Key Organisations

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
The agency responsible for education in England is the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), headed by the Secretary of State. The DCSF website links to the award winning teachernet site, which brings together a comprehensive range of resources and support material for teachers in England.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/

The General Teaching Council (GTC)
The role of the GTC includes the improvement of standards in teaching and in the quality of learning. It is particularly concerned with professional standards and acts as a regulator of teaching standards, including a disciplinary function. GTC registration is required for all teachers with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) may work in England for up to four years without QTS but if an OTT gains QTS then registration is required.
http://www.gtce.org.uk/

Local Authorities (LAs)
Most education provision is managed locally by Local Authorities, which vary in size and the way they operate. A number of LAs have Recruitment Managers (RMs or RSMs) who aim to help teachers find posts and then stay working locally. These managers can sometimes help with accommodation and local networking. Many are very aware of the needs of OTTs and are worth contacting either before you set out or soon after arrival.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/leagateway/
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachinginengland/detail.cfm?id=11

Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).
Ofsted is independent of the DCSF. Its purpose is to improve standards of achievement and the quality of education through inspection, through public reporting and through providing informed advice. Its principal task is to inspect all state-funded schools over a set timescale. Ofsted also inspects and reports on Local Authorities (LAs) and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses.
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
QCA is the guardian of standards. It maintains and develops the school curriculum and associated assessments. It also accredits and monitors qualifications.
http://www.qca.org.uk

The Teacher Training Agency (TTA)
The TTA is concerned with standards in education and aims to attract able and committed people to teaching. It defines the standards required of those who wish to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). As such it is concerned not only with Initial teacher training (ITT) but also with groups such as Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) and teachers who have taken a break from teaching and wish to return to the profession. If you decide to pursue QTS in England you will be supported by the TTA
http://www.tta.gov.uk/
You can link to the TTA recruitment site from here. http://www.useyourheadteach.gov.uk