Teaching at SABIS Without Experience
SABIS is one of the few international school networks that actively recruits teachers without classroom experience. While premium schools typically require 2-3 years of teaching experience, SABIS’s structured educational system means they can train and develop teachers from scratch. This makes SABIS an invaluable entry point for graduates, career changers, and aspiring teachers who want to start their international teaching career without the experience barrier. This guide explains how it works and how to maximise your chances.
Why SABIS Hires Inexperienced Teachers
SABIS’s willingness to hire without experience is not a compromise on quality — it is a deliberate strategy rooted in their educational model. The SABIS system provides curriculum materials, pacing guides, and assessment frameworks that reduce the planning and resource-creation burden on teachers. New teachers can focus on delivery and classroom management rather than curriculum design. Additionally, SABIS prefers teachers who have not developed habits from other educational systems — fresh graduates can be trained in the SABIS methodology without needing to unlearn alternative approaches.
What SABIS Looks For Instead
| Requirement | Detail | How to Demonstrate |
|---|---|---|
| Degree in relevant subject | Bachelor’s or Master’s in your teaching subject | Transcript, degree certificate |
| Subject knowledge depth | Strong understanding beyond teaching level | Subject test during recruitment |
| Communication skills | Clear, confident English communication | Interview performance, demo lesson |
| Willingness to learn | Openness to structured training and feedback | Interview responses |
| Professionalism | Reliability, punctuality, appropriate conduct | References, interview presentation |
The Training Process
SABIS provides structured training for new teachers. This typically includes pre-arrival orientation materials on the SABIS educational system, an induction week at the school covering systems, procedures, and expectations, assignment to a mentor teacher or QCC (Quality Control Coordinator) for ongoing support, regular observation and feedback during the first term, and access to SABIS teaching resources and professional development.
The level of training varies by school, but the system’s structured nature means that even without formal training, new teachers have clear frameworks to follow. The lesson content, sequence, and assessment schedule are predetermined — your role is to deliver effectively, maintain classroom discipline, and respond to student performance data.
Career Changers at SABIS
SABIS is particularly attractive for career changers — professionals from other industries who want to move into teaching. Engineers becoming Mathematics teachers, scientists moving into Science classrooms, and business professionals teaching Economics are common transitions within SABIS. Your subject expertise is valued, and the SABIS system provides the pedagogical framework that a career changer may not have from formal teacher training. See our career changer guide.
Building Your Career from SABIS
Many teachers use SABIS as a launching pad. After 1-2 years of SABIS experience, you have classroom experience that qualifies you for other international school positions, understanding of data-driven teaching that is valued across the sector, evidence of resilience and adaptability in a structured environment, and professional references from school leadership. Teachers regularly move from SABIS to GEMS, Taaleem, Nord Anglia, and other school groups after gaining their initial international experience. The transition is well-trodden and well-regarded by recruiters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PGCE or teaching qualification?
No — SABIS does not require a formal teaching qualification for all positions. A relevant degree is the minimum requirement. However, having a PGCE, iPGCE, or TEFL qualification strengthens your application, may result in higher initial salary placement, and makes your future career moves easier. If you plan to use SABIS as a stepping stone, consider completing an iPGCE while working at SABIS — this significantly expands your future options.
What age group would I teach?
SABIS schools cover the full age range (KG through Year 13). New teachers without experience are often assigned to lower or middle secondary (Years 7-10) where class sizes and exam pressures are more manageable. As you gain experience and demonstrate competence, you may be assigned IGCSE or A-Level classes. Your subject knowledge depth influences these assignments — teachers with strong upper-level knowledge may be assigned exam classes sooner.
