and try and reflect the diversity of your students in any lesson plans that you might create. It is advisable to not discuss any personal opinions on religion or politics with students, even during lessons on these topics to avoid any potential conflicts or issues.

Collaborate with your colleagues:

Make a habit of volunteering to support your colleagues whenever possible. You will be working with teachers with a completely different educational backgrounds and styles to yourself so being able to work closely with them is a great way to share ideas and resources that you can take into your own classroom. Ensure that you’re open to receiving feedback from colleagues and Supply Desk. This is the best opportunity to learn what is and isn’t working in your teaching and potentially gives you the chance to reflect and identify areas to improve.

Enjoy the experience:

You’ve travelled across the world to start a new life teaching in the UK because of your skills and experience. Try to make the most of the opportunities that this brings for you. Explore the local area outside of school hours to learn about the culture and community. Embrace the challenges as they come your way and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your colleagues to make the experience the best that you can.

If you familiarise yourself with the classroom etiquette and cultural norms of UK schools, you’ll be putting yourself in the best possible position to teach more effectively and bring a positive contribution to the learning environment. Each school is different from the last and will have its own unique factors so make sure you’re able to be flexible and adaptable in your approach.

Best of luck to you as you take the next step on your teaching journey here in the UK!