You may have always had that feeling that you want to teach others or perhaps you have had children of your own and now feel you would be a valuable member to education. The role requires confidence, patience and someone relatable. If you are looking to become qualified in teaching, this article gives you some ideas on the routes to take.
If your looking to become a qualified teacher within the UK and work within a state school, you will need to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This guide will explain the main qualifications you need and the routes you can take.
Basic qualifications
In England, you can choose to teach within Primary (5-11 years), Secondary (11-16 years) or Specialist Schools. Teachers generally need:
- GCSEs grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths
- GCSE Science grade 4 (C) or above if they want to train as a primary school teacher.
- A bachelor’s degree
- A recognised teacher-training programme leading to Qualified Teacher States (QTS)
Having a degree alone, does not qualify you to become a teacher. You would need to complete teacher training and obtain QTS too.
What is Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
QTS demonstrates that you have met the required teaching standards and are therefore able to teach in primary, secondary or specialist schools.
Some people assume that a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will make you a qualified teacher. This is incorrect. The PGCE needs to be completed alongside teacher training and therefore it is important to ensure that your course leads to the professional teaching status you need.
Becoming a teacher in England
The route you choose depends on whether you currently hold a degree.
Undergraduate Routes – No Degree Currently
If you don’t currently hold a degree, there are two routes to choose from as follows:
- BA/BSc with QTS – Popular routes are normally 3-4 year undergraduate degree courses which allow you to graduate with both a degree and QTS. In order to be accepted onto the course, you will need A Levels/UCAS points and GCSE in Maths and English. If you are going into primary education, you will also need GCSE Science. You can apply to UK Universities for an undergraduate degree through UCAS.
- Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) – If you are looking to earn whilst you learn, a TDA is a great option as you will gain a bachelor’s degree over 4 years including QTS.
Postgraduate Routes – If you already hold a degree
If you have already obtained a degree, you will need to think about the area you teach in. If you are looking to teach in secondary, you will need to ensure that you have good knowledge of the subject you are applying to teach. You will then need to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if you are looking to teach in primary, secondary or specialist.
You can choose between university-led or school-led routes. Here are the most popular routes:
- PGCSE University-led teacher training – The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is taken through a university but the course also provides 24 weeks school placement. The programme will qualify you to become a teacher.
- School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – SCITT is practical, classroom based training programme where you will achieve your PGCE and QTS.
- Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship – This is a popular route for teaching assistants who can work and receive a salary whilst training full time too.
Whilst teachers must be qualified for the job, they will also need to go through an Enhanced DBS check to ensure that they have no previous criminal records or restrictions preventing them from working with children.
Do I need A Levels to become a teacher?
If you already hold a degree, A Levels are not normally considered for QTS. The requirements are a degree and GCSEs.
However, prior to being accepted onto a degree, you would normally need A Levels/UCAS points. Also, if you are looking to go down the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) route, you will need A Levels for this too.
To meet the requirements of these routes, many learners opt for the online IGCSE and online A Level sitting exams as a private candidate. These courses are flexible and work around other commitments.
Another course which is useful to learners is the CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education Course. You can earn up to 28 UCAS points which would top up your A Level credits and is relevant to support your application in the future.
If you are considering teaching as a career, it is important in the beginning to identify the area you want to teach in. This will allow you to choose the best route and gain the relevant subject knowledge required.
FAQS
Do I need a degree to become a teacher?
In most cases within the UK, yes you will need a degree. However, you do not need to of obtained the degree prior to starting your teaching journey. Undergraduate teacher-training degrees and teacher degree apprenticeships provide routes for learners without a degree.
What other checks are required when becoming a teacher?
All teachers and trainee teaching students must have an Enhanced DBS carried out.
What if my qualifications are from outside the UK?
If applicants have overseas qualifications, evidence will be required to show that they meet the required UK standards. A statement of comparability from UK ENIC can be used.
What is the best route for you?
If you have just left school – consider a undergraduate teaching degree or a teacher degree apprenticeship
If you already have a degree – Postgraduate teacher training such as a QTS programme or a QTS with PGCSE course.
Do you offer any other courses which may support an application for teaching?
Whilst we offer International GCSEs and A Levels, some teaching assistants who are completing their training also choose to complete the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (RQF) course Level 4.