How to get into teaching
Entry requirements
To train as a teacher in England, you need:
- a degree (or equivalent) of a 2:2 or above. If you want to teach at secondary school, your degree should be in, or relevant to, the subject you want to teach
- at least a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Maths. If you want to teach primary or early years you will also need a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in a science subject
What age groups can I teach?
The keys stages are split into the following age groups:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 0 to 5 year olds - nursery and reception
- Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 year olds - school years 1 to 2
- Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 year olds - school years 3 to 6
- Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 year olds - school years 7 to 9
- Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 year olds - school years 10 to 11
Try to gain experience with different age ranges to help you decide which group is right for you. You could shadow a teacher, volunteer with children or take a paid role as an out of club assistant or mealtime assistant to see if the role is for you.
School-based routes
A school-based route may be for you if you want:
- more time training in the classroom
- to put theory into practice
- to gain confidence through increased contact in a school environment
A school-based route is available to candidates holding a degree.
When completed, most trainees will be offered employment in either their host school or one of our partnership schools.
Successful completion of a course will lead to the award of QTS and may also include a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) including credits at Masters level.
School based training is available to high-quality graduates. You will be a student for the year and may be able to apply for student loans. You may also be eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship.
How to apply
Application for entry is through the DfE Education and Learning site.
You should apply to the partnership where you wish to train, rather than to a specific school.
Visit the student finance pages on GOV.UK to find out about the level of funding available and to apply for a tuition fee loan.
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If you have experience of teaching in the UK or overseas but do not hold a UK teaching qualification, the assessment only route could be the perfect option for you.
As an experienced teacher you can gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status without further training. This route is only available to teachers who:
- have substantial experience of teaching in either the public or private sector
- are employed as an unqualified teacher but do not already have Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Teacher Status
- have a degree and GCSE maths and English (and science if teaching primary)
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This is an online and in-school programme with an assessment route aimed at suitable school staff (such as unqualified teachers, high level teaching assistants or teaching assistants) with a degree, who want to become fully qualified teachers.
The programme supports and prepares them to meet the Teachers’ Standards and provides the opportunity to be independently assessed and awarded QTS.
This course is offered by the TES.
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This course attracts teaching assistants and others working in the primary sector who would like to consider a foundation degree to build knowledge and experience through study.
There is an opportunity to progress to either a:
- BA (Hons) in Primary Education - Work-based Route (one year of study)
- BA (Hons) in Primary Education - Work-based Route with QTS (two years of study)
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Both postgraduate and undergraduate courses are available at the University of Reading.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
If you have a degree and wish to train as a secondary or primary school teacher then this route may be suitable. A PGCE course focuses on developing your teaching skills. Many courses may also provide support for the development of your subject knowledge.
The course involves lectures, seminars and other taught sessions at the university plus teaching placements in school. Dedicated subject knowledge enhancement courses may be available in some secondary subjects before embarking on the course.
Undergraduate Initial Teacher training courses
If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) with qualified teacher status course. This allows you to study for a degree and complete your initial teacher training at the same time. The course is usually 3 to 4 years.