Routes into Teaching in England

To be a teacher in England you will have to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

If you do not already have a degree you will take the undergraduate route.

If you have a degree you will take the graduate route.

Undergraduate Route

Option 1: Degree, followed by Teacher Training

In this, you study your degree and then follow the graduate route. If you wish to teach in a secondary school, it is important to take a degree in a subject that is taught in the National Curriculum.

Applications for the degree course are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Option 2: Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree

In this, you study for a degree in education plus Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It is a popular course for primary teachers but also for secondary teachers. The course usually lasts 3 - 4 years full time but can be done part time. Further information is available from Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).

Applications are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Option 3: BA/BSc with QTS

In this, you study for a degree in your preferred subject and gain QTS at the same time. It takes 3 - 4 years to complete. Further information can be found on the TDA web site.

Applications are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Option 4: Registered Teacher Programme (RTP)

The RTP is ideal for those who want to train on the job whilst earning a salary. It is available through any state maintained school that is willing to employ you as an unqualified teacher and has the required links with a higher education institution. QTS is obtained after 1 to 2 years of working in the school. You have to have the equivalent of two years of higher education to qualify for this programme. Telephone the Training and Development Agency GTP and RTP Advice Line 01245 454 444 for further help or look on the TDA website.

Applications: Find a school willing to sponsor you on the RTP and then apply to your local DRB (Designated Recommending Body) who will assess your application.

Graduate Route

Option 1: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

This option requires that you have an undergraduate degree plus GCSEs in Maths and English, and sometimes in Science. The PGCE course can be completed full or part time, in a university or college. Subject knowledge is assumed. The course develops teaching skills and leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There are two types of PGCE:

• Postgraduate certificate in Education includes work at Masters level
• Professional Graduate Certificate in Education is at the same level academically as the final year of an honours degree.

 For more information look at the Training and Development Agency (TDA) or Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) websites.

Applications are made through the GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry).

Option 2: School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

A SCITT is run by a school or group of schools. This option requires that you have an undergraduate degree plus GCSEs in Maths and English, and sometimes Science. Subject knowledge is assumed and the course concentrates on developing teaching skills. The training is delivered in the school and, although you are based in one school, it is part of a consortium of schools who are taking part in the same programme. QTS is usually achieved within one year.

For more information look at the TDA and GTTR websites.

Applications are made through the GTTR.

Option 3: Teach First

This relatively new scheme is a salaried, two-year programme, for high-flying graduates leading to QTS. It is also useful for those who would like to gain teaching experience before a career in business. It is run by an independent organisation and involves working in challenging secondary schools in the North West, London or the Midlands. Teach First transforms outstanding graduates into inspiring leaders, ready to excel in any management career. Combining intensive teacher training and experience in challenging secondary schools with an innovative leadership and management skills programme, Teach First is a unique opportunity for you to be different, and to make a difference. For more information look on the TDA website or the Teach First website or contact Lianne Pearce at Teach First.

Applications are made through Teach First.

Option 4: Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)

The GTP is particularly suited to mature candidates as it involves salaried, on-the-job training and takes between three months and one school year to complete and attain QTS. For more information telephone the GTP and RTP Advice Line on 01245 454 444 or go to the TDA website.

Applications are made through responding to a school advertisement or through your local DRB (Designated Recommending Body) or EBTT (Employment-Based Teacher Training) Provider.

Option 5: iTeach

This innovative web-based course delivered by Canterbury Christ Church University is for maths and science specialists. The flexible approah allows students to train as secondary school teachers whilst still employed. For more information visit the TDA website.

Applications are made via the iteach website

Option 6: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by assessment only

This is an option for those who already have considerable experience of working in a school as an unqualified teacher. It involves compiling and submitting a portfolio of evidence of your ability as a teacher and an assessment by the University of Gloucestershire. Further information can be found on the TDA website.

Applications are made through the School of Education at the University of Gloucestershire.