Qualifying as a teacher

There are several ways to qualify as a teacher, most of which rely on further qualifications. Work experience is often important in getting a place on a course of further study as well as in getting your first job.

Qualifications

1. You will need five GCSE’s including English and Maths with at least a grade C.
2. For primary school teaching you will also need at least a C at GCSE in science.
3. You will need to attain Qualified Teacher Status, by taking one of the routes outlined below, then completing three terms of teaching.

There are several routes into teaching:

• Taking a teaching degree
• Taking an undergraduate degree followed by a PGCE
• Taking an undergraduate degree and finding a position offering on the job training.

Work experience

It is helpful to have some experience of working with the age group you are intending to teach.

Local schools may use volunteers in after school clubs or as classroom assistants.

Talk to teachers at the schools you have attended, it may be possible to spend a few days as a classroom assistant to gain experience.


Organisations training teachers

Teach First is a charity running independent graduate teacher training in challenging schools, offering QTS through a short course in teacher training followed by on the job training in schools.