Teaching is one of the most influential and demanding professions in the UK. It offers the chance to shape lives, support communities, and build a long-term career, but it also comes with real pressures and challenges.
If you’re considering a career in teaching — whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or returning to work — this guide explains what teaching is really like, how people get into the profession, and what to expect.
What kinds of jobs are there in teaching?
Teaching roles go beyond the traditional classroom image. The sector includes a wide range of roles across different settings and age groups.
Common career paths include:
- Primary school teaching
- Secondary school teaching (subject-specific)
- Special educational needs (SEN) teaching
- Further education and sixth form teaching
- Teaching assistant and support roles
- Leadership roles such as heads of department or senior leaders
Some roles focus heavily on classroom teaching, while others combine teaching with pastoral care, curriculum development, or leadership responsibilities.
What is the work actually like?
Teaching is structured around the school day but often extends well beyond classroom hours.
Day-to-day work commonly includes:
- Planning and delivering lessons
- Assessing and marking students’ work
- Managing classroom behaviour
- Supporting pupils’ wellbeing and development
- Working with parents, carers, and colleagues
Teaching can be highly rewarding, but it can also be demanding, with heavy workloads and emotional responsibility.
Do you need a degree to work in teaching?
For most qualified teacher roles, a degree is required, but there are multiple routes into the profession.
Common entry pathways include:
- Undergraduate teaching degrees
- Postgraduate teacher training (PGCE or equivalent)
- School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)
- Apprenticeship routes into teaching
- Routes via teaching assistant or support roles
Requirements can vary depending on the age group, subject, and location, so it’s important to research the pathway that suits you best.
Pay and progression in teaching careers
Pay in teaching follows national pay scales in most state schools, offering transparency and structured progression.
Typical features include:
- Clear salary bands linked to experience
- Opportunities to progress into leadership roles
- Additional responsibility allowances
- Pension and job security benefits
Progression is clear, but advancement often comes with increased responsibility and workload.
Barriers people face in teaching
Teaching can present challenges, particularly for those entering the profession later or from underrepresented backgrounds.
Common barriers include:
- Workload and time pressures
- High expectations and accountability
- Limited flexibility in some settings
- Retention challenges across the sector
Understanding these realities can help you make informed decisions about where and how you work.
What to look for in an inclusive school or college
If inclusion matters to you, it’s important to look beyond inspection ratings and recruitment materials.
Positive signs can include:
- Supportive leadership and mentoring
- Clear behaviour policies applied consistently
- Commitment to staff wellbeing
- Flexible working arrangements where possible
Speaking to current staff or researching a school’s culture can provide valuable insight.
Is teaching a good long-term career?
For many people, teaching offers purpose, stability, and the chance to make a meaningful difference — but it is not the right fit for everyone.
Teaching can offer:
- A clear career structure
- Opportunities to specialise or move into leadership
- Strong community impact
It also requires:
- Emotional resilience
- Strong communication skills
- Ongoing professional development
The key question is whether teaching aligns with your values, working style, and long-term goals.
Explore current teaching roles
Browse teaching roles currently advertised on Diversity Dashboard to see what opportunities are available and what employers are looking for.