You need ‘qualified teacher status’ (QTS) to work in the majority of schools in England including state maintained primary, secondary and special schools.
Find out how to get QTS if you:
- have a degree (or you’re getting one)
- do not have a degree (and you’re not already doing one)
- are already an experienced teacher
You can also find specialised teacher training programmes if you’re changing career.
Not looking to teach in primary or secondary settings? Consider teaching early years or further education.
If you’re from outside the UK, find out how you can come to England to teach.
If you have a degree
Go back to university as a postgraduate student
With university-led teacher training you spend some of your time in academic learning, but the majority in school placements.
In addition to QTS you’ll get a PGCE or PGDE (an academic qualification).
Courses typically take one year but you may be able to study part-time.
Fees for full-time courses are usually around £9,250 but you can:
- get funding that you do not have to pay back for certain subjects
- apply for a student loan
University-led training
Fees are higher for international students.
You can check the fees for a particular course with the course provider.
Train with a school or group of schools
School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)
SCITT programmes are delivered by a network of schools and focus on training as you teach.
School Direct (fee-funded)
School Direct (fee-funded) programmes are delivered by groups of schools in collaboration with a SCITT or university. The content and structure of a School Direct course is broadly similar to a SCITT course, each providing school-based training.
Many SCITT and School Direct (fee-funded) programmes give you a PGCE or PGDE (an academic qualification) in addition to QTS.
Courses typically take one year but you may be able to study part-time.
Fees are usually around £9,250 but you can:
- get funding that you do not have to pay back for certain subjects
- apply for a student loan
School direct
(fee-funded)
Earn a salary
Some teacher training programmes like ‘school direct (salaried)’ and ‘postgraduate teaching apprenticeships’ offer a salary for those with the right experience.
These courses are usually suitable for people who already have relevant teaching experience, or are already working as unqualified teachers.
Many ‘school direct (salaried)’ programmes give you a PGCE or PGDE (an academic qualification) in addition to QTS.
Courses typically take one year but you may be able to study part-time.
Teach First
also offers a salary. It’s a 2-year programme leading to a PGDE and QTS. At the end of your first year, you’ll have your QTS. At the end of your second year, you’ll have your PGDE.
If you have a degree (or you're getting one), search for postgraduate courses leading to qualified teacher status (QTS). This search tool does not include Teach First courses.
If you do not have a degree
Do an undergraduate teacher training degree
You can get QTS as part of an undergraduate degree.
Courses typically cost £9,250 per year and can take up to 4 years but you can get funding.
Qualifications vary depending on the course. For example, you could get QTS with a:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Undergraduate teacher training
If you are already an experienced teacher
You may be able to get ‘qualified teacher status’ (QTS) through a 12-week ‘assessment only’ programme if you also have a degree.
You’ll need to show that you already meet the standards for QTS. For example, you may meet the standards if:
- you’ve already been employed as an unqualified teacher for a significant amount of time (for example, 2 years) and you’ve worked in more than one school
- you’re a qualified teacher who trained overseas
Entry criteria may vary by teacher training provider. Ask them about eligibility before you apply.
Apply directly to assessment only teacher training providers.
If you’re changing career
A career change into teaching allows you to use your experience and passion to inspire young people.
As well as the options above, Now Teach is a service that can specifically help you with changing careers.