Becoming a teacher is an aspiration of so many people. It’s the role we all know as children and are the closest to until we leave school. Whether it’s primary, secondary or SEN, there are different ways to access a teaching qualification.
To enrol in a teacher training program, you need:
- An undergraduate degree
- At least a Grade C or Level 4 in GCSE Maths and English
In some cases, it’s possible to train without a degree, though this usually requires substantial school experience first. Many aspiring teachers gain experience as teaching assistants or learning support assistants before starting a formal training program.
There are different avenues to be taken to get into teacher training, the most popular are:
- University PGCE
- Teach First
- School Direct.
At the end of all these courses, you’ll be awarded QTS – Qualified Teacher Status. A full-time teaching course takes 9 months to complete, part time courses take 18 months. Before applying, do your research and find out which route would best suit you – there’s no right or wrong choice!
PGCE
PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate of Education) is a University led course. It may have another name, such as PGDipEd, the course name just depends on the University, just ensure it comes with QTS.
A university-based course will provide you with a personal tutor and lecturers who provide you with subject knowledge, theory and technique through lectures and seminars. As part of the course, you’ll then have long-term placement opportunities in different schools and year groups.
The benefits of a PGCE are that it provides you with a lot of training before entering a classroom, which can provide you with much needed knowledge and confidence. It can also be beneficial if you want to teach in other countries because it’s an internationally recognised academic qualification in many countries.
Going to university does come with its cost. UK university fees are now £9,535 per year (As of 2025/26). However, you can apply for a student loan or be eligible for funding to train as a teacher. See what funding you can be qualified for here.
Teach First
Teach first is a charity run program which offers a salaried course for all students. Teach first is a 2-year training program which is School led. The course rewards both PGCE and QTS. The course begins with a short intensive training program (5 weeks) to prepare you for the classroom. You are then placed into a school where you will train on the job and start having responsibility from day 1. There are still regular training days from the associated university.
After the first year, you are a qualified teacher but are contracted to work another year within your assigned school as an Early Careers Teacher (ECT).
The benefits of Teach First is that it is salaried and you’re teaching from early on. This course is suited to those who have experience in a classroom or are prepared to head straight into the classroom.
Find out more here: https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/
School Direct
Similar to Teach First, School Direct is a salaried route into teaching where you learn on the job. While the majority of School Direct training programmes include a PGCE qualification, not all do. So be aware and do your research if having a PGCE qualification is important to you. The training on this course is 1 year and is run by the school or a group of schools – therefore you can work in schools in your local area and choose a specific school to do your training in.
This course is aimed at those with at least 3 years’ experience of transferable work history. When you begin working on the salaried program, you’ll be employed as an unqualified teacher. This route is ideal for someone already working within the school looking to make their career move as a fully qualified teacher. Be aware, some of these programs are unsalaried, it is dependent on experience and circumstance.
This is also linked to School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT). https://www.ucas.com/teaching-option/school-direct-salaried
Whichever route you take, do your research and decide what is right for you. For further information on getting into teaching, visit the government website – https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/
