What Qualifications Do I Need to be A Teacher in UK?

Choosing to become a teacher in UK can be fulfilling, but it means you need certain qualifications and training. Whether you want to teach younger kids or older students, knowing what qualifications you need is really important when you start your journey into teaching.

Qualifications for Teaching in UK

GCSEs:

Grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths.
Grade 4 (C) or above in science (if you want to teach primary).

Degree:

A degree in any subject (for teaching primary and secondary).

Pro Tip:

If you don’t have a degree, consider enrolling in an undergraduate teacher training programme where you can earn both a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the same time.

Additional Qualifications

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)

Depending on what you studied in college, you might need to take a course to boost your knowledge in a specific subject before you can teach it. This is especially true if your degree isn’t in that subject.

Foreign Qualification Standards for Teaching

If you have qualifications from another country, make sure they meet the standards required for teaching in UK. Check with the right authorities to be sure.

Teaching Routes You Can Pursue

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a popular way for you to become a teacher. It combines working in schools with learning about teaching. It usually takes about nine months to complete if you study full-time. While you don’t need a PGCE to be a qualified teacher in England, it can really improve your teaching skills and knowledge.

Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is for graduates who want to become Primary or Secondary teachers in Scotland. This programme combines university classes with teaching practice in schools. It helps you become a skilled teacher, a subject expert, and a future leader in education. The PGDE is known worldwide, so you can apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) or a similar qualification in your home country.

School Direct

School Direct is a great option for college graduates who dream of becoming teachers. It lets you work in schools and earn a salary while you learn how to teach kids in elementary or high school. Some programmes might even offer you a PGCE qualification, though you might have to pay extra depending on the programme.

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

The Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is a well-known way to become a teacher. It’s different from going to university because you work and learn at the same time. You can earn a postgraduate qualification without paying tuition fees. During this apprenticeship, you’ll train in a school and study outside of work. It prepares you to become a Qualified Teacher and might also include getting a PGCE and credits towards a master’s degree, depending on the programme.

Teach First

Teach First is a charity and social enterprise that helps people make a difference in England and Wales by fighting educational inequality. Their two-year training programme not only helps you become a teacher but also builds your leadership skills and offers a chance to get a master’s degree. After you graduate, you join a network that’s dedicated to improving schools and communities facing tough challenges.

Salaried PGCE

A Salaried PGCE in UK lets you work as an unqualified teacher in a school while studying for your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This means you can earn a salary while gaining practical experience and working towards becoming a qualified teacher. It’s perfect for those who want practical training and a direct pathway into teaching jobs.

Undergraduate Teacher Training

Undergraduate Teacher Training are programmes that helps you get ready to teach in primary or secondary schools. They usually last 3-4 years and mix classroom learning with hands-on teaching practice. During these programmes, you’ll gain real school experience and become skilled in the subjects you’ll teach.

Future Teaching Scholars

Future Teaching Scholars programme is supported by the Department for Education and designed for talented students who love math and physics. Over six years, you’ll study at university and get hands-on training. This programme aims to prepare dedicated STEM teachers to help fill important gaps in these subjects.

Now Teach

Now Teach is a programme made to help you switch to teaching. It’s for people from different backgrounds who want to make a big difference in education, especially in subjects where there aren’t enough teachers. With helpful programme managers and a strong network, Now Teach wants to make it easy for you to change careers and get involved in helping kids learn.

Conclusion

If you want to be a teacher, you need to know the right qualifications and training options. Whether you’re just starting out in education or thinking about changing careers, understanding these requirements is important. To be guided fully, it would also be great to follow a guide to teacher training specifically for teaching in UK. Once you’re fully equipped, you can start searching for job opportunities together with submitting your CV to your chosen schools or educational institutions.

If you’re looking to enhance your CV, here’s a teacher CV example that can help you.