Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths you can take. With several established pathways into teaching, each with different structures, timings and entry points, understanding your options will help you choose the route that works best for you. Whether you're a school leaver, graduate, career-changer, or experienced international teacher, there's a pathway to suit you!
Click on the options below to learn more about the different routes or speak to our mentor, Ali Fairclough.
Most teachers qualify through a university-led route, which can take one of two main forms:
Undergraduate Degree with QTS: Some universities offer education degrees that include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). These allow you to train to teach as part of your degree - ideal if you're certain about teaching from the start.
Degree followed by a PGCE: If you already hold a degree, you can complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which combines academic study with school placements. Many PGCEs also award QTS, allowing you to start teaching straight after qualifying.
Structure: University-led routes typically involve a combination of academic study and school-based placements, with support from university tutors throughout.
If you prefer to train while working directly in a school environment, a school-based route offers intensive classroom experience from the start.
SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training): Run by experienced school partnerships, this route provides intensive classroom experience alongside professional study, leading to QTS (and sometimes a PGCE).
School Direct (salaried or unsalaried): You train within a school setting from day one. The salaried route provides a salary while you train; the unsalaried route offers the same experience with bursaries available.
Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship: A paid, work-based route where you are employed by a school and train towards QTS, combining practical experience with academic learning.
Structure: School-based routes are employment-focused and often a clear pathway to a role within your training school.
If you're a qualified teacher trained outside the UK, there are several pathways to teaching in English schools, depending on whether your qualifications are recognised.
Direct recognition: In some cases, your teaching qualification is recognised as equivalent to a UK qualification, allowing you to teach immediately without additional training.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through international recognition: You can apply for QTS through the Department for Education's international recognition process, which assesses your qualifications and experience against UK standards.
Assessment-only QTS or additional training: If your qualification isn't automatically recognised, you can complete an assessment-only QTS route or undertake additional training with a university or school-based provider.
The route you choose depends on your qualifications, experience, work preferences, and timeline. If you'd like to discuss which path suits your situation, speak with Ali Fairclough, a mentor within our Trust who works with aspiring teachers.
To get in touch with Ali, please email careers@bourne.education.