To teach in maintained schools within England and Wales you will need to undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Some academies, free schools and independent schools may not specify QTS as an entry requirement, however QTS is generally preferable and will improve your career prospects.
The basic entry requirements for ITT are as follows:
The best way to help you decide if teaching is right for you, is to gain as much hands-on experience as possible in a school environment. Exploring opportunities for voluntary or paid work will provide you with a valuable insight into the world of teaching and can work to your advantage to strengthen future job applications.
Take the opportunity to speak with teaching staff, careers and employability services, training providers and attend school/university open days and teaching related recruitment fairs
You may want to consider a role as a teaching assistant, a cover supervisor or even an administration support role to get your foot in the door whilst you consider all the routes available to you.
There are a number of different routes into teaching which provide options to suit everyone.
If you prefer to spend more time training in the classroom, putting theory into practice and gaining confidence through increased contact with the school environment, then a school-based route may be a good option for you.
Many schools in Kent are involved in leading and participating in school-based routes. If you are interested in a school-based route, you may wish to contact your local primary or secondary school to ask if they are involved.
School Direct is available in primary and secondary schools across England with programmes generally lasting for 1 year. Some schools may offer training on a part-time basis; therefore, you should contact your chosen school to discuss the options. Successful completion of a School Direct course will lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS). School Direct programmes may also include a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) including credits at Masters level.
In order to help tailor training to your skills and experience, there are two separate School Direct training options:
Both postgraduate and undergraduate teacher training courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Brighton, the University of Greenwich and several other universities work closely with Kent based schools to deliver their teacher training programmes. See here or university websites for further guidance.
If you have a degree and wish to train as a primary or secondary school teacher, then this route may be suitable. A PGCE is a 1 year course leading to QTS and focuses on developing your teaching skills and underpinning your knowledge. The PGCE involves lectures, seminars and other taught sessions in a university setting, including teaching placements in schools. Dedicated subject knowledge enhancement courses are also available in some secondary subjects should your degree not closely align with the subject you wish to teach.
If you do not currently have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Bachelor of Science (BSc) with qualified teacher status (QTS) course. These courses enable you to study for a degree and complete your initial teacher training (ITT) at the same time.
Applications for all routes into Teacher Training are handled by UCAS. Please visit UCAS - Teacher Training for more information and to apply.
For further information, or for tailored advice and information about teacher training visit here.