You need ‘qualified teacher status’ (QTS) to work in the majority of schools in England including state maintained primary, secondary and special schools.
Find out how to get QTS if you:
- have a degree (or you’re getting one)
- do not have a degree (and you’re not already doing one)
- are already an experienced teacher
You can also find specialised training programmes if you’re changing career or you have a doctorate.
Not looking to teach in primary or secondary settings? Consider teaching early years or further education.
Applying for Teacher Training
You can search for most postgraduate teacher training courses on GOV.UK(Link opens in new window)
Courses usually open for applications in October for entry the following year (usually starting in September, but sometimes January).
Teacher training providers allocate places as people apply through the year, and courses stay open until they are full.
If you’re keen to join a popular course it’s wise to apply as soon as you’re ready rather than putting it off.
When you apply you’ll need to give details about:
- your qualifications, including your GCSEs and A levels (or equivalents) and degree
- your work history or unpaid experience
- why you want to teach
- why you’re suited to teach a particular subject or age group
You’ll be encouraged to declare any potential safeguarding issues such as criminal convictions. Training providers can advise you whether it’ll affect your application.
You can find and apply to most postgraduate teacher training courses on GOV.UK
If you do not find what you were looking for, there are other ways to train.
Before you start, it’s particularly important to think about your referees and personal statement.
https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/tips-on-applying-for-teacher-training
Subject Knowledge Enhancement - Lydiate Learning Trust
The brochure below provides further information on an online training opportunity for those who are considering teaching one of the shortage subjects - contact details are included if you have questions about this programme.