Routes into teaching

To become a qualified teacher in state-maintained schools across the UK, you need to undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Entry is generally competitive, but less so for shortage subjects such as maths, physics and languages. Register and find out more about Initial Teacher Training with Get Into Teaching.

Completion of ITT leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England and Wales, and the Teaching Qualification (TQ) in Scotland. Some independent schools, academies and free schools might not specify QTS or registration with a teaching council as an entry requirement.

To help you decide if teaching is right for you, and to support your application, you should gain school work experience. If you're not sure which age or subject would suit you, contact schools in your area and ask to observe in a classroom. You should also speak to teaching staff about the challenges and rewards of teaching. For more information, see how to become a teacher.

Once you've decided which age range and subject you'd like to teach, look for a route that gives you the relevant experience. If you haven't already, access the careers and employability service where you're studying or have graduated from. Attend universities, schools and training provider open days before you apply.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The most common route into teaching is the PGCE, which can be studied at a university or through a school-based training programme such as a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT).

You'll need:

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths (grade B/5 or above in Wales)
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject if you want to teach primary pupils
• some experience of working with children in a mainstream UK school, ideally in the age group for which you're applying
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

PGCE courses combine academic study with practical experience. You'll learn about teaching and learning theory, lesson planning, and classroom behaviour management. After the initial academic phase, you'll usually spend up to two-thirds of your time on school placements, gaining experience in at least two different key stages.

A full-time PGCE typically takes one academic year, while part-time options last around two years. Course modules vary by provider but usually cover areas such as:

• reflective teaching
• research-informed practice
• professional practice
• subject knowledge.

Always check whether your chosen course leads to QTS, as you'll need this to teach in most state schools in England and Wales.

A small number of universities in England, and most in Scotland, offer the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). The main difference is the number of academic credits - the PGDE carries 120 Masters-level credits, while the PGCE carries 60. Both qualifications can lead to QTS if they are approved by the Department for Education (DfE) or the relevant national authority.

Search all PGCEs.

PGDE

Most popular in Scotland, the PGDE is a one-year postgraduate qualification that leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS equivalent). The course also carries Masters-level credits that can count towards further study.

You'll need:

• an undergraduate degree (for secondary teaching, your degree should include at least 80 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credit points in the subject you wish to teach)
• National Qualifications in English at SCQF Level 6 and Mathematics at SCQF Level 5
• some classroom experience, ideally in a Scottish school setting
• membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

On the PGDE, you'll typically spend half of your time at university, studying subject-specific theory and general teaching methods. This academic component is assessed through written assignments, presentations, and reflective work. The remaining time is spent on school placements, where you'll teach under supervision, be regularly observed, and maintain a professional development portfolio.

Most PGDE courses are full time, though a small number of universities offer part-time or flexible study options - check with individual institutions for details.

Through Scotland's Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), eligible graduates of Scottish universities are guaranteed a paid one-year teaching post in a Scottish school after completing the PGDE.

Salaried PGCE

Available in Wales, this two-year, employment-based route allows you to work in a school as an unqualified teacher while training towards a PGCE and QTS.

You'll need:

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE grade B/5 or above in English or Welsh language and mathematics
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject if you want to teach primary pupils
• for secondary teaching, a significant part of your degree should be in the subject you wish to teach.

The programme is delivered by The Open University in Wales through its Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnership. It includes 60 Masters-level credits and fully meets the QTS standards set by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). There are two pathways - one for primary teaching and one for secondary teaching, with subject specialisms in science, mathematics, and Welsh.

To secure a place on the Salaried PGCE, you must already be employed by a school in Wales or have a school willing to sponsor your training. If you do not have a placement school, The Open University may be able to help you find one.

You'll work in school five days a week, gaining practical teaching experience while also completing online academic study and attending sessions with mentors and university tutors.

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

With no tuition fees and a salary from the outset, the Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is a great option for those who want to earn while they train, rather than follow the traditional university route.

You'll need:

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and mathematics
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject if you want to teach primary pupils
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

During the apprenticeship, you'll spend around 80% of your time (approximately 120 days) in the classroom, gaining practical experience through observation, team teaching, and independent teaching across two key stages. Some programmes require placements in two contrasting schools, so it's worth checking before applying.

The remaining 20% of your time is dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes theoretical study, training sessions, and professional development workshops.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll maintain a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your progress and complete a reflective journal about your teaching experiences. You'll also be regularly observed teaching lessons. All of this contributes to your overall assessment.

At the end of the programme, you'll complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA), which includes a lesson observation and a professional discussion or interview conducted by an independent assessor.

Depending on the provider, you may also gain an additional qualification such as a PGCE or PGCert (Postgraduate Certificate), alongside QTS and the Level 6 Teaching Apprenticeship award.

It's worth noting that teaching apprenticeships are still relatively new, so the number of vacancies remains limited. If you're interested, speak with your current school or contact local schools and training providers to find out about upcoming opportunities.

School Direct

The School Direct route allows you to train to teach either entirely in a school or through a combination of school-based training and university study. It's a practical, hands-on route designed for those who want to learn while immersed in a school environment.

You'll need:

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and mathematics
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject if you want to teach primary pupils
• for the salaried route, typically at least three years of full-time work experience
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you choose the School Direct (salaried) route, you'll be employed by a school as an unqualified teacher while you train on the job. You'll earn a salary and will not have to pay tuition fees, although this route is generally aimed at career changers with significant work experience.

If you take the School Direct (tuition fee) route, you'll be based in a school but will also receive academic input from the university, college, or SCITT provider that partners with your placement school. You'll usually pay tuition fees for this route, but you may be eligible for student finance or bursaries.

Throughout your training, you'll spend time in at least two schools, gaining experience across different key stages. Alongside hands-on teaching, you'll study lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching theory. You'll be supported by a mentor and assessed through lesson observations and a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your teaching competence.

Not all School Direct courses include a PGCE or PGDE, so it's important to check with your training provider what academic qualification you'll gain in addition to QTS.

View all School Direct courses.

Teach First

You'll work in schools serving low-income communities as part of a two-year, salaried training programme leading to QTS and a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (PGDE).

You'll need:

• a 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent (a 2:2 may be considered for certain subjects or with relevant experience)
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and mathematics (grade B/5 in Wales)
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in a science subject if you want to teach primary pupils
• your degree or A-levels to meet subject or curriculum requirements
• the ability to begin training in June or July and start teaching in September
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Before entering the classroom, you’ll complete an intensive five-week Summer Institute (approximately 37.5 hours per week) to prepare for teaching. There is also a part-time option lasting around nine weeks, with a commitment of about 12.5 hours per week.

In your first year, you’ll teach up to 80% of a qualified teacher’s timetable, supported by a school-based mentor and a university tutor, while also attending training days and leadership conferences.

In your second year, you’ll be employed as an early career teacher (ECT), teaching a full timetable while continuing to receive professional support and development.

Applications open in June for entry the following academic year. Early application is recommended, especially for popular subjects such as history and English.

Find out more about Teach First.

Ambition Institute

This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme. You may also be able to do part-time training, spread across two academic years.

You will begin your main placement in a school, where you'll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. You will also receive one-on-one support every week from your dedicated mentor, who will be an experienced teacher that works in your school.

You'll need:

• a 2:2 undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and maths
• GCSE grade 4/C or above in science to teach primary school children.

Upon successful completion of the course you will gain QTS, a PGCE and 60 credits towards a Masters.

Take a look at Ambition Institute.

Undergraduate teaching degree

Ideal for those who don't already hold a degree, you can study for a Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Entry requirements typically include:

• GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English language, mathematics, and science
• A-levels or equivalent qualifications (check with the institution for the required UCAS tariff points)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

These degree programmes usually take three years full time or four years part time to complete. On successful completion, you will be awarded QTS, allowing you to teach in state schools in England and Wales.

During your studies, you will explore topics such as:

• assessment and feedback
• effective teaching
• inclusive education,
• how children learn.

You will also complete projects and school placements to gain practical classroom experience.

In your first-year placement, you will begin by supporting a teacher and working with small groups of pupils. In years two and three, your responsibilities will increase, and you will become more involved in lesson planning, teaching, and assessment.

Now Teach

This is a bespoke support programme and professional network for experienced professionals who want to retrain as teachers through a variety of training providers across England.

Entry requirements include:

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English and mathematics
• a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• an A-level (or equivalent) in the subject you wish to teach.

The programme is aimed at career changers who want to bring their professional expertise into the classroom to improve education. Priority is given to those wishing to teach subjects in which there is a shortage of teachers, including:

• computer science
• geography
• languages (French and Spanish)
• mathematics
• the sciences.

Participants receive guidance and support to choose the right training route, expert career advice throughout their teaching career, and access to a network of hundreds of other career changers across England. The programme also offers regular face-to-face and online events and one-to-one support from a dedicated programme manager.

Find out more about Now Teach.

Lift Schools

This is a one-year, classroom-based training programme to obtain QTS and a PGCE.

You will need:

• GCSEs in maths and English (and science for primary)
• A Bachelors degree
• the right to work in the UK.

You'll work as an unqualified teacher on a permanent contract, starting with a two-week summer school, gradually increasing your teaching load, and benefiting from weekly coaching and a second school placement.

There are salaried positions, apprenticeships, bursaries, and scholarships available depending on your situation and teaching subject.

Applications for September starts close at the end of July.

Discover more about Lift Schools.

Teaching without a degree

When choosing an undergraduate course, make sure your qualification allows you to teach in schools. If you are in England or Wales, select a degree that includes QTS. If you're in Northern Ireland or Scotland, check that your course leads to provisional registration with the relevant teaching council.

It's also possible to teach without a degree, as academies, free schools, independent schools, and further education (FE) colleges do not always require QTS. However, having a degree can improve your career prospects and make it easier to move between schools.

Another option is teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL/TESOL), which is particularly useful if you are interested in teaching abroad. Keep in mind that TEFL employers often prefer candidates with a degree and a teaching qualification, which may also be required for visa purposes.

Working as a teaching assistant is excellent preparation for a teaching career, but it is not a direct route to qualification. You will still need to complete a degree and obtain QTS to become a fully qualified teacher.

Visit jobs in education to discover alternative careers within the sector.

Find out more

• Learn more about teaching in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Take a look at how to become a teacher.