How can I get into teaching?

Teachers are in high demand in the UK

If you are a recent graduate exploring potential career opportunities, teaching can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career option for many individuals. Whilst the labour market in the UK will see variations in the demand for different skills and qualification levels –  and therefore job roles – year on year, education and teaching professionals remain in high demand.

Statistics shared by the Department for Education for 2024 showed that the second largest number of workers in-demand occupations in the UK (preceded by those in the health and social care industry) were in the education sector. This saw over 430k secondary education teaching professionals and over 235k teaching assistants.

Our guide, which focuses on the primary and secondary English education system, outlines some key considerations for you if you are exploring a route into teaching, as well as some practical advice to help you when getting your applications underway. .

If you are interested in teaching in other parts of the United Kingdom, please visit the Department of Education Northern Ireland, GOV.Wales or Education Scotland.

Choosing your route and provider

Having considered whether teaching is the right career path for you, you will then need to identify the most suitable route into teaching. You will need to give thought to whether you want to spend further time studying full-time, or if you are keen to learn and qualify whilst out in a setting in a salaried role. Regardless of the route you take, you will be expected to carry out theoretical learning and then undertake practical experience in a school setting.

Through teacher training, you can get qualified teacher status (QTS) or QTS with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE). You will need QTS to teach in most primary and secondary schools, but you do not necessarily need a PGCE to teach. You can explore the age groups and specialisms you could qualify to teach through the Get Into Teaching website.

There are, typically, two routes into primary or secondary teaching in England:

1. Fee-paying teacher training: Most teaching training courses will be fee-paying, which requires you to pay tuition fees and will mean you don’t earn a salary, even when out on placement. There are, however, different ways to fund your training, for instance, through tuition fees and maintenance loans. Some candidates will also be eligible for a bursary or scholarship. You can find out about the different ways to fund your training. If you are a graduate who is looking to pursue a career in teaching, you can find postgraduate teacher training courses in England, or if you haven’t previously secured a degree-level qualification you can explore undergraduate teacher training courses.
2. Salaried teacher training: Some courses are salaried, which means you will receive an unqualified teacher’s salary whilst you train. It’s important to be aware, however, that some salaried training courses still come with fees attached. You will need to check with individual providers for further information. The three postgraduate salaried courses available are School Direct salaried; postgraduate teaching apprenticeships (PGTA); and Teach First Teacher training. The courses offered are broadly the same, but the length of the course and the qualifications you work towards can vary. This route into teaching is typically competitive, with limited places available, so an early application is advised. Find out more about what you will need to secure a place on a salaried teacher training course.

Getting your applications underway

You can typically start applying for postgraduate training in October, and undergraduate training in May, during the calendar year before you want to start your course. Whilst you can apply throughout the year, it is important to be aware that some courses do fill up quickly, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

The application and recruitment process will, typically, have the following components:

• Teacher training application: The application itself will look for details of your qualifications, your work experience, your personal statement, and your references, alongside any details of adjustments you might need during the recruitment process and when undertaking the training itself.
• Teacher training personal statement: The statement section of the application process is, arguably, the most important. The statement offers you a significant opportunity to outline your reasons for pursuing a career in teaching, as well as outlining any relevant experience you have, in addition to providing evidence of when you have demonstrated relevant transferable skills. Those reviewing your application will be looking for enthusiasm for both teaching and/or your subject specialism, the ability to write clearly and persuasively, and awareness of the course and role you are applying to.
• Teacher training references: The application process will ask for at least two references (with the opportunity to provide more), to check your suitability as a candidate. This is mainly for safeguarding reasons to ensure you are an appropriate individual to work with those under 18.
• Teacher training interview: Having secured an interview, this is an important final step to convince the provider that you are a suitable candidate for a place on a primary or secondary teacher training course. The interview could be for a course that leads to QTS or QTS with a PGCE qualification, so the exact interview process is likely to vary depending on the training provider. Regardless of the process, ensure you have checked the provider’s website to understand more about them and what appeals to you, as well as take some time to research the teachers’ standards and the national curriculum. It may also help to consider some potential scenario-based questions, especially in relation to safeguarding. To support this preparation, make sure you have read the statutory guidance for schools on safeguarding children.

Once you receive an offer of a place on a course, your specific provider will contact you to arrange a background and criminal records check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You must pass these checks in order to be able to teach pupils under the age of 18.

To find out more detailed information and advice about completing your application, visit the Get Into Teaching website.

Overall, teaching – whether it is at primary or secondary level – can offer an incredibly rewarding vocation, and though it comes with its challenges, if you are a proactive, resilient and empathetic individual, securing work in the education sector could offer a positive career path for you as a recent graduate.

Is a teaching career the right path for me?

Share this article