There several routes in to a teaching career, but whichever one you opt for, there are certain requirements that you will have to fulfil. You will need to have a degree of a 2:2 or above; for secondary teachers, this should be related to the subject that you’re going to teach (otherwise you may be able to take a subject knowledge enhancement course).

You will also need GCSEs in maths and English at a grade C/4 or above, and for primary teachers, you will also need a grade C/4 in science GCSE. When it comes to the training, there are two options: university-led or school-led.

What are the routes into teaching?

University-led

For university-led options, you can either take an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree, and your development will be overseen by a university. You will work towards qualified teacher status (QTS) and have the opportunity to work towards a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).

On this path, you will initially study the theory of teaching in the university setting before undertaking two placements (for a minimum of 24 weeks) in contrasting schools. You apply for this route through Ucas Teacher Training and can apply for loans, bursaries and scholarships to cover the cost of your tuition and living expenses.

School-led

School Direct (unsalaried)

The unsalaried School Direct route means your training involves more time in the classroom than on a university-led route, so you are primarily learning the practice of teaching from experienced teachers on the job (although the theoretical side is also covered).

Otherwise, it is very similar to the university-led route, also offering training in two schools, QTS and the opportunity to get a PGCE. You apply for this route through Ucas Teacher Training, with similar funding options available.

School Direct (salaried)

The salaried School Direct route offers the opportunity to earn while you train, with a school employing you directly (these posts are advertised through schools as well as Ucas Teacher Training).

You will work as a teacher with a reduced timetable of classes to enable theoretical study but the majority of your learning will take place in your school. You will also be awarded QTS at the end of the process.  

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

This training route, which got under way in September 2018, is similar to the School Direct (salaried) route, offering the chance to work and be paid as an unqualified teacher while completing your training.

The pathway offers a combination of practical experience and theoretical learning, with your teaching timetable reduced to 80 per cent to allow for study. This route also offers QTS and is applied for through Ucas Teacher Training. 

Teach First

If you have a 2:1 or above, you can apply for the Teach First programme. This offers a two-year placement at a school; after the first year you will receive QTS and after the second you will receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (with the option to top up to a master’s degree).

You will be paid a salary for both years, initially as an unqualified teacher and then as an NQT. Applications for the programme are made through the charity’s website.

Now Teach

Created for people looking to move into teaching after another career, Now Teach works in secondary schools in London, Hastings, East Anglia and the West Midlands, offering two-year posts, with participants gaining QTS after the first year.

The training is school-centred, with most people on this route working a four-day week to allow for study, and they are paid a bursary while training. Applications are made through the Now Teach website.   

There are other specialist options available, including Researchers in Schools, which is aimed at those who have, or are about to have, a PhD; Future Teaching Scholars, for those who are about to study maths or physics at university and would like to become teachers afterwards; and the Assessment Only route for those who have been working as unqualified teachers.

Zofia Niemtus is a freelance writer

Find out how you can get help funding your teacher training with funding, scholarships and bursaries.