How to Become a Teacher

Table of Contents 

• What Does a Teacher Do?
• Pre-Requisite Qualifications for Teacher Training Programmes
• Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Teacher in the UK
  • Post-Graduate Certification in Education (PGCE)
  • Initial Teacher Training  (ITT)
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

What Does a Teacher Do?

Being a teacher in the United Kingdom is an extremely fulfilling career, and the path to become one involves a combination of education, training, and certification.

Teachers have a significant influence on their students’ educational, social, and emotional development. A teacher’s responsibilities may include instructing and guiding a large group of students, assessing student’s strengths and weaknesses, planning, and adapting lessons to student needs, and grading assignments and exams.

Whether you aspire to teach in a primary school (children aged 5-11) or secondary school students (aged 11-16), the road to becoming a qualified teacher is relatively similar. This guide will tell you all you need to know about pursuing this rewarding profession.

Pre-Requisite Qualifications for Teacher Training Programmes

To train to teach in primary and secondary schools in England, you’ll need:

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs):

• English and Mathematics: Most teacher training programmes require a minimum of a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics. Some programmes may accept equivalent qualifications, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of the programme you are interested in.

• Science (for primary teaching): If you're interested in primary teaching, some programmes may require a Science GCSE at a minimum grade C/4 or above. Again, check with the specific programme for their requirements.

• Subject-specific GCSE (for secondary teaching): If you're planning to teach a specific subject at the secondary level, you may be required to have a GCSE in that subject at a minimum grade C/4 or above. The specific subject requirements can vary, so it's crucial to check the requirements for the subject you want to teach.

While some training providers consider candidates with pending GCSEs, if you do not have the GCSEs required, they may also ask you to sit an equivalency test or to offer other evidence of ability. 

Bachelor's degree:

• If seeking a Primary school position, you can apply for a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a three-year degree.
• However, if you intend to work in secondary education, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a preferred subject. It would be ideal to earn a degree that aligns with the subject you want to teach.

It’s important to note that some training providers may have their own specific criteria. For example, some may ask that you have a bachelor’s degree class 2:2 or above.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Teacher in the UK

1. Earn a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Tailored for aspiring educators, PGCE programmes provide a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to inspire your students. After you obtain your PGCE certification, you will be able to teach at any level in the subject that you completed your Bachelors.

While you may choose to complete this certification separately, some Initial Teacher Training courses may also award PGCE. It usually takes one year to obtain a PGCE credential.

2. Complete the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme

ITT programmes typically include a minimum of two to three placements at different schools for six to eight weeks each. At each placement, you will experience the normal duties of a teacher, supervised by an experienced mentor. This will give you the opportunity to get first-hand experience in teaching, lesson planning, interacting with students, and contributing to the school community.

Here are several course options to get you started:

• Diploma in Education and Training (DET) / Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (ProfGCE) @ West Thames College
• Access to Higher Education Diploma Teaching Primary (Science) (Distance Learning) @ distancelearningcentre.com
• Access to Higher Education Diploma Teaching Primary (English) (Distance Learning) @ distancelearningcentre.com

If you’re interested in a particular type of school, some courses may offer more specific placements. You should talk to your course provider about available opportunities.

Full-time teacher training usually takes around nine months to complete, while part-time teacher training can take between 18 to 24 months.

3. Earn a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

To teach in the UK, you must obtain a QTS credential. You can earn this by reaching teacher’s standards through your Initial Teacher Training programme.

Teacher training programmes may award Qualified Teacher Status(QTS) only, while some award QTS with a PGCE.

You will be assessed through both formative and summative means, depending on the programme you choose. This may be through assignments, observation, or by a portfolio of evidence showing how you’re meeting teacher standards.

When you complete the programme and meet the standards, you can earn QTS and finally become a newly qualified teacher (NQT).

Return to top