Thinking about becoming a teacher? Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it’s not as simple as just walking into a classroom. There are a few key qualifications and steps you need to tick off your list before you can inspire the next generation.
Whether you’re just finishing with your studies, switching careers, or already in the education field, we’re here to break it down for you.
So, what qualifications do you need to become a teacher?
First things first: you need a degree to teach. In most cases, this will be a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or a Bachelor’s degree in a subject area relevant to what you plan to teach (like English, maths, or science), followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
The type of degree you need depends on whether you want to teach in primary or secondary education.
To enrol in a university course, you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
If you already have a degree and now want to teach, you’ll need to go through Initial Teacher Training (ITT). This is where the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) comes into play. A PGCE is a one-year course (or two years part-time) that gives you practical classroom experience and the theoretical understanding of how to teach.
It’s a popular route because it offers both the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and an academic qualification. If you don’t want to do a PGCE, there are other ways to get QTS, but this is by far the most widely recognised.
Qualified Teacher Status is essential. You cannot teach in a maintained school (a state school) in the UK without this. Whether you’ve done a PGCE, an undergraduate teaching degree, or a teaching apprenticeship, you will need to get your QTS.
You’ll be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards in areas like behaviour management, subject knowledge, and classroom organisation. These standards are designed to ensure every teacher entering the profession is up to scratch!
Once you’ve secured your degree and QTS, gaining hands-on experience in a classroom is the next step. Many teacher training programs offer school placements so you can build up your confidence and practical skills.
In some cases, schools also offer School Direct or Teach First programs, where you can train and teach at the same time. This is an excellent option if you prefer to dive straight into the teaching environment while learning the ropes.
If you already know which key stage or subject you want to teach, this will guide your education route. Primary school teachers need to have a broad understanding of all subjects, while secondary teachers will need to specialise.
For example, if you’re passionate about science, you’ll want to focus your degree and teacher training on becoming a science teacher. Knowing your preferred age group or subject early can help you focus on the right qualifications from the start.
Once you’re a qualified teacher, your learning doesn’t stop. You’ll continue developing throughout your career through CPD (Continuing Professional Development). This might involve further training, attending courses, or taking on leadership roles in the future.
Schools will often support your CPD efforts, especially if they see you as someone who could step up into a more senior role down the line.
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If you’re changing careers, you might be looking for a more flexible route. There are alternative pathways to becoming a teacher, such as:
A program that places high-achieving graduates into teaching roles in schools with greater needs. It’s a great option for those who want to make an impact right away. View the Teach First Training Programme brochure to learn more.
If you have a lot of teaching experience but lack formal qualifications, you can get QTS by being assessed on your skills without the need for a full training program. The assessment programme takes up to 12 weeks. View Get Into Teaching’s advice on the assessment only route to QTS for unqualified teachers.
This is another route where you train within a school environment rather than at a university, gaining both the theory and practical experience simultaneously. Learn more about the SCITT.
Although we’ve covered the formal qualifications, it’s also worth mentioning the soft skills that make an outstanding teacher. These include:
So, what qualifications do you need to become a teacher? The short answer is: a degree, QTS, and some solid teaching experience. But the truth is, teaching is a constantly evolving profession, and there’s always more to learn.
Whether you go down the traditional route of a B.Ed. or PGCE, or choose an alternative pathway like Teach First or SCITT, the key is to stay passionate and committed.
If you’re ready to start your journey into teaching, it’s worth researching the various routes to find out which fits you best. Remember that every journey to becoming a teacher can look a little different depending on where you’re starting from and where you want to go.
Are you looking to start your teaching career? Get in touch with our team or view our latest vacancies below.
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