In your situation, I'd cringe doing it, but I would speak to the school. I would be very honest about the financial situation and explain that you just couldn't have foreseen what has happened. Tell them you want to leave and give them the notice now, rather than waiting until the holidays. Although you say you want to stay, everything about your post says you want to leave.

Also, I'm not sure why you're ruling out international teaching. You could earn a lot more in other countries if you are as desirable a candidate as you make out. And if I had a dollar for every teacher who returned to their home country swearing 'this is it', only to get back and realise that the weather / family / culture really isn't as appealing as remembered before bailing out again, well...I wouldn't need to work!

Ultimately, life is short and if you spend time stressing and not following something that you can love, I don't think it's worth it. You might be surprised at how easily the school replaces you, and if they turn nasty that's kind of their problem. For so short a period abroad, you could just put it down as 'travel' on your CV. Although the international community isn't humongous, there are enough schools where your director won't have any pull, influence or reach and ultimately - if you are honest throughout - you can hold up your head and explain this to any future employer.

A place where I'm trusted, where initiatives are planned with a clear timeline for implementation and evaluation, and where I can diversify year on year and be continually creative. With sun.

I also had a (personal) friend who was offered a job at GEMS Dubai - handed in notice, packed up, shipped out...and then the contract was pulled. Absolute nightmare for him.
I would avoid at all costs any of the GEMS institutes, but if you know someone you trust who is happy at one and hears no such goings-on where they are, go for it.

Nemo may be referring to the assessment-only route to QTS which is probably worth looking into if you have the experience.

I know people in both Thailand and Malaysia with the PGCEi/iPGCE. At least one of them is at a (almost unanimously agreed) top tier school and others are in 'good' (at least Tier 2) schools. That's not massively surprising as it is schools who have a reputation to defend that will want their teachers certified.

By the way, there are schools abroad where you can do the UK PGCE, but they are rare and must be Ofsted approved.

It'll be up to the individual schools to assess, but when most see 'PGCE' that's enough, especially if you are just doing it for a name tag and have the experience and knowledge to back it up. Even in the UK, it's the heads discretion whether to hire you or not and where to place you on the payscale, so if it ever came to it you could argue your case. I've seen it done.

I also know people who have been hired and then they've done the PGCEi / iPGCE afterwards. It has simply been an exercise in looking the part from what I could tell. Not to say it's pointless - I've heard it opens your eyes to theory but the one without practice wouldn't be suitable if you didn't have significant experience in the classroom.

If money is no object, you can qualify through the US / Oz too completely online.

How is it linked to UN?

We have more than one tuition waver and never had a problem. In fact, in all the schools in my city, I know people with 2+ children, sometimes with and sometimes without a teaching spouse. A good school will take you if you are the best person for the job, regardless of the number of children. I have had this in writing from at least a couple of top schools so I am sure it's true - not for all, but enough to make it worth pursuing your dream.

Congratulations! Glad it worked out for you.

Would it be possible to live on one salary in Lusaka for a family with 3 kids? What are the chances of trailing spouse teachers picking up work once there? The greatest challenges?

You'll get noticed with a great cover letter and CV. You can apply through agencies or direct - I personally prefer the latter.

I've met plenty of people on the international circuit with your profile.

Good luck!

I know that at least some schools in Thailand won't hire you if you're not white. But there are others that will. Have a look on a school's website to check their staff pics and you'll soon see if they hire non-Caucasians. I know from personal experience that Thais can be quite racist against dark skin but never to your face (unless you understand Thai and then you hear it all unfortunately.)
I wouldn't avoid Japan.
Malaysia is a very diverse country ethnicity-wise so you'd blend in without too much trouble.
Just be aware that in some countries you will be stared at, but not necessarily in a nasty way.

Bottom line - if you like the look of a school/country, give it a go!

Thanks. Very helpful indeed.

Does anyone work at these specific schools in Germany / Malaysia / Vietnam who could indicate when they have to hand in their notice i.e. when do these schools know people are leaving?
Thanks.

Is it possible to sort childcare for pre-schoolers easily in Vientiane?

Where might be a good not-for-profit to aim for with a family? We don't want to be squashed into a tiny apartment so does that rule Tokyo out completely? Any tips and advice much appreciated.