How to Get Teaching Qualifications in the UK: 6 Steps

Ever dreamed of inspiring young minds and making a real difference? If so, then becoming a teacher might be just right for you. But before you can teach, you need the right qualifications.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to get teaching qualifications in the UK in 6 easy steps. We’ll talk about —

• checking if you meet the basic requirements,
• finding the right training course,
• and getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England.

So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s start your exciting journey to becoming a teacher!

6 Steps on How to Get Teaching Qualifications in the UK

You obviously know that becoming a teacher in the UK is a great and rewarding job. To become a teacher, you need to complete a program called Initial Teacher Training (ITT).

Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps you need to follow to get into teaching:

Step 1: Check Your Qualifications

First, you need to make sure you have the right school qualifications:

• GCSEs: You need GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths.
• Science GCSE: If you want to teach primary school, you also need a GCSE in science at grade 4 (C) or above.
• Degree: This is the big one! Regardless of whether you want to teach primary or secondary school, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any subject.

Step 2: Decide on Your Training Route

There are different ways to get your teacher training:

Postgraduate Route

If you already have a degree, you can get a postgraduate qualification like a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is a one-year course that is very popular.

It combines learning about teaching with real classroom experience. You will learn about —

• teaching methods,
• how to create lesson plans,
• and how children learn and think.

You will also spend time working in a school to get hands-on experience.

This route helps you quickly get a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) certificate so you can start teaching soon. Many PGCE courses focus on specific age groups (like primary or secondary school) and specific subjects, so you can choose the one that matches your interests and goals.

Undergraduate Route

If you don’t have a degree yet, you can choose an undergraduate teacher training program. This program usually takes three or four years. When you finish, you get a bachelor’s degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This route gives you a clear path to getting both a degree and a QTS. It’s a good choice if you’re not sure which subject you want to teach yet.

These programs focus a lot on subject knowledge so that you know a lot about what you will be teaching.

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA)

This might be an option based on your background and experience. This option is ideal for those who want to earn while getting real experience in classrooms.

This way of becoming a teacher lets you work in a school and study part-time for a teaching degree. The school that hires you will give you guidance and help while you learn.

Step 3: Find a Teacher Training Course

With your training route chosen, it’s time to find the perfect teacher training course! Here are the ways you can research your options:

• Government Resources: Visit the UK government site for lots of useful info and a tool to find teacher training courses in the UK.
• University Websites: Many universities have special pages for their teacher training courses. These pages explain what the courses are, what you need to get in, and how to apply.
• Recognised Training Providers: There are also independent training providers, like Lead Academy, that offer good online teacher training courses. Check their websites to see how their courses work, what they are good at, and what placement opportunities they offer. These courses let you learn at your own pace, which can be very convenient.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Course

First, look for courses that match your chosen path (PGCE, Undergraduate, TDA) and the age group you want to teach (primary or secondary). Make sure they offer the specific subjects you want to teach.

Then, think about how the course is set up. Some courses are full-time, while others are part-time. Check how much time you’ll spend in classrooms versus learning theory.

Also, decide where you want to study and maybe teach in the future. There are programs all over the UK, so think about if you might need to move.

Step 4: Apply for the Teacher Training Course

Once you’ve found a course that suits you, it’s time to apply. The application process can be different for each program, so make sure to check the details and deadlines with the course provider.

Step 5: Complete Your Training

Teacher training combines classroom learning with practical experience. This practical experience is really important because it helps you understand what teaching is really like and prepares you for your future job.

Step 6: Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Getting Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is like getting a ticket to start teaching in most public schools across the UK. It shows that you have the knowledge, skills, and professionalism needed to teach well and inspire students.

What is QTS?

• National Qualification: QTS is a recognised qualification all across the UK. It tells schools and employers that you are ready to teach, handle student behaviour, and assess learning effectively.
• Two Ways to Get QTS: There are generally two ways to get QTS. The main way is through Initial Teacher Training (ITT), which we’ve already talked about above, where you learn in classrooms and schools. Another way is for experienced teachers from other countries, who can sometimes get QTS through an assessment.

How Your Training Program Supports QTS

Let’s see how the above training programs run based on the QTS criteria.

• Curriculum Alignment: Your chosen teacher training program will be designed to align directly with the Teachers’ Standards set by the Department for Education (DfE).
• Mentorship and Support: Throughout your training program, you’ll benefit from the guidance of experienced tutors and mentors.
• Practice-Based Learning: You learn by doing real teaching in real schools to get better and feel more sure of yourself.
• Assessment and Feedback: Tests and advice help you see how you’re doing and get better at teaching.

Beyond QTS

Once you get QTS and start teaching, it’s just the beginning. Many teachers keep learning to get even better at their jobs. By finishing your training and getting QTS, you’ll be ready to start a fun and rewarding career as a teacher in the UK.

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