Salary & Pay
Pay when employed directly by a school
When iCan Teach UK help you to secure a permanent role with a school, your salary will be paid to you directly by the school itself. If you are a qualified teacher then you will either be paid on MPS, UPS or the Leadership scale. We most definitely do not take any cut of your salary, and while what you are offered ultimately comes down to the school, we are very happy to offer our guidance and support throughout.
Pay when employed via us on a Day2Day or Long Term Supply
If you are employed on either a Day2Day or Long Term assignment through iCan then you will be paid on a weekly basis. You will complete a digital timesheet each week, and as long as you do this and it is authorised by your school, you will then be paid the following Friday. To get paid on time, the most important thing is to ensure that you submit it to us by 5pm on the Monday after the week you worked at the very latest.
Our teachers and support staff can choose to either be paid on a PAYE basis or via an Umbrella company, and your consultant can provide you with more information on the two options. See the teachers' payscale here:
Pay Scales
In England, there are four different pay scales. Teachers working in, or close to, London has slightly higher salaries.
This means that your salary could be different depending on where you work, so this is something to consider when selecting your school.
See the pay scales below
England & Wales Fringe, Outer & Inner
Opening a Bank Account
Opening a bank account when you first move to the UK can sometimes prove a challenge. Often you need proof of address to get a bank account, but you need a bank account to get an address! Unfortunately, the requirements can also often differ from branch to branch.
Online Banks
If you don't have Proof of Address then the quickest and simplest way to open an account may be to consider an Online Bank. this is often the preferred option for people when they first arrive.
Monzo is one of the simplest and quickest bank accounts to get in the UK – all you really need is to be able to apply online with a mobile phone and an address where they can send you your card, which should just take a couple of days to arrive. Click here for information on how to apply
Revolut is very similar to Monzo, it doesn't have a branch and everything is managed online. As long as you have a UK address, you also shouldn't have to provide any proof at the stage that you are opening an account. Click here for information on how to apply
Traditional/High Street Banks
If you would like to open an account with one of the more traditional banks then it can often prove a bit more difficult without a formal Proof of Address.
The best advice we can give is to contact the banks directly as early as possible to find out what you need. Although many will ask for Proof of Address, if you don't have this then they will often accept a letter from either iCan Teach UK or your school, whoever is your employer, however, please do check with the bank directly.
Barclays is well established and has branches all over the UK Barclays is one of the easiest banks to open a new account with if you are a recent arrival They have a pre-application process that you can complete online which allows you to start your application before you even arrive - Click this link here It is free to open an account with Barclays. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to use your account straight away if you pre-apply. You will need to go to a branch of the bank when you arrive and give them your reference number, your passport, and proof of your UK address for the account to be activated
HSBC is one of the biggest banks in the world. Based in Hong Kong they have branches throughout the UK. To apply for an account with HSBCyou will need to be able to provide proof of address. See information regarding their current account. To book an appointment, and confirm exactly what they would need you to bring please call 03457 404 404 03457 404 404
NatWest again is one of the big banks in the UK, with branches throughout the country. Opening an account with NatWest is really simple, as long as you have the documents they need (including proof of address). Find out more here
Lloyds is the one high street bank that allows you to open a bank account with just one proof of identity. It is better to take both your passport and visa if you can though. The account is free, you will also get a contactless debit card. Read more about their new to the UK account here.
If you have any other specific questions then please do get in touch with us directly.
Getting a National Insurance Number
A UK National Insurance (NI) number ensures that all the National Insurance Contributions and tax you pay is correctly assigned to you. This is in the same way at a tax code is often used in other countries. Your national insurance contributions go towards the NHS and other benefits.
You will need to apply for a NI number once you are in the UK.
How to apply for a NI Number
You cannot apply for a NI number until you are in the UK and have an address.
Once you have found accommodation you will need to contact the National Insurance application line on 0345 600 0643 0345 600 0643 who will be able to tell you the next steps. It is possible that you may be able to apply by via post. However, it is likely that you will be required to attend an interview at the Jobcentre Plus (you will be told which one when you apply).
If you do need to attend an interview, then you will receive a letter with the details of where you need to go and what documents you need to bring.
At the interview, you will be asked about your circumstance and why you need a NI number. You will be required to show relevant documentation as outlined in your letter. You may be asked to give proof of your employment. Either an offer letter/contract from your school or your iCan Teach UK Assignment Schedule will be sufficient as confirmation.
It is worth noting that you are able to start working in the UK without a National Insurance number, but it is advisable to apply for one as soon as possible as you may pay higher tax until you do.
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