There are over 41,400 full-time teachers employed in international schools in the UAE. Almost half (47%) of the English-medium international schools in the UAE offer UK curriculum and qualifications. Currently, 49% of staff at the premium international schools in the UAE are British.
It is predicted that international schools in the UAE could face a shortage of teachers who are trained and experienced in delivering the National Curriculum of England.
Analysis of data for the ISC Market Intelligence Report suggests that teacher salaries at international schools in the UAE have not kept pace with inflation, meaning that the UAE is less competitive than international schools in many other countries, particularly those in Asia.
In addition, according to figures just published from UCAS, Britain is experiencing a teacher shortage which means there are even fewer UK curriculum qualified teachers to take up positions in international schools.
Having said that, this February, England’s Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw talked about a “teacher brain drain” caused by the appeal of international schools. This desire by British teachers to work overseas at international schools has increased significantly over recent years and looks set to continue to increase.
“So many of the international schools in the UAE promote themselves as having predominantly British teachers,” says Nalini Cook, ISC Research consultant for the Middle East. “If the number of UK teachers coming to the UAE begins to fall, then these international schools could find it difficult to expand. However, there are an increasing number of teachers from other English-speaking countries (particularly Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) seeking out training and experience of the National Curriculum of England and they are also a valuable source of staff for the British international schools.”
- ISC Research
