Teacher Training

Do you have what it takes to be a NET in HK?

Bachelor’s degree (any subject, HK universities or equivalent as accredited by Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications)
A TEFL/TESL certificate
Speaking and overall IELTS scores of 7.5

The HK Education Bureau stipulates that, beginning September 2025, Native English Teachers, irrespective of their country of origin, must take the ‘IELTS Academic’ examination and receive “Speaking” and overall scores of 7.5 or above in order to be hired under the NET Grant.

Skills Training

Headstart Academy: Training to Help You Shine

Headstart Academy is passionately committed to helping our NETs thrive and excel in their teaching careers! Our experienced trainers and veteran education professionals deliver practical, real-world insights that make every session immediately applicable and highly inspiring. Through dynamic, hands-on workshops covering a broad spectrum of teaching strategies and techniques, we empower teachers to dramatically increase their classroom impact—building the confidence, skills, and effectiveness needed to become outstanding educators.

Mission of Headstart Academy

  • Strengthen teachers’ professional knowledge and pedagogical expertise
  • Provide structured support in the planning, implementation, and development of school-based English curriculum
  • Foster a culture of continuous professional growth through targeted training workshops and collaborative learning opportunities
  • Continuously develop and enhance teachers’ instructional practices

Training Modules

Preparation for ‘IELTS Academic' Examination

The HK Education Bureau stipulates that Native English Teachers need to take the ‘IELTS Academic’ examination in order to be hired under the NET Grant.
Watch the video below to know our All-in-One package: Our ‘IELTS Academic’ Examination Registration, Administration and Preparation Services!

  • Deepen your understanding of the ‘IELTS Academic’ examination structure and high-scoring strategies across all four skills.
  • Build the language proficiency and confidence needed to achieve Band 8 (or higher) score.
  • Be best prepared to meet the professional English requirements for teaching positions at schools.

Hong Kong Education Policy and Reforms

  • Learn the latest developments in Hong Kong’s education system, including policies on learner diversity, values education, and curriculum reforms
  • Align your teaching approach with local educational priorities to support school development
  • Build confidence in navigating Hong Kong’s dynamic education landscape and addressing the diverse needs of your students including newly arrived immigrant students

Lesson Planning and Design

  • Design interactive lessons with clear objectives and level-appropriate content
  • Incorporate diverse, stimulating teaching strategies and resources for well-structured, cohesive lesson flows that encourage critical thinking and creative exploration
  • Craft lessons that captivate students and spark their love for learning

Classroom Management

  • Master high-impact strategies to motivate and engage students, fostering a positive classroom atmosphere
  • Develop connection and trusting relationships that recognise students’ individuality and support their academic growth and emotional well-being
  • Empowered to lead diverse classrooms with empathy and authority

STEAM Play and Discovery in Kindergartens

  • Unlock the power of play with engaging STEAM activities designed for curious young minds
  • Cultivate essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration while having fun with hands-on and creative exploration
  • Nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration in kindergarten classrooms

Primary Literacy Programme

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of EDB’s Primary Literacy Programme (PLP-R/W) and Space Town Curriculum
  • Discover teaching strategies and educational tech tools to enhance classroom impact and engagement
  • Equip NETs to deliver engaging literacy lessons that inspire young readers and writers

HK Diploma of Secondary Education

  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the HKDSE curriculum  
  • Deliver effective teaching strategies to prepare students for success in DSE exams
  • Facilitate secondary school students’ journey towards achieving academic goals

Great Teaching Essentials

  • A refresher course for new or experienced NETs packed with inspiring teaching tips 
  • Explore eight must-do strategies to elevate NETs to the level of excellence one has always dreamed of 
  • Walk away inspired with practical tools to make a positive and lasting impact on your students