Most UK state and independent schools require teachers to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Graduates can gain this via the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), and Teach First. Most teacher training providers require observation of a school before applying. A comprehensive guide to routes into teaching can be found on the Prospects website.
Choosing courses / Course quality
Ofsted inspects initial teacher training courses and publishes inspection reports for schools, colleges, and more in England. The Centre for Education and Employment Research (CEER) also produces annual ‘league tables’ (including SCITTs) based on a combination of Ofsted inspection results, entry qualifications and teaching profession. This is published as the Good Teacher Training Guide.
If you’re looking to gain experience
You can gain valuable experience from volunteering with an education-focused charity, or in a school (e.g. Into University), working as a tutor or teaching assistant, or supporting the LSE Widening Participation programmes. For strategic or management roles in education, consider becoming a school governor or charity trustee.
If you’re early on in your career
If you're planning to teach, consider which of the training routes best suits you. For non-teaching roles, look for a good first position that will allow you to gain insight into an institution’s operations and develop transferable skills you can use in future applications.
If you have more experience
In the UK you would typically train to gain QTS, whatever stage of career you’re at. However, some academies and private schools may take into account significant industry experience. For non-teaching roles, consider how your previous experience could be of value in the sector.
If you’re changing career
It is possible to retrain via a PGCE, but school-based routes like Now Teach and Researchers in Schools may be of interest. For non-teaching roles, highlight elements of your previous experience, both in and outside of work, that could be useful to the sector.
Not sure what to do next?
We’re here to talk over your career plans with you. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at, so don’t feel you have to have it all worked out. You can book a one-to-one appointment with a careers consultant on CareerHub.