Studying for a PGCE is one of the most popular ways to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if you already have a degree. To apply, you will need some experience of working with children in a school setting. The year-long course is university-led and consists of school placements alongside university study.

Training with a SCITT is a great way to achieve Qualified Teacher Status whilst gaining valuable teaching experience. SCITT programmes are run by schools or groups of schools, many of which work in close partnerships with universities, enabling trainee teachers to gain a PGCE alongside working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Some of these are salaried, meaning that trainees will be employed as unqualified teachers while they train.

Teach First is a charity that aims to develop and support graduates to train in schools in low-income communities. Fully funded by the government, the course takes two years to complete and is salaried throughout. It is the perfect option for trainees who would like to work in areas that need it most. More information can be found here.

Another school-centred training option is the Post-Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship. This is a work-based route to gain QTS. It is perfect for graduates looking to earn a salary while they are training, with the majority of time spent in school. There are no tuition fees involved and trainees will be granted a postgraduate teaching qualification once they have completed the apprenticeship. A Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship is a great option for those currently working as an unqualified teacher or teaching assistant and it can be completed in a school you already work in or have an existing relationship with.
For more information and to find training providers, visit the Gov.uk site here.

If you have yet to study for your degree, you can complete an undergraduate degree that includes initial teacher training and leads Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There are a range of degrees you can consider:

- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) that include a teaching qualification
- In England you can also find degrees with opt-in QTS and top-up degrees
You can search for courses here.

This scholarship is designed for exceptional Maths or Physics students who want to teach. The Future Teaching Scholars programme is a 6-year, full-time support package which comprises:

- Years 1-3: Undergraduate study – £5,000 grant at the start of each academic year
- Year 4: Postgraduate employment-based teacher training – Paid on the unqualified teacher scale
- Year 5-6: Employed as a maths or physics teacher after achieving QTS – Paid on the qualified teacher scale
For more information, click here.

If you are thinking of embarking on a second career as a teacher, Now Teach may be able to help. They are a charity that finds and supports career changers in teaching - partnering with schools, universities and training providers to support individuals to find the best teacher training option to fit in with their lifestyle. They also connect trainees through their networks and have experts on hand to provide support and advice. More information can be found here.

For those who already have experience working in a school setting as an unqualified teacher, the Assessment Only route could be the best option to achieve QTS. You will still need to meet the requirements for becoming a teacher in the UK: GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above in English and maths (and science if you want to teach primary) and a bachelor's degree, and you will also need to have taught in at least two schools, across two or more consecutive age ranges. This training is school-centred and takes 6-12 weeks to complete, during which time you must demonstrate that you are teaching at either a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ level against the Teacher Standards. For more information, click here

Apprenticeships are a great option for those wanting to get into education as support staff before they make the move into being a qualified teacher.

Apprenticeships offer you the opportunity to earn while you learn. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience whilst enjoying the benefits of being an employee, such as holiday leave and a guaranteed income. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll be fully prepared for your chosen career, as well as having a nationally recognised qualification.

It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer. All apprenticeships end with an end-point assessment (EPA) before the qualification can be granted.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship you must:

- Be aged 16 or over

- Not already be in full-time education

You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification, like a degree, and still start an apprenticeship.

Our recommended Early Years, Childcare and Teaching Assistant Apprenticeships:
- The Childcare Company
- ESP