How to gain UK teaching certification

Teachers in the UK need to attain qualified teacher status (QTS) before they can teach children or adults. There are three different routes used in UK teaching certification: A teaching degree, a PGCE course, or the Graduate Teacher programme.

Degree course

Anyone without a degree can combine undergraduate study with teacher training. There are two options available to students. A Bachelor of Education (BEd) course is a specific degree aimed at those wanting to work in the teaching/ educational sector. Students combine academic study with practical training. A BA or BSc with QTS is an alternative to a BEd. It allows undergraduates to specialise in the subject of their choice, while completing their teaching qualification. Students who want to teach a specific subject often use this route to enable them to gain a degree in their specialist area. Applications for these courses should be made via UCAS. Acceptance criteria will depend on the universities' requirements, although all trainee teachers need GCSE passes at grades A to C in Mathematics and English. Primary school applicants should also have an equivalent grade in a science subject.

Postgraduate course

A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) is aimed at candidates who already have a degree. The course normally takes a year to complete full-time, or two years part-time. Prospective applicants need a degree in the subject they want to teach, if aiming for a higher level than primary school. Those with a degree in a different subject may be able to study on a subject knowledge enhancement course, before starting their PGCE. While PGCE courses deal with the theory of teaching, and are often
classroom-based, students can elect to do the bulk of their training in a school environment through school centred initial teacher training (SCITT). Aside from a degree, applicants for a PGCE course also need the appropriate GCSE passes to be accepted for teacher training. Once accepted, students are often eligible to receive government funding while they train.

Graduate training in schools

The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is aimed at graduates who want to train as a teacher, while working in a school. Students following this programme receive a non-qualified teacher's wage. Due to the paid nature of the programme, competition for places is fierce. Each training provider has a limited amount of places available on the programme, so only applicants who meet all the qualification and experience requirements will be considered. While some training providers help the student to locate a school to train in, most are expected to secure their own place. Finding a school will boost an applicant's chances of success. Further information on degree courses, PGCEs and the GTP can be found on the government's website: Tda.gov.uk.