Following on from our feature on St. George’s School in Switzerland, we speak to Hazel Hogg, who lives with her husband and her daughters Morven (11), Rowan (8) and Alexa (3) in France – practically on the border with Switzerland, where they enjoy stunning views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.  Her children attend the International School of Geneva. Here Hazel talks about living overseas, and tells us more about choosing this school for her children. Read more.

Could you explain how you came to be living in France, and why you chose an international school for your children?

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There are no specific requirements for British schools overseas, unless the host country has its own requirements, but these can be very varied. Ofsted inspects foreign schools in the UK.

The Department for Education (DfE) was approached by several countries to give an assurance that British schools in their area are run properly. As a result, we introduced the BSO Inspection System last September, providing a government-approved inspection process which is absolutely voluntary.

We called for expressions of interest in carrying out inspections from interested organisations. We had applications from nine international organisations with roots in the UK and six were approved, including CfBT Education Trust, Cambridge Education and Tribal Education.

So far nine inspections have been carried out and they all went well. The schools were sufficiently confident about the education they provided to put themselves forward for the first wave. The problems in the Middle East resulted in a number of inspections being delayed last term because of concerns for the safety of inspection teams, but they’ll take place as soon as things quieten down.

During this first year we have been trialling the process.  At the moment we’re not actively promoting the inspection system but I’m confident it will grow organically, by word of mouth. Once national governments decide to support it – and Egypt and Dubai have been finding out more about it – it will snowball. Large corporates who move people around are very interested as education is very high on the list of priorities for people being relocated.

The British Council is often asked to recommend an international school but until now they’ve had nothing to go by. This inspection system helps them discriminate between schools and direct parent to a respected independent report about the school.

How does the BSO Inspection System work and is it similar to Ofsted?

The inspections are broadly similar to Ofsted’s. However, the international aspect means that they’re not short notice visits and most inspections will be booked in advance – it’s all about being pragmatic. The costs of an inspection depend on the organisation that’s carrying it out; the DfE isn’t privy to this as it’s a commercial matter.

The system looks at two overarching issues:

• how easily will a pupil slot back into schooling in the UK and
• if a pupil completes their education in a British overseas school, how difficult would they find it to fit into a UK university, in terms of their qualifications and awareness of how British society works.

I’d like to stress that the system isn’t just for the expensive top public schools; it’s for every good British school overseas that provides a good quality education: it’s not necessary to have lavish facilities. We want to be inclusive, to provide parents with the best quality information about a range of schools, with the reports giving them a real understanding of the ‘flavour’ of a school.

How does the inspection system combine the British character of schools with the need to allow for different cultures?

Again, we need to be pragmatic. Where there’s a conflict between international standards and the requirements of the host country, schools must comply with the host country – and the schools must make this clear to inspectorates who can reflect the situation in their reports.

The ‘British’ aspect of education in international schools can relate to the school’s ethos, values, and extra-curricular activities – its ‘Britishness’!

What are the benefits of the system?

The benefit for schools is that it makes it clear to parents who want a good quality education and understand the value of inspections that the school has reached the gold standard and is as good as the best schools you’ll find in Britain. It also provides an independent view of whether a school will deliver what parents are paying for and that the education provision on offer is as good as it can be.  This means that they need have no hesitation in sending their child there. A further benefit is that the inspectors can suggest how a school can improve, update them on forthcoming developments and things on the horizon.

It’s useful for teachers too. The inspection reports give teachers a better idea of the kind of school they’re considering working for. They can get information on issues like the curriculum of the country and how it impacts on international schools, the school’s facilities, turnover of pupils and how many teachers speak English.

Finally, the government has just confirmed that schools that have had a BSO inspection will be eligible to provide induction for new teachers training in the UK. These new arrangements are likely to come in from September 2012 and we anticipate consulting British Schools Overseas in the autumn on these new arrangements.

For more information click here.

Colin Bell, from the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), commented:

“We support all schools to work towards a DfE approved inspection. We encourage schools to focus on this in their development plans and target setting, with buy-in from governors, senior leaders, teachers, and parents. The inspection system gives schools confidence, increased pride, a feeling of well being and an opportunity to share collective success. It enables a clear comparison with quality education in the UK independent school setting, and evidence of ease of transition for pupils.

Another tangible benefit for a school with a successful BSO DfE approved inspection and fully accredited COBIS membership is that from September 2012 they will be eligible to support NQTs to complete their induction process – something which COBIS has campaigned for.”

Fed up with old Blighty? Fancy a job in the sun, far far away? There are plenty of reasons to consider a post overseas and it can even pay dividends when – or even if – you decide to return to working in UK education. Read on to discover just some of the benefits.

1. UK trained teachers are highly regarded

English is often the principal language used in international schools so if English is your mother-tongue, you’re already off to a flying start when applying for posts and working as a teacher overseas.

2. Expat teachers often benefit from excellent pay

Many schools offer excellent benefits, including pay which can even be tax-free. You might even find a job with an ‘end of post bonus’ on completion of the contract. Keep an eye on the job ads on our international pages and click through for more information about salaries.

3. Your benefits package may comprise a lot more than just pay

Help with moving expenses, relocation allowances, flights to and from the UK, medical insurance and accommodation are just some of the benefits to watch out for.

4. You’ll often be working with smaller classes

If you fancy smaller classes with motivated children who want to learn, then this is exactly what you’re likely to find working at many international schools. It can add up to easier class management, less marking time, and more one to one time for individuals.

5. You may have more freedom over what you teach

Schools have autonomy over their choice of curriculum, often giving staff more flexibility and freedom to be creative in their teaching.

6. You may get the chance of higher level responsibilities earlier in your career

Job opportunities come up frequently and staff can be more transient, so there are often chances for greater responsibilities earlier in your career. Many schools also offer good continuing professional development programmes.

7. Many schools offer facilities to die for

Theatres, swimming pools, sports facilities, dance studios, top notch computer equipment and lovely grounds. You name it, chances are you’ll find it at many of the schools we feature at eteach.com.

8. Many schools offer locations to die for too

“A school in the heart of a traditional Lebanese hill village, close to shops, hotels and restaurants and surrounded by beautiful groves of pine, olive and fruit trees…” That was just one post we recently featured. Keep your eyes peeled for more vacancies in idyllic locations.

9. You’ll acquire an instant network in another country

Many of your colleagues are likely to become your new friends, helping you to settle into the area, understand its quirks and find your way around.

10. You’ll get to meet, greet and live in a completely different culture

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the main reason that many choose overseas work is that sense of exploration and of wanting to understand a completely different way of doing things. Not only can it be deeply rewarding on a personal and professional level, it can also stand you in good stead when, and if, you decide to head for home.

Browse top international teaching, leadership and support roles on the Eteach international pages

Which benefits did we leave out? Why not share below…

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Moving abroad is an exciting time which promises to open up many new friendships and opportunities. However, it’s essential to understand the full financial implications and to review insurance, pension and savings arrangements as early as possible – writes Tim Cox, Director of Star Capital Finance.

Expat teachers can often access much needed cash tax-free by transferring their frozen UK pensions to an offshore QROPS

The opportunity to work abroad is both exciting and sometimes a little worrying, as you experience a new social and work environment. Often, the decision to move abroad has to be made quickly and there is not enough time to plan everything properly.

For the fortunate, they will arrive at a school where they already have a well-grooved program that helps new arrivals settle in quickly. This can include everything from helping to open a bank account in the new country, to providing a ‘buddy’ who can help them settle in and answer any queries. Many of the better schools will even go out of their way to provide help with accommodation and understanding the new work environment.

Unfortunately however, some new teachers are left to either sink or swim on their own.

UK pension will cease

Often when teachers move abroad, very little thought is given to what they need to do about their personal financial situation. Many do not realise that their UK pension will automatically stop and they will cease to be a UK resident and therefore not need to pay tax in the UK. Instead, they will invariably end up paying tax in the new country and have very little understanding of how this works. It’s also very likely that the new country will not provide any pension for expat teachers working on short term contracts abroad. Unless teachers make their own arrangements, they may end up with a large gap in their pension planning.

Teachers, like all expats, move away for the excitement, the opportunity to experience different cultures and people and the option to potentially save more. This is, however, not often achieved, as once in the new role, teachers are often too busy to review their new financial situation and years can go by without any planning taking place. This can be disastrous, as with the UK pension frozen and with no new contributions being made, there can be a large gap in their pension planning.

In the past, where teachers have worked abroad in places like the Far East and Middle East, these postings were often only for a few years and were very well paid as they were considered ‘hardship’ postings. Nowadays this is not the case and many head to destinations in Europe and the Far East, possibly remaining there for many years. Some never return to the UK. Salaries in many locations are no better than in the UK, so it’s necessary to stay out of the UK longer to cover the moving costs and to make the posting financially viable.

‘Consider your long-term financial needs’

Clearly a move abroad needs careful financial, as well as logistical planning. Before moving to the new position you need to establish if your new job provides you with medical cover, life insurance and a pension. You also need to work out how you will be paid and whether you need to open a new bank account in your new country. Once these points have been resolved, careful thought then needs to be given to your long-term financial needs. This can only really be achieved by sitting down with an ‘Internationally Experienced Independent Financial Adviser.’

Finding such a person is never easy and it is essential that you find someone who has been recommended by friends or an organisation you can trust. Teachers are fortunate in this regard as they have organisations like the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) to help them. COBIS can vet companies and make sure that advisers have the experience and qualifications to provide valuable help and support to teachers, and advice based on the needs of the teacher concerned.

At the moment there is much concern in the UK around the whole topic of pensions and how the current government is tackling this. Already they have slashed the values of teachers’ pensions and are increasing the retirement age. It is clear that this is just the beginning, as pension schemes like the Teachers Pension (TPS) are unfunded by the government and monies are provided to teachers when they retire through taxes that are paid at the time. Governments around the world are now beginning to understand this is not sustainable and are trying to figure out ways to save money. As the populations in Europe and the US get older and with fewer workers to fund the retirement needs of the elderly, the pension problem will only get worse.

Taking out a ‘QROPS’ could be the way forward

Those moving abroad have the opportunity to do something about this. In fact, for many it could prove to be incredibly financially beneficial. Due to changes in financial legislation brought about by the EU regarding free movement of labour and pensions, an opportunity for expats was created called a ‘QROPS’.

QROPS, short for ‘Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme’, gives those who take up residence outside the UK the ability to also transfer their pension out of the UK. Although the scheme has been slow to catch on, it has now become one of the most talked about topics in the expat world. For teachers it means they can write to the TPS, who are then legally obliged to quote them a transfer value.

Once a valuation is obtained, things become more complicated as there are so many different QROP options dependent on personal circumstances. This is where the help of a professional is needed and again, it makes sense to use someone who is recommended.

Taking control

For many, this has been life changing as it has enabled them to access cash earlier than anticipated. This can be helpful in paying off any debts in the UK, helping kids with school/university fees, deposit for a property and many other possibilities. The greatest benefit is probably the ability to take the pension out of the TPS and take control. With what is happening regarding pensions in the UK now, it is clear that the situation will only get worse and that the real value of teachers’ pensions will continue to decline as the government ‘engineers’ cunning ways to reduce this liability which they know they cannot meet.

One benefit for those teachers who can take advantage of QROPS when they move abroad is that it locks in the current value of their pension NOW, before this amount is further reduced by government meddling. For those with significant pension pots, it also enables them to hand down any balance to loved ones when they die, rather than leaving it to the government, which is what happens if the pension stays in the UK.

This article was written by Star Capital Finance (SCF) who is supporting members of COBIS and work closely with them in helping to provide teachers with the kind of advice discussed above. SCF also regularly attend COBIS conferences and speak at various events to highlight key financial issues of concern to teachers. SCF offer teachers free impartial advice either before or after moving abroad. They can be contacted via email: t.cox@scfinance.cz or phone: +420 731 375 850

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With over 90 schools in more than 40 countries around the world, the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) fosters an active and vibrant network which promotes good practice and helps to reduce the elements of risk for anyone considering moving overseas to live and work. Colin Bell, COBIS Executive Director, took time out to tell us more about the organisation, and what it does.

So firstly, what is COBIS and what does it actually do?

COBIS is a global membership association of quality British schools worldwide and this year the association is celebrating its 30th year. The association, which is a constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (UK) supports school heads, teachers, support staff and governors by offering conferences, training courses, guidance and professional networking opportunities. COBIS is committed to representing ‘Brand UK’, promoting quality assurance by providing formal British accreditation to British Schools overseas. A COBIS accredited school has undertaken an inspection approved by the DfE (UK); this provides quality assurance for pupils, parents and members of the school workforce.

What are the main benefits of membership for British schools?

Well, where do I start? The main benefit is being part of an active and vibrant network which directly serves the needs of member schools worldwide. Benefits include representation to the British Government, educational bodies and the corporate sector, access to information about trends and developments in the UK and international education, professional development, support for good governance, CRB checks for overseas staff and of course formal British accreditation.

What kind of institutions are members and whereabouts are they?

COBIS has member and affiliate schools in each of the five continents worldwide, with large schools of over 1,500 pupils, to smaller schools with less than 100 pupils. Some schools are cross phase, others are linked to international consulates and embassies, and all cater for a mix of host country pupils and overseas nationals. Overall there are over 45,000 pupils being educated in the COBIS network with large number of school leavers returning to the UK to continue studies at university level. COBIS schools are based in major cities including Beijing, Ho Chi Minh, Sao Paulo, Abu Dhabi, Prague and Ulaanbaatar. When looking to work in a COBIS school the world is your oyster…

What are some of the main issues for these schools and how does COBIS help?

British Schools overseas enjoy being part of a professionally supportive network which enables them to share good practice covering a wide range of areas including curriculum development, pupil assessment, expansion of school buildings, professional development and, of course, links with the British Government, education and corporate sectors. The COBIS network has many ‘experts’ in the field and requests for support and advice are always met with many ready, willing and able responses. COBIS is also proud to work with over 60 corporate supporting members; each of these have their own areas of specific expertise. For example Eteach is always available to offer recruitment solutions for COBIS schools. 

What’s the significance of COBIS for those thinking about working overseas as teachers?

Moving overseas to teach at an international school can be a daunting task. However by choosing to work in a COBIS school, candidates can be assured that their institution has been quality assured and COBIS member/affiliate status has been awarded following a robust membership application process which focuses on pupils, staff, curriculum, examinations, school finances, employment contracts, facilities, inspections and policies including pupil safeguarding, child protection and health and safety. All COBIS schools have agreed to work in accordance with the COBIS code of ethical practice which again helps to reduce the elements of risk connected to moving overseas to live and work. Also, such is the reputation of COBIS schools, teachers will find the transition back to the UK a simpler route as curriculum knowledge and pedagogy can be developed via quality professional development opportunities.  

Representatives from Eteach have recently returned – enthused – from the COBIS conference in Prague. There are several pieces on the Eteach blog relating to this. What went on, and how was it for you?

The conference was excellent – judging from the evaluations we certainly addressed the theme ‘Moving Good Schools to Great Schools’. Lots of stimulating key note speakers and workshops which really engaged delegates. The conferences are such a delight to be involved with, as the energy and quest for knowledge is infectious. It’s great to meet colleagues from COBIS and non-COBIS schools and to be able to create a learning environment for international school staff which enables them to interact, have fun, enjoy a new city and of course sample some fine dining: the COBIS Gala Dinners are always special, and this one was no exception. We are already planning the next COBIS Teachers’ conferences in Madrid and Prague next academic year. Further details are on the COBIS website.

You have your annual conference coming up in London in 7-9 May for heads, governors and members of school senior leadership teams. What will the main highlights be?

Again, the programme includes talks and seminars on developments in British and international education and gives delegates an opportunity to meet and listen to leaders of education. Speakers include Nick Gibb MP, Schools Minister, Marin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council and all six DfE approved inspectorates responsible for Inspecting British Schools Overseas.

Highlights also include being able to introduce new COBIS school members and corporate members to one another. We are also delighted that this year the COBIS Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra KG GCVO will be joining us at the annual reception to help celebrate the COBIS 30th anniversary year. Again, the conference is open all: non-members are welcomed. For full details and delegate booking forms, please visit the COBIS website  for the latest information.

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