There are several ways you can become a teacher in Primary and Secondary schools in the UK.
However, to become a qualified teacher in a state-maintained school across the UK, first you will need to undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education (ITE).
Entry is generally quite competitive; however, you may stand a better chance of success applying for shortage subjects, such as Math’s, Physics and Languages. Schools always need to fill these slots!
Completion of ITT leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales, and the Teaching Qualification (TQ) in Scotland. Some independent schools, academies and free schools might not specify QTS or TQ as an entry requirement.
To be eligible for postgraduate teacher training, you’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree, plus other requirements such as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, so allow plenty of time to prepare your application.
Graduate teacher programmes will most likely include:
- 120 days of practical classroom experience in two schools or more
- academic study, giving you the knowledge and understanding to teach successfully.
- experienced professional mentoring and tutoring in classroom management.
- ongoing assessment of your teaching skills.
To make sure this is the right direction for your future, and to support your application, it would be very useful if you could do some work or volunteering in schools.
If you are not sure which age or subject would suit you, contact schools in your area and ask if you may observe in a classroom. You should also speak to the teaching staff about the challenges and rewards of teaching.
It is sometimes possible to teach in academies, free schools, independent schools, and further education (FE) colleges without QTS, however having QTS is generally preferable and will improve your career prospects.
Now you have decided exactly which age range and subject you would like to teach, look for a route which gives you the relevant experience. To find out more about what’s on offer, search teacher training courses on the site
If you have not already, access the careers and employability service where you are studying or have graduated from. Visit open days of universities, schools, and training providers before applying to a school-led teacher training route.
Good luck.