As a headteacher who recently returned from working overseas to lead a private school in the UK, I am perhaps naturally biased towards seeing the best in other overseas teachers looking for jobs back at home.

If they have the skills, qualifications and experience relevant to the role then why should the je ne sais quoi that comes from working in an international school be a barrier?

However, I have sat on plenty of interview panels or in board meetings and seen applicants casually dismissed precisely because they have international school experience - something I find baffling.

Overcoming such outdated mindsets is not easy - but international teachers can definitely help themselves to have the best chance possible of returning to a great new job back home. Based on my experience, here are some pieces of advice:

1. Keep connected

While working overseas it’s important to remain up to date with the UK education scene as much as possible, including the policy changes, new trends and debates.

I kept up my work with global UK networks such as the British Council and Global School Alliance, and it ensured that I returned to speak and take part in events in the UK and continued working with UK schools and education.

And, of course, social media and news publications like Tes offer plenty of opportunities to stay up to date. Following Ofsted’s inspection framework proposals or the changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, for example, is vital.

2. Make it clear you were ‘a Brit abroad’

Sometimes I fear HR teams or interview panels don’t truly understand that international teaching means working to the same qualifications as at home - i.e., A level and IGCSEs, or perhaps a primary curriculum drawn from the national curriculum. Even the International Baccalaureate is popular in the UK and hardly an unknown entity.

As such, really make it clear that you can step back into a UK classroom with a smooth transition.

If your school was accredited by the Department for Education’s British School Overseas or via a network like the Council of British International Schools or Federation of British International Schools in Asia then highlight this, too.

3. Build bridges - don’t burn them

It may seem that you are far away when working overseas but a disparaging comment aimed at the UK education model, at a conference or in social media, even in a light-hearted moment, can come back to haunt you.

There are many valid criticisms to be made of any national system but make sure the context and arenas are suitable. In my experience, it is better to be an ambassador for UK education abroad, rather than a cynical snipe making a cheap point.

4. Experiences and skills transfer

When you are working in an international school, ensure that you do continue your professional development with courses, conferences and career progression.

The context may well be very different from a wet Wednesday afternoon in a school in Bristol but teaching and learning, leadership, curriculum, safeguarding, assessment, qualifications and so on are essentially the same globally, so anything you can do to upskill yourself will be great to share in your application and interview.

5. Apply for the ‘right’ role

When you feel the time is right to move back, it can be easy to simply apply to any school in a relevant location. But truly understanding what you want and the role that is right for you is vital to ensure your application feels sincere and is tailored accordingly.

Make sure you give yourself time to properly look for what is out there so you can manage your own expectations and ensure that you find the right opportunity.

While working abroad was one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life, returning home as a founding head is a new challenge.

Rob Ford was head of Wyedean School from 2015-2019 and then CEO/director of Heritage International School in Moldova from 2019-2025. He is now founding headteacher of St Michael Abbey School in Worcestershire

For essential weekly intelligence on the international schools sector, sign up for the Tes International newsletter