Teaching in Australia: What’s Different?

Last updated

22 December 2025

Contents

For many UK teachers, Australia is an appealing destination. It has a strong education system, attractive lifestyle, competitive salaries, and the chance to experience teaching in a new cultural context. But while both countries share similar values around inclusion, curriculum quality, and student wellbeing, the day-to-day reality of teaching in Australia can feel quite different from the UK.

This article explains what those differences are, how the Australian school system works, what changes to expect in the classroom, and what UK-qualified teachers need to do before making the move.

Key Takeaways

Australia’s education system is state-run, meaning each state and territory sets its own curriculum and teacher registration requirements.
The school year runs from January to December, with a long summer break over December and January.
Teacher workload, meeting expectations, student behaviour and relationships can feel noticeably different from the UK.
UK teaching qualifications are broadly recognised, but all teachers must apply for state-based registration before securing a position.

How Does the Australian Education System Work?

According to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (opens in a new tab) (AITSL), Australia’s education systems are governed by states and territories, each with their own regulatory authorities and curriculum expectations.

The Australian Curriculum, overseen by Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (opens in a new tab) (ACARA), provides a national framework, but state adaptations differ in depth, approach, and assessment style. Therefore, UK teachers should expect variation depending on where they choose to work.

Key features of the system include:

Primary School – Usually Foundation (the equivalent of UK Reception) to Year 6, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and general capabilities set out by the Australian Curriculum.
Secondary School – Years 7–12, where students move into subject-based teaching and begin preparing for senior pathways.
Senior Secondary Qualifications – Each state issues its own certificate, such as the VCE (Victoria), HSC (New South Wales) and QCE (Queensland).

Key Differences Between UK and Australian Teaching

Before looking at the practicalities of registration and school life, it helps to understand how teaching itself differs between the UK and Australia. While both countries share a commitment to high-quality education, the structure of the curriculum, the way schools are organised, and the expectations placed on teachers can feel quite different.

These differences shape day-to-day classroom practice, workload, and the overall experience of working in a school. This section outlines the key areas UK teachers notice most when comparing the two systems.

Curriculum and Assessment

One of the most significant differences between the UK and Australia is how the curriculum is organised. Australia’s curriculum is state-based, while England follows a single national curriculum set by the Department for Education (opens in a new tab) (DfE).

ACARA (opens in a new tab) explains that the Australian Curriculum provides a foundation for all young Australians to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active, informed citizens. Each state or territory then adapts or extends this framework to meet local needs.

Main differences include:

National vs state variation: In the UK, curriculum content and sequencing are largely consistent across England, while in Australia each state writes or adapts its own curriculum. This means a Year 7 history unit in Queensland may differ significantly from one taught in Victoria.
Assessment: Australia uses a mixture of school-based assessment and national testing. The most well-known is NAPLAN (opens in a new tab), a national literacy and numeracy assessment for Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. In contrast, England focuses on SATs at KS1/KS2 and GCSEs/A-levels, which are nationally standardised and examined through external awarding bodies.
Accountability: Australia has no direct equivalent to Ofsted (opens in a new tab). Instead, each state uses its own school improvement or review framework. England’s system is more centralised, and Ofsted states that schools must provide a curriculum that is “broad, ambitious and coherently planned.” Australian schools, by comparison, often describe their curriculum approach as more flexible and locally responsive.

Term Dates and School Year

The school calendar is one of the biggest cultural and practical adjustments for UK teachers.

In Australia:

The academic year runs late January to mid-December.
Schools operate on a four-term system, each around 10 weeks.
Breaks fall in April, July, September and during the long summer holiday over Christmas.

State education departments highlight that the four-term structure supports sustained learning and wellbeing. For example, the New South Wales Department of Education (opens in a new tab) notes that this model supports steady learning and provides regular breaks for both students and teachers.

In the UK:

The school year runs September to July.
Schools follow a three-term structure, with shorter half-term breaks.
The long break occurs July–August, during the northern hemisphere summer.

This structural difference is important when planning moves, contracts, and holiday expectations.

Pay, Conditions and Workload

Teacher pay is generally higher in Australia than in the UK, especially after a few years of experience. According to the Australian Education Union (opens in a new tab) (AEU), Australian teachers are among the highest paid OECD teachers at top of scale, though early-career pay varies by state.

Workload differences at a glance:

Planning and preparation time (PPA): Australian teachers often report PPA being more consistently protected. In England, PPA is guaranteed by law but can vary in practice depending on school staffing and timetables.
Marking expectations: Marking tends to be lighter in Australia, with many states emphasising formative feedback and continuous assessment rather than detailed written marking.
Meetings: Australian schools often schedule fewer after-school meetings, and expectations outside working hours can be more clearly defined.
Class sizes: Typically 22–30 in both countries, with similar variation between schools and locations.

The DfE’s School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions (opens in a new tab) document states that reducing unnecessary workload is a priority, but many UK teachers feel that Australian schools implement workload protections more consistently in practice.

School Culture and Student Behaviour

Australian school culture is frequently described as relaxed, relationship-focused, and grounded in mutual respect. While behaviour expectations remain high, the overall tone can feel different from many UK schools.

Key cultural differences include:

Teacher–student relationships - Often more informal in tone, while still maintaining clear boundaries and respect.
Behaviour management - Many Australian schools use restorative practices, focusing on repair, responsibility and reflection rather than punitive sanctions. England’s approach can feel more structured or consequence-based, especially in secondary schools.
Uniforms and outdoor learning - Uniforms are common in both countries, but outdoor learning, sports and extracurricular participation play a more central role in many Australian school cultures.
School atmosphere - UK teachers often report that behaviour pressures can feel slightly lower in Australia, though this varies by state, socioeconomic context, and school leadership.

Overall, the cultural shift is often one of the most noticeable changes for UK teachers and can be a positive part of adapting to Australian school life.

Do UK Teaching Qualifications Transfer to Australia?

Yes, most UK teaching qualifications are recognised in Australia, but you must apply for teacher registration in the specific state or territory where you want to work. Registration is not national, so teachers often need to repeat the process if they relocate within Australia.

Which UK qualifications are recognised?

AITSL (opens in a new tab) explains that internationally qualified teachers must show evidence of comparable qualifications and accredited teacher training, which includes both academic study and classroom-based experience. Australian authorities typically accept:

PGCE with QTS (the most common route for UK teachers).
Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees.
PGDE / PGDE(S) from Scotland.
School-based routes such as SCITT or Teach First, provided they award QTS.
Degrees plus an accredited Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification.

They do not accept qualifications without teaching practice, such as an academic MA or MSc alone.

How the registration process works

Registration takes place through state or territory authorities. UK teachers must usually provide:

Proof of identity and right to work.
Degree certificates.
Evidence of Initial Teacher Training.
Transcript showing supervised teaching hours.
Full employment history and references.
UK DBS equivalent (ACRO Police Certificate).
English language evidence (sometimes waived for UK applicants).

You apply directly to the relevant teacher registration board, for example:

VIT – Victorian Institute of Teaching
NESA – New South Wales Education Standards Authority
QCT – Queensland College of Teachers

Most UK teachers initially receive Provisional Registration, which is upgraded to full registration once they meet the Australian standards (opens in a new tab) through local teaching experience.

A separate AITSL Skills Assessment (opens in a new tab) is required only if you are applying for a skilled visa (e.g., Skilled Independent Visa 189 or State Sponsored 190). It is not needed for teacher registration itself.

How to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Australia

Once your teacher registration has been approved, applying for a teaching position in Australia is straightforward. Most government (public) school vacancies are listed on state-run recruitment platforms, such as:

Teach NSW (New South Wales)
Recruitment Online (Victoria)
SmartJobs (Queensland)
JobsWA (Western Australia)

Catholic and independent schools advertise separately through diocesan offices, school association websites, or national job boards such as Seek and Teachers On Net. Many UK teachers also secure positions by contacting schools directly once their teacher registration is approved or provisionally approved.

Australian applications differ slightly from those in the UK. Schools generally expect:

A detailed CV or résumé, typically two to four pages.
Referee contact details, including your current headteacher. Australian schools frequently call referees before or immediately after an interview.
A written response to selection criteria, which is a key part of Australian recruitment and allows schools to evaluate your experience against the job’s essential requirements.
Evidence of teacher registration, or proof that your application for state-based registration is in progress.

Interviews are usually friendly and conversational, focusing heavily on how well you will fit into the school community. You can expect questions about:

Your approach to building positive relationships with students.
Behaviour management and restorative practices.
Planning, assessment and curriculum knowledge.
Collaboration with colleagues and contribution to school culture.

Visa Considerations

Because teaching appears on several Skilled Occupation Lists, many UK teachers apply through skilled visa routes. Depending on the visa type, applicants may need:

An AITSL skills assessment, confirming your UK qualifications and teaching practice meet Australian standards.
A Bachelor’s degree and recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE with QTS.
Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
State nomination or employer sponsorship, depending on your visa pathway.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs (opens in a new tab) provides official guidance on skilled migration, teacher eligibility, and the documents needed for each visa category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach in Australia without a PGCE?

Yes, as long as you hold a recognised Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification. Australia accepts several UK routes, including a Bachelor of Education, PGCE with QTS, or school-based training such as SCITT, provided they include supervised teaching practice. A purely academic degree without teacher training is not accepted.

Is teaching in Australia better paid than in the UK?

In most states, yes. Australian teachers generally earn higher salaries at the top of the pay scale, and pay progression is often more predictable. Early-career salaries vary by state, but overall earnings tend to be competitive, and many teachers report stronger workload protections.

How long does it take to get registered as a teacher in Australia?

Registration typically takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the state or territory and how quickly documents are processed. Most UK teachers receive Provisional Registration first, which can later be upgraded to full registration once they meet local teaching standards.

Do Australian schools follow a national curriculum?

Australia has a national curriculum framework developed by ACARA, but each state and territory adapts or extends it. This means the overall structure is shared nationally, but the detail and sequencing vary by location. England’s curriculum is more centralised, with schools following one national curriculum across the country.

Can I move to Australia as an early career teacher?

Yes. Many states welcome teachers at all career stages, including recent graduates and Early Career Teachers (ECTs). You will still need to meet registration requirements, demonstrate supervised teaching practice, and meet any visa criteria, but being early in your career is not a barrier.

Final Thoughts

Teaching in Australia offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and lifestyle change, but it’s important for UK teachers to understand the differences before making the move. The curriculum structure, school culture, workload expectations and academic calendar all require adjustment, yet many find the transition refreshing and rewarding.

By considering the practical steps, from registration and visas to understanding state-based systems, teachers can make informed decisions about whether the move aligns with their personal and professional goals. While no two schools or states are the same, many UK-trained teachers report that Australia’s emphasis on wellbeing, relationships and work–life balance creates a supportive environment in which to grow.

Ultimately, relocating is a significant decision, but for those seeking fresh challenges, new perspectives and a high quality of life, teaching in Australia can be a profoundly positive step.