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Routes into Teaching

How Can I Become a Teacher?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions. There are many different routes into teaching available in England and Wales. 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.

Entry Requirements

The basic entry requirements for ITT (Initial Teacher Training) are as follows:

  • Achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE in Maths
  • Achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE in English
  • Achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE in a science subject. (for those applying for primary teaching only)
  • A first degree or equivalent qualification for post graduate routes into teaching; the grade will be determined by the accredited provider awarding Qualified Teacher Status
  • From 1st April 2020, it is no longer required to take the Professional Skills Test. Instead, candidates are required to have Fundamental English and Mathematics to become a teacher either at interview or during the training course.

Is Teaching Right For Me? 

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. A fantastic way to gain insight into the world of teaching is through voluntary work. You could also explore paid work opportunities within education settings. Voluntary and paid experience can strengthen your future job applications. 

Reach out to teaching staff, careers and employability services and training providers; talking to those with first-hand knowledge will help you to make an informed decision. Moreover, make the effort to attend school/university open days and teaching-related recruitment fairs

Working in a support staff capacity within a school setting, e.g. teaching assistant, cover supervisor or administration, will help you to get your foot in the door whilst you consider all the routes available to you. You will also build meaningful connections and contacts. 

Available Routes 

For clickable links, download the PDF here.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses

SKE courses are designed to enhance your existing knowledge in a particular subject area to help you progress in your teaching career. Find out more about SKE courses here.

Postgraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)

Available via university or school-led training routes, all programmes lead to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) upon completion. EYTS allows you to specialise in working with children up to the age of five only.

Researchers in Schools 

If you have completed, or are in the process of completing, a doctorate, then this three-year teacher training programme may be for you. It offers a combination of  classroom teaching and research opportunities to work towards gaining QTS. You will also work towards the Research Leader in Education Award. Find out more from Researchers in Schools. 

Overseas Teaching

To find out more about teaching in England as an overseas teacher visit this page.