How to Become a Teacher in the UK (England)

Teaching is one of the most rewarding and respected careers you can choose. Whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or returning to education, there are clear routes to becoming a qualified teacher in England.

Decide What and Where You Want to Teach

Before you start training, think about the kind of teaching career that’s right for you:

• Age group: Primary (ages 5–11) or Secondary (ages 11–18)
• Subject area: For secondary teaching, your degree or experience usually relates to the subject you’ll teach
• Location: Training routes and qualifications differ slightly in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so check local requirements if you plan to move later

Get the Right Qualifications

To teach in state schools in England, you’ll need:

• A degree (or equivalent qualification)
• GCSEs in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary)

If you already have a degree, you can apply for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). These courses combine academic study with classroom experience.

Training can take place through:

• A university or higher education provider
• A school-led training route (such as School Direct or Teach First)
• A postgraduate teaching apprenticeship

Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) confirms that you meet national teaching standards.
You’ll gain QTS through your teacher training, which includes teaching practice in schools under supervision.

Most PGCE and ITT programmes in England include QTS automatically.

Find out more here: Swaledale Alliance - Initial Teacher Training

Complete Your Early Career Teacher (ECT) Period

After achieving QTS, you’ll begin a two-year induction as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
This is a supported period where you’ll work in a school with a reduced timetable, ongoing mentoring, and professional development.

The ECT period helps you build confidence and refine your teaching practice in real classrooms.

Continue to Grow and Specialise

Teaching is a lifelong learning journey. Once qualified, you can:

• Specialise in areas such as special educational needs (SEN), subject leadership, or pastoral care
• Move into leadership roles such as Head of Department, Assistant Head, or Headteacher
• Work abroad or contribute to teacher training and education policy

Alternative Routes and Support

If you’d like to earn while you train, there are flexible options:

• School Direct (salaried) – Train on the job while earning a salary
• Teach First – A leadership-focused training route working in schools from day one
• Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships – Work and study at the same time

You may also be eligible for bursaries or scholarships, especially if you’re training in high-demand subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, or languages.

Teaching in Other Parts of the UK

While this guide focuses on England, other UK nations have their own teacher registration systems:

• Scotland: General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)
• Wales: Education Workforce Council (EWC)
• Northern Ireland: General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI)

If you train or qualify in England, you can usually apply for recognition to teach in these regions.

Useful Links

• Get Into Teaching – Official Government Advice
• National Careers Service – Secondary and Primary School Teacher Profiles
• Find Postgraduate Teacher Training

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Teaching offers challenge, creativity, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
Explore your options, compare routes, and take the first step toward a career that shapes futures.