A new report has revealed that nearly a third of teachers working abroad considered quitting before making the move through ‘dissatisfaction’ with the current education system within the UK.

The report, commissioned by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), polled over 1,600 school leaders and teachers working at British international schools and found that 47% had made the move through ‘dissatisfaction with the education system’, followed by the chance of career growth (45%).

The biggest motivation for teachers to consider working abroad was the opportunity for travel and cultural exploration (71%) followed by ‘enjoyment and challenge’ (63%).

However, almost all of the British international schools polled said that they find recruiting quality teachers ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ challenging (94%), with over a quarter admitting to increasing recruitment of local staff in the past 24 months.

The survey also reveals that many teachers return to the UK after working abroad through a desire to return home (45%) or because of family commitments (44%).

Discussing they report, Professor Deborah Eyre, chair of the COBIS teacher supply committee said: “Teachers who work overseas can acquire valuable skills, including experience of EAL and dealing with pupil mobility. They develop international understanding and a global outlook.

“These teachers have the opportunity to work in some of the best, high-performing schools in the world to enhance and refine their British pedagogy.”

Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “The education secretary has been clear that there are no great schools without great teachers and his top priority is to make sure teaching remains an attractive and fulfilling profession.

“There are a record number of teachers in our classrooms – 15,500 more than in 2010 – and increasing numbers are returning to the profession.”