Teaching is a graduate-only profession in the UK. If you are hoping to become a teacher, you will need to get a degree.

In addition, you will need Maths and English GCSE A* - C, or equivalent qualifications. If you want to teach primary or Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-14) you will also need science GCSE, A*-C or equivalent. Some colleges of higher education have Access to Teaching Training Courses, which will include equivalency tests. In the Newham area these include Tower Hamlets College, Hackney Community College and the College of North East London.

Routes into teaching

Please click a link below for more information on training to be a teacher

University-based training - Undergraduate
Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
Employment based route - School Direct Training Programme (Salaried)

University-based training - Undergraduate

If you are hoping to train as a Primary school teacher, you may prefer to study for a degree that will lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). These may be BA or BSc degrees with QTS, or a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree. Applications are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Otherwise you can complete an undergraduate degree, then apply for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education or you may be eligible to apply for the School Direct Training Programme (salaried).

If you are a prospective Secondary school teacher, you will need an undergraduate degree, then a Post Graduate Certificate of Education. At least 50% of your degree should be in the subject you intend to teach.

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Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

The most common way of training to be a teacher is the PGCE, a mix of training and school experience. The training may be based at a university, college or School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT). The PGCE is an internationally recognised qualification, enabling a teacher to work all over the world. PGCEs are very popular, and competition for entry is fierce. This is particularly true for Primary training. Closing date for applications is usually in December. Applications should usually be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)

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School Direct

For September 2013 School Direct offers two types of training places the School Direct Training Programme and the School Direct Training Programme (salaried). School Direct places are offered by a school or group of schools in partnership with an accredited teacher training institution. It is expected that trainees will work in the school or group of schools in which they trained, but there is no guarantee of employment. For details of Lead Schools in Newham who are offering School Direct places see: Training Places (pdf format)

Applicants must already hold a degree-level qualification. Applicants will also need to satisfy the entry requirements of teacher training.

Please note that you must register with the Teaching Agency at: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/apply-for-teacher-training/sign-up.aspx before applying for the Programme.

School Direct Training Programme (Salaried)

Following the closure of the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP), the School Direct Training Programme (salaried) will be open to graduates with three or more years’ career experience. Trainees will be employed as an unqualified teacher with a salary subsidised by the Teaching Agency. Lead schools are now accepting applications for the School Direct Training Programme and the School Direct Training Programme (salaried). Click here for further information about the School Direct Training Programme and the School Direct Training Programme (salaried)

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