Primary teaching qualifications

[Guest Suz]

We're in the very early stages of applying for our visas to move to Perth. I'm a deputy head at the moment and about to start my NPQH (Headteacher's qualification). I was wondering if anyone knows whether this is a recognised qualification in Australia and if it might help my visa app. I don't want to put myself through the course, if it would be no use once we've emigrated! I asked my agent but he didn't really answer the question!

I've also heard mixed reviews about the availability of primary teaching jobs in the suberbs of Perth. As children stay in Primary schools for an extra year, would I be qualified enough to teach year 7?

Sorry for so many questions, it's all buzzing around my head at the moment and I'd just be really grateful for anyone's advice. Especially if you've already moved out there.

 

Thanks xxx

[Guest JoL]

Hi Suz,

We are also early on in our application process. I am year 6 teacher in UK and our visa is based on my skills. The more I have researched teaching in Oz the more I have realised it won't be straight forward. As far as I am aware any skills you have need to be assessed at the time of your skills assessment, so if you have already completed this your NPQH would not be included. (correct me if I am wrong?) Although I think once you have your residency additional skills assessments/registrations need to be completed - it may be possible at this stage?

There don't appear to be many jobs around for Primary teachers, yet quite a lot for secondary maths and sciences! We have friends who have moved to Sydney as teachers and they are struggling to get permanent jobs after 2 years of being there - hopefully WA will not be that bad!