Your placement as an assistant at a leading UK school is carefully selected by the Letz Live team. Rest assured there will be a great placement ready for you and one that can be best suited to your attributes and skills.

A more detailed and specific placement description will be sent to you from your school, however, the following are areas of responsibility in which you are likely to be involved:

• Sports coaching (helping to run a team)
• Games supervision (general)
• “Activities” supervision (day and evening)
• Outdoor Education activities (camps etc.)
• Swimming pool supervision (a life-saving qualification is often required)
• Assistance with classroom, meal, transport and general supervision
• Individual tutoring Boarding House supervision (including some Matron work, where appropriate)
• Attending school functions (and assisting as necessary)
• Assisting the grounds staff (typically boys only)
• Filing, photocopying, and general office tasks
• Computer-literacy tasks (inside and outside the classroom)
• Involvement in music and drama

Accommodation can vary from placement to placement, and that’s part of what makes each experience unique! You might find yourself in a private room at the end of a boarding dormitory, a “staff wing” accommodation block, or even a house exclusively for the school’s Gap Assistants—affectionately known as a “Gap Shack.”

It’s worth noting that while your school provides this accommodation, some schools may make a small deduction from your salary to cover it. And while communal living can sometimes come with its challenges, it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to build lifelong friendships. Embracing these moments is just another way to make the most of your gap year!

If you’re placed at a boarding school, you’ll be provided with meals throughout the term—no need to worry about cooking! For day school placements, it’s a little different. These schools typically provide breakfast, lunch, and either ingredients for you to prepare your own evening meal or in some cases they may even offer an additional financial allowance to help with catering. Either way, you wont be going hungry during your time abroad.

We’re here to guide you through the different visa and entry requirements for the United Kingdom, making a difficult and at times frustrating process as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re traveling on a British or Irish passport, a UK Ancestry visa, Right of Abode, or the Youth Mobility Scheme, we’ve got you covered. While we can’t lodge your application for you, we’re more than happy to point you in the right direction and connect you with professionals who can help.

Our 3-day orientation in London is the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow gappies and kick off your adventure in the best way possible. We’ll take care of the details, including transfers to your host placement, two nights hotel accommodation (4-star), daily breakfast, and a welcome dinner—giving you plenty of time to settle in and get to know the other Letz Live participants.

During the orientation, we’ll take you on a walking tour of London, where you’ll tick off all the iconic Monopoly board sites. From Trafalgar Square to Mayfair, it’s a fun and memorable way to explore the city and soak up its history and charm whilst meeting other Letz Live participants from around the world.

We exclusively offer the UK Boarding Schools’ Association “Gap Assistant” certificate course as part of our 3-day orientation before you arrive at your school. This unique training provides you with comprehensive knowledge of boarding school life, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your core responsibilities and duties. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable skills and insights that will set you up for success in your role.

Plus, this certification is a great addition to your resume—be sure to list it under skills and/or certificates to showcase your professional development. With this exclusive training, you’ll feel confident and ready to make the most of your gap year experience!

Letz Live has a dedicated full-time team based in the UK, ready to support you every step of the way during your gap year. Think of them as your “go-to” people while you’re on placement. What’s even better? Most of our UK team members have experienced their own gap years working in schools or have held senior leadership roles within UK independent boarding schools. This means they truly understand what it’s like and are here to guide you with firsthand knowledge and expertise.

From the moment you’re preparing for your placement to the very last day of your adventure, our UK team will be your main point of contact. You’ll meet them during your orientation programme, and they’ll even visit you during your time abroad to check in and see how you’re getting on. And don’t worry—whether it’s a quick question or you need extra support, we’re always just an email or phone call away.

Staying connected and tackling local life-admin in the UK couldn’t be easier with our support. You’ll be online and able to phone home in no time, as we’ll provide you with a local UK mobile phone SIM card to keep you connected. We’ll also assist you with international money transfers and offer tips on setting up a UK bank account, so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

In addition, we’ll guide you through the process of obtaining police certificates and any other compliance documentation required to work with children in the UK. We’ll also help you apply for your National Insurance Number, which is essential for working in the UK, and provide advice on registering with a local doctor to ensure you’re covered for any medical needs should they arise.

Let’s face it—travel is one of the biggest motivators for taking a gap year, and being based in the UK gives you the ultimate starting point to explore not only the UK itself but also the rest of Europe, which is right on your doorstep.

To make your travel plans even easier, our in-house travel team is here to support you. They work closely with airlines, accommodation providers, and tour operators to secure discounted rates and exclusive group departures designed specifically for Letz Live participants. Many of our participants manage to visit 20 or more countries during their time abroad, creating incredible memories along the way.

For participants from Australia and New Zealand, we also offer the option to travel to London on a Letz Live “Group Flight” with a reputable airline at a discounted rate, making the journey to your gap year adventure even more seamless.

*Please note that flights and travel insurance (which is mandatory) are not included in the Letz Live programme fees.

We understand how exciting (and sometimes a little nerve-wracking) it can be to prepare for your big adventure abroad. That’s why we’ve created exclusive social networking groups for all our participants heading to the UK!

These groups are designed to help you connect with fellow participants before you even step on the plane, making your transition smoother and forge friendships before you leave home.

A gap assistant placement in a UK school with Letz Live is a life-changing experience that builds resilience, confidence, and maturity. Living and working in a new country pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you grow personally and professionally while potentially discovering new passions. Many participants return home more motivated for further studies or entering the workforce, with a clearer sense of direction.

While it won’t always be easy, a glass half-full mentality ensures the positives far outweigh the challenges. With Letz Live’s support, this transformative journey is an opportunity to embrace growth, create lifelong memories, and shape your future.