A report published in the Guardian in April 2022 that ‘’seven in 10 teachers in England thought of leaving in the last year’’ will have caused concern in parents, students and the Rt Hon Kit Malthouse alike.
Indeed, with regular reports about a growing teacher shortage here in the UK, with long hours, increasing bureaucracy, and stagnating wages, you might be wondering why anyone would want to enter this most challenging, rewarding of professions?
The latter adjective (a describing word) might give something of a clue here. Because regardless of its increasingly trying reputation, teaching is one of the most important and rewarding roles around. Few, if any, professions have such responsibility and ability to inspire our country’s young to follow their dreams and reach their potential, and, for this reason, many hugely ambitious, hardworking Brits do still want to enter the profession.
In fact, between 2019 and 2020, there was a modest increase in the number of applicants to teacher training here in the UK, showing there is still an appetite for this most noble of roles.
And seeing as you’re here, might we assume you’re considering entering the profession?
A Summary Of The Most Common Routes
There are several ways to become a teacher in the United Kingdom. The most common route is to obtain a degree from a university, and then follow that with a one-year postgraduate teacher training programme. Alternatively, you could also enter into a school-based teacher training programme, or look for vocational routes into the teaching profession.
Let’s explore each route a little further…
What Are The Typical Requirements For New Teachers In The United Kingdom?
Firstly, as the UK’s experts in graduate careers Prospects recommend, ‘’To help you decide if teaching is right for you, and to support your application, you should do some work or volunteering in schools.’’
We can’t emphasise this enough; teaching isn’t for everyone, and it’s essential you get a flavour of the roles and responsibilities involved prior to embarking on a course.
If you do find you enjoy the push and pull of a day spent in school, then in order to teach in the UK, you will need a degree and qualified teaching status. There are slightly different rules if you want to teach in a non-state funded school; however, most schools in the private sector will also expect their staff to be qualified to teach.
For individuals who already have a degree, obtaining qualified status can be relatively straightforward. If you are looking to teach in primary or secondary schools in England then you will need:
- At least 24 weeks experience in a minimum of two schools – this gives you hands on classroom experience to prepare you for your teaching role
- Supporting evidence of your knowledge and understanding of teaching and your chosen subject(s) – this will typically consist of evidence of classroom management obtained through practical experience, as well as showing the you have worked in schools under experienced teachers
- Demonstration of your teaching skills – generally obtained through you being observed teaching classes during your 24 weeks experience
Can I Still Qualify As A Teacher In The UK Without A Degree?
If you don’t have a degree, or indeed any formal qualifications, then the path to becoming a teacher will likely start with attending a college course to obtain enough UKAS Tariff Points to enter a higher education program. Speaking to an impartial education advisor will help you to work out the best path for you.
What Are The Next Steps To Becoming A Teacher If You Already Have A Degree?
Having a degree is an ideal starting point to becoming a teacher. There are several options available to people who want to teach and already have a higher education. You can study a university based PGCE course, which will give you all of the learning and support to find a route into teaching.
Read: Considerations when choosing the right university for you
However, for many this pathway does not give the hands-on experience that proves so valuable early in a teaching career. To gain that experience, options are available:
School Direct is a route into teaching that is becoming increasingly popular. It involves being employed as a trainee, salaried teacher in a school from the beginning of your training, with the support of a university. The advantage of School Direct is that you gain experience in the classroom from day one, which can be very beneficial. However, it’s important to remember that you will not have as much contact time with your university tutor as you would on an ITT course.
Postgraduate Teaching Training Apprenticeships offer a practical and hands-on way to get into teaching. This is similar to an apprenticeship, but unlike the Schools Direct programme, you will actually be employed by a school. This is a great way to gain experience working in a school and teaching in the classroom while you work to become a qualified teacher.
Teach First is a well-defined programme that gives graduates a pathway into teaching, with an emphasis in working towards senior positions within schools, or in other related fields such as education policy or governance. The programme is designed to help those who want to make a difference in education, through excellent training and development. Teach First can be a great route into teaching; however, it is renowned for the intensity of the training and work experience.
Assessment Only is a fast-track route into teaching for those who already have the necessary skills and experience. This route is not as common as the other two, but can be beneficial if you are confident in your abilities, meet the required criteria, and are looking for a career change.
The general format of this pathway is that teachers are expected to provide written evidence demonstrating their capabilities. They will also undergo observational assessments in schools from an accredited body.
So Which Of These Is The Best Route Into Teaching?
According to leading teaching recruitment agency County Teachers, the coming years will see a big push to recruit new teachers across the United Kingdom, with an increase in both salary and perks looking likely as the government seek to entice bright, enthusiastic young people into the profession.
It is important to go down a route that suits your individual needs, wants and aspirations, to ensure you’re suitably inspired in your studies and can go on to inspire, too!