Getting started
How do you become a teacher?
To work as a teacher in state-maintained schools in England and Wales you need to have professional qualified teacher status (QTS). For further information on teaching in other areas of the United Kingdom see teaching in Scotland and teaching in Northern Ireland.
Teachers in independent schools are not required to have QTS, but most do. Many independent schools do not offer a QTS induction year.
To be awarded QTS by the General Teaching Council for England (GTC) you must:
Complete a period of training, such as a one-year professional or postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) course, which recommends you for QTS. This is known as initial teacher training (ITT).
Complete a period of induction, known as the newly qualified teacher (NQT) year. This is your first year of employment as a teacher in a school. You do not have to start this induction period immediately after your ITT, but you would be expected to complete it within five years.
Pass QTS Skills Tests in literacy, numeracy and information and communications technology (ICT) by the end of your ITT period (if training in England). These tests can be taken at any of the 50 test centres throughout England, and most students complete them while on their PGCE course.
If you want to work as a teacher with the full range of responsibilities in further education (FE) colleges or sixth form colleges, you need Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (QTLS) status or QTS.
What age range?
All trainee school teachers are prepared for teaching across two or more consecutive age ranges:
foundation (3-5 years);
school years 1-2 (5-7 years);
school years 3-4 (7-9 years);
school years 5-6 (9-11years);
school years 7-9 (11-14 years);
school years 10-11 (14-16 years);
school years 12-13 (16-19 years).
Although you can apply for several different age ranges, it can be difficult in your personal statement to be convincing about your motivation for more than one age group. Find out which age range you feel most comfortable with by getting some work experience in a school.
Once you have achieved QTS, it is legal for you to teach any age range (unless you train in FE), although it can be difficult to move from one age range to another. Most teachers stay within the age ranges they trained to teach. If you want to change age range once you are qualified, you will need to build up a portfolio of evidence to persuade the head teacher you are able to teach a different age range.
The information in this section only applies to England. See teaching in Scotland, teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland for more about the other UK countries.
What subject?
For middle years, secondary, further education (FE) and a few primary training courses, you need to specialise in a subject. Once you have gained QTS, you are legally qualified to teach any subject. It is common to find teachers in schools teaching subjects other than those they specialised in for their teacher training.
To teach students with special educational needs (SEN), see Special education needs teacher.
The National Curriculum
Pupils aged 5-16 in maintained schools (including community, foundation, specialist status, new academies, voluntary-aided and voluntary-controlled schools) must be taught the national curriculum. The national curriculum states the subjects children must study according to their age groups, called key stages (KS). See the National Curriculum Online for details.
Pupils are assessed at the end of each key stage, primarily by their teachers but with the addition of national standardised attainment tests (SATs) at the end of Key Stage 2. This is currently under review.
What subjects will I teach at primary level?
Primary schools cover Key Stage (KS) 1 (5-7 years) and 2 (7-11 years). As few primary courses offer a specialist area, you will need to feel confident about teaching a wide range of subjects, from mathematics to PE. The government’s aim is that by the end of the decade all children will have the opportunity to study a modern foreign language at KS 2. This has resulted in an increase in the number of teacher training courses offering primary specialising in a language (most commonly French or German).
What subjects can I teach at secondary level?
Secondary schools cover Key Stage 3 and 4, and sometimes post-16.
Key Stage 3 compulsory subjects are:
English;
mathematics;
science;
design and technology;
information and communication technology (ICT);
history;
geography;
modern foreign languages;
art and design;
music;
citizenship;
physical education;
religious education (additional statutory);
PSHE - personal, social, health and economic education (non-statutory).
For Key Stage 4, the compulsory subjects are:
English;
mathematics;
science;
information and communication technology (ICT);
physical education;
citizenship.
Pupils also study one subject from each of the four 'entitlement' areas.
The entitlement areas are:
arts subjects;
design and technology;
humanities;
modern foreign languages.
Schools also offer subjects outside this core list, e.g. drama, dance, and media studies, and courses exist to accommodate them.
Vocational subjects
There are a number of vocational subjects taught in schools.
Applied GCSEs include leisure and tourism, business, engineering and manufacturing.
Applied and broad vocational A-level subjects have replaced the advanced vocational certificate of education (AVCE).
Diplomas were introduced in 2008 for 14 to 19 year olds and are designed to bridge the gap between academic and vocational learning. By 2011 the full range of 17 subjects will be available.
he information in this section applies to England. For variations in the other countries of the UK, see teaching in Scotland, teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland. Also check Eurydice and Directgov.
Education in the UK falls into two sectors: state maintained and independent. An understanding of the system will help you to decide where you would prefer to work.
The state-maintained sector
Mainstream state schools
Most state-maintained schools are all-ability comprehensive schools, but a few are grammar schools, which select pupils according to ability.
Types of schools in England can be defined by who employs the staff, controls admission and owns the land and buildings. Combinations of local authorities (LA), school governing bodies and charitable trusts or religious organisations might be involved, and this gives rise to three main types of school:
community schools, which are wholly LA controlled;
foundation and trust schools, controlled principally by a trust and the governing body;
voluntary aided and controlled schools, which are mainly religious or 'faith' schools run by a charitable foundation, often a religious organisation.
Any maintained secondary school in England can apply to become a specialist school in technology, languages, sports, arts, business and enterprise, engineering, science, mathematics and computing, humanities or music. It is envisaged that specialist schools will play a key role in the delivery of diplomas.
Some schools have formed local partnerships with others and are known as federation schools.
Other state-funded schools
Academies: are set up by businesses, faith groups or voluntary groups in partnership with the Department for Education and local authorities, who pay the running costs. New academies have to teach national curriculum English, mathematics, science and ICT, but they are not restricted to teaching the rest of the national curriculum and do not have to adhere to national teacher pay scales and conditions. The number of academies is increasing. They provide all-ability education and places are free to pupils.
City technology colleges (CTCs): focus specifically on mathematics, science and technology. CTCs are currently being encouraged to become academies.
Alternative provision
For children unable to attend school, alternative provision is made in pupil referral units, secure training centres and children’s homes.
Local authorities may employ a community home/school teacher.
Services such as home teaching are provided through medical education teams for children and young people who have medical needs. The government is also funding projects to find new and innovative ways of providing for these groups.
Special needs schools
Children with special needs are usually provided for in the mainstream school environment, but there are some state-maintained community or foundation special schools, non-maintained special schools (which have charitable status) and independent special schools.
The independent sector
Independent schools: have no direct income from the state. These schools are sometimes called public schools or private schools and there are about 2,500 in the UK. They do not have to teach the national curriculum or employ qualified teachers, although most do. Information about independent schools is available from the Independent Schools Council and the UK Independent Schools Directory & Guide.
Montessori schools: follow their own teaching method and cater for children from nursery to the age of 18.
Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship schools: part of an international movement with a particular philosophy of education.
Do you need work experience?
To ensure teaching is the right career choice for you, it makes sense to get some classroom experience. Training providers want to know that you have the skills and motivation to teach, and you will usually be expected to have experience of working with children of the relevant age - preferably in a school environment.
Some institutions only interview candidates with recent observation experience in a state school. For primary PGCE courses, many institutions stipulate that you should have completed a minimum of two weeks’ school-based observation before your interview. Some institutions require 30 days or more.
If you are not able to complete the experience quickly, do not delay sending your application, but state in the application that you have experience arranged in the near future.
How do you get work experience?
Use your contacts through family and friends. You can also contact schools directly to ask for work experience or to observe classes or shadow teachers. EduBase has a list of all schools. Work experience in schools is popular and it may take time to arrange a placement. There are also a number of schemes through the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). You might try:
Student Associates Scheme (SAS): Allows current students to spend 15 days in a school working alongside experienced teachers and assisting in classroom teaching. It attracts a tax-free bursary of £40 per day. See Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
Student tutoring programmes: Some institutions offer student tutoring programmes through which you go into schools to help with classes. These programmes are often available through university careers services or students' unions;
Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS): If you are a mathematics, science, technology, engineering or modern languages undergraduate, your department may offer a classroom-based module. This would involve spending around 40 hours working in schools. See Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS)
Open Schools Programme (OSP): Spend a day observing your chosen subject or age range being taught at one of over 700 participating schools. Visit Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to find out more;
Taster courses and open days: These are organised by universities and colleges offering PGCE courses to provide an insight into teaching and teacher training. Taster courses last three days and tend to be targeted at shortage subjects or candidates from under-represented groups. Visit Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to find out more;
Paid work: You may be able to obtain paid work in schools as a cover supervisor, teaching assistant, laboratory technician or learning mentor, for example. These posts are usually advertised on local authority (LA) websites or recruitment agencies. TeacherNet has more information on teaching assistants;
Voluntary work: Most local authorities (LAs) run schemes for voluntary mentors to work with pupils on a one-to-one basis. Contact your LA for more information. Many universities work closely with local schools to encourage pupils to consider higher education (HE). University students can mentor pupils and help run summer schools and other events that link schools and universities. Ask your university careers service or widening participation/access or admissions department if there are activities in which you could get involved.
Work experience tips
Keep a diary of any work experience you do; this will be invaluable when it comes to writing your applications or preparing for interviews.
Write notes about anything that you experience. For example, if a lesson did not work, think about how you would do it differently.
Think about classroom control, different teaching styles and effective uses of presentation or technology.
Postgraduate or Professional Certificate in Education (PGCE)
A PGCE is usually a one-year, full-time course based in a university with substantial school placements. Courses are offered at two levels: Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Professional Certificate in Education. The Postgraduate Certificate includes Masters level modules but both certificates lead to the same qualified teacher status (QTS).
Search for courses and apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)
More flexible PGCE courses also exist, allowing for part-time study and/or distance-learning. See Canterbury Christ Church University and the Open University (OU) for part-time opportunities. These courses can have limited subject areas.
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
SCITTs operate in England and are usually one year, full time. A consortium of schools designs a training programme with partners including higher education (HE) institutions and the local authority (LA). Although these schemes include significant academic study, they are highly practical and most of your time is spent in a base school. Successful completion leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) and possibly a PGCE.
Apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) for most schemes but for a complete list see Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
Graduate teacher programme (GTP)
The GTP allows you to qualify as a teacher while employed by a school in England or Wales. For most people, the training lasts one year, but it could take as little as three months, depending on your previous experience.
In order to be accepted onto the programme, you must find a school willing to employ you as a trainee teacher and gain a place on the scheme through a local GTP training provider, known as an employment based initial teacher training (EBITT) provider (list available from Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
GTP is highly competitive and the application process can be demanding. The TDA has set up Popular questions about the GTP if you have any queries.
Assessment-based training
This route allows candidates to compile and submit a portfolio to demonstrate they meet the standards required to achieve QTS, see the TDA website for more information on assessment based training. Experience in teaching is essential over a sustained period of time to be eligible for this route.
Teach First
Teach First is a two-year programme in London, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West. It is based in challenging secondary schools. It is aimed at graduates with a 2:1 or above and combines working towards QTS with a business internship and mentoring.
Courses to boost relevant subject knowledge
Postgraduate-level teacher training courses (PGCE, SCITT, GTP), particularly at secondary level, require substantial subject knowledge. If your subject knowledge is insufficient you might consider boosting it through the pre-ITT subject knowledge enhancement scheme. This includes courses in primary mathematics, English and science as well as a range of secondary subjects for those who have already applied for or started a teacher training course. Use the search facility on the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) website to find a course in your region.
For Diplomates and foundation degree graduates
Registered teacher programme (RTP): The RTP allows you to study for a degree and qualify as a teacher while you work as an unqualified teacher in a school. Trainees must have completed two years in higher education. Visit Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) or contact the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.
Two-year degree in primary or secondary education: The main focus of this course is on shortage subjects including design and technology, mathematics and science. Apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Degree ‘top-up’ course and postgraduate ITT: Another alternative is to top up your HND to a degree and then apply for a postgraduate teacher training course such as a PGCE. Check the suitability of your subject for entry to PGCE courses, as not all subject areas are available.
If you have a foundation degree, you need to get at least an extra 60 credits at HE level 3 to be considered for postgraduate teacher training. Candidates are advised to check with the university they are applying to. Primary study is eligible for this route. If you are considering secondary you will require 50% of your first degree to be in the subject that you intend to teach.
Further education (FE)
There are two teaching roles in the FE sector - full and associate. Full teachers undertake the complete range of teaching and planning tasks while associate teachers have more limited responsibility. The following applies to full teaching roles, for which the qualification required is Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) (similar to QTS in compulsory education).
There are also new qualifications:
Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning sector (DTLLS): Where the qualification required is Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)(similar to QTS in compulsory education);
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS): for all teachers;
Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS): for associate teachers.
The following applies to full teaching roles:
PGCE/Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education route to QTLS: For new graduate entrants to the profession, the usual route will be a PGCE in PCE/FE. This could be a full-time university based or part-time in service course. In most cases, applicants should apply directly to the university. You have five years from the start of your training to achieve this. In order to gain QTLS you have to apply to the Institute for Learning (IFL) . Once you have achieved QTLS, you are qualified to work as a full teacher in the FE sector, but not in primary or secondary schools.
In-service Diploma route to QTLS: It may be possible to secure a job in FE without taking a PGCE by studying part-time towards a Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector and then applying for QTLS in the same way. Approach FE colleges directly for their views on this. You will be more likely to get a positive response in subject areas where there is a shortage.
Qualified teachers in other sectors: Another alternative would be to train in secondary teaching and then apply for work in the further education sector, as teachers holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) are currently eligible to teach in the FE sector. QTS qualified teachers working in FE will need to gain QTLS within five years. See Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) for the latest information. For more information see further education lecturer.
Lecturing in higher education (HE)
To become a university lecturer, you normally need to study for Masters or PhD qualifications in the specialist subject area you want to teach. Lecturers can study for teaching qualifications once in post and the Higher Education Academy accredits university teaching and learning courses. The PGCE courses that offer higher education as an option are usually taken by those who intend to work in further education colleges on degree-level courses such as foundation degrees or HNDs. For more information see Higher education lecturer.
All Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses include placements in schools to develop your teaching skills to professional standards set by the government. A minimum of 18 weeks of classroom-based training is required for primary initial teacher training (ITT) courses and 24 weeks for secondary - usually in two schools. Because of the need to meet these requirements, ITT courses tend to be similar to each other, and it may be difficult to choose where to apply. Research the institutions via their websites and open days. Discuss your ideas with your careers adviser or with other people you trust.
When choosing your course, you should consider:
Type of institution: Be realistic about your choices. If you only choose prestigious institutions or those where there are very few places, you may be unsuccessful. When it comes to getting a job afterwards, the institution you attended is less important than how you performed on teaching practice and on the course. Schools now play a much larger part in teacher training, with students spending more time in schools during their courses.
Quality of the course: You can get a flavour of the course, including the qualifications that admissions tutors are looking for and the quality of the course, by checking the ITT Performance Profiles at Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)
Geographical location: If you want to get a job as a teacher in a particular city, it makes sense to train there. Think of the school placements as both window shopping for possible future employment and an extended interview. However, if your geographical mobility is limited, you should mention this in your application as some institutions may take it into account when considering your application.
Funding
UK and EU students on full-time PGCE and SCITT courses in England are eligible for a government bursary of £4,000 - £9,000 (depending on subject and phase - see below). They are also charged tuition fees. However, the fees do not have to be paid up front as student maintenance grants and loans can cover most of the amount charged.
More information on fees and funding is available from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) For further education (FE) information, see Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)
See the separate information on teaching in Scotland, teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland for details of training and funding elsewhere in the UK.
Bursaries
Non-repayable bursaries are available for trainee teachers on full and part-time primary and secondary PGCE courses, SCITT schemes and some PGCEs in further education. The amount you receive depends on your subject area.
For 2010/11, bursaries were as follows:
secondary priority subjects - £9,000: chemistry, design and technology, diploma (IT, engineering, construction and the built environment, environment and land based studies, manufacturing and product design), engineering, ICT, manufacturing, mathematics, physics;
secondary all other subjects - £6,000: biology, combined/general sciences, English, geography, modern languages, music, other sciences, religious education;
secondary - £4,000: art and design, business studies, citizenship, health and social care, history, leisure and tourism, classics, dance, drama, media studies, social sciences, physical education, psychology, diploma (business administration and finance, creative and media, society health and personal development, travel and tourism;
primary all subjects - £4,000.
Golden hellos
Trainees in PGCE secondary mathematics, science and applied science are currently eligible to receive a golden hello of £5,000. Other secondary priority subjects including applied ICT, design and technology, modern languages, RE and music receive £2,500. Golden hellos are taxable and are paid at the end of your induction year, when you start your second year of teaching. For more information see the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) website.
Support for tuition fees
There is a Tuition Fee Loan, paid direct to your university, to cover fees. Then there are also student loans and grants designed to help towards living costs. See Direct Gov - Student Finance for more information about loans, grants and eligibility.
The fee loan and loan for living costs will not have to be repaid until you are working and earning over £15,000 a year.
All students starting PGCE and SCITT courses will be eligible to apply for a means-tested grant to contribute towards living costs and fees.
Other support is available for certain groups of students, e.g. students with disabilities and students with dependent children. If you are in financial hardship, you can also apply to your university for help from the access to learning fund.
Part-time PGCE trainee teachers receive the same package of financial support as is available to all part-time higher education students (see Direct Gov - Student Finance for more information).
Hot Topics.
The following information applies to England. For variations in the other countries of the UK, see teaching in Scotland, teaching in Wales and teaching in Northern Ireland.
When going through the selection process, you will be expected to show an awareness of current education issues. Given the rapid pace of change both before and after the May 2010 election, the education sector appears to be continually evolving and changing.
You are advised access the latest education updates on government websites and in the press, for example:
Department of Education
BBC Education News
Guardian Education
Times Educational Supplement (TES)
Teachers TV
Do not, however, be overwhelmed by all the information - you are not expected to be an expert on education policy.
Jargon buster.
APEL - Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning
ASCL - Association of School and College Leaders
ATL - Association of Teachers and Lecturers
AVCE - Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
BEd - Bachelor of Education
BIS - Department for Business innovation and Skills
CES - Catholic Education Service
CRB - Criminal Records Bureau
CSV - Community Service Volunteers
DCSF - Department for Children, Schools and Families
DDA - Disability Discrimination Act
DELLS - Department for Education Lifelong Learning and Skills (Wales)
DENI - Department of Education, Northern Ireland
DRB - Designated Recommending Body
EAL - English as an Additional Language
EBR - Employment-Based Routes
EFL - English as a Foreign Language
ESTYN - Arolygiaeth Ei Mawrhydi dros Addysg a Hyfforddiant yng Nghymru (Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales)
EU - European Union
FAQ - Frequently Asked Question
FE - Further Education
FEI - Further Education Institution
FHE - Further and Higher Education
GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education
GNVQ - General National Vocational Qualification
GRTP - Graduate and Registered Teacher Programme, sometimes referred to as EBR (see above)
GTC (E/NI/S/W) - General Teaching Council (for England/Northern Ireland/Scotland/Wales)
GTP - Graduate Teacher Programme
GTTR - Graduate Teacher Training Registry
HE - Higher Education
HEI - Higher Education Institution
HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant
IAPS - Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools
ICT - Information and Communication Technology
IEP - Individual Education Plan
ISC - Independent Schools Council
ISCTIP - Independent Schools Council Teacher Induction Panel
ITT/E - Initial Teacher Training/Education
KS - Key Stage
LA - Local Authority
LLUK - Lifelong Learning UK
LSA - Learning Support Assistant
MFL - Modern Foreign Language
NASUWT - National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers
NPF - National Performance Framework
NQC - National Qualifications Course
NQT - Newly Qualified Teacher
NUT - National Union of Teachers
OFSTED - Office for Standards in Education
OSP - Open Schools Programme
PAT - Professional Association of Teachers
PCE - Post-Compulsory Education
PCET - Post-Compulsory Education and Training
PE - Physical Education
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in Education or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education
PGDE - Professional Graduate Diploma of Education (Scotland)
PPA - Planning, Preparation and Assessment
QCA - Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
QTFE - Qualified Teacher in Further Education
QTLS - Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills
QTS - Qualified Teacher Status
RB - Registered Body
RE - Religious Education
RTP - Registered Teacher Programme
SAAS - Students’ Awards Agency for Scotland
SAS - Student Associate Scheme
SATs - Standard Attainment Tests
SCE - Scottish Certificate of Education
SCIS - Scottish Council of Independent Schools
SCITT - School Centred Initial Teacher Training
SEED - Scottish Executive Education Department
SEN - Special Educational Needs
SWA - School Workforce Adviser
SWDB - School Workforce Development Board
TA - Teaching Assistant
TDA - Training and Development Agency for Schools
TEI - Teacher Education Institution
TEP - Training Entry Profile
TES - Times Educational Supplement
TIS - Teacher Induction Scheme
TLR - Teaching and Learning Responsibility
TQ - Teaching Qualification
UAS - Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme
UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
VCE - Vocational Certificate of Education
copied From : http://www.prospects.ac.uk
