From the classroom to online lessons almost overnight, teachers have been under an incredible amount of pressure throughout the last year. Teachers have been on the front lines of our children’s education through multiple school closures and exam cancellations.

However, 2020 saw a significant increase in teacher training applications. Some have turned to teaching after reconsidering their job opportunities after furlough or redundancy and, while some parents found homeschooling to be a nightmare, others have a newfound passion for teaching. If you have been inspired and are considering teaching but don’t know where to start, this blog should help you make that first step. 

Why be a teacher?

Your reasons for wanting to become a teacher will be unique to you. Some gravitate towards the variety of working with children and young people and the chance to develop a career that enables you to help your local community. For others it’s a stepping stone to develop a range of skills and experience that are transferable to other careers. In some cases teaching training opens up the opportunity to gain a qualification that can be used to teach in different countries around the world, when it is safe to do so of course. Whatever your reason, passion and some required qualifications are key.

What qualifications do I need to get into teaching?

In order to apply for a place on a teacher training course you need some specific qualifications and other government requirements.

1. An undergraduate degree from a UK university.
2. GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above. For primary school teaching you’ll also need a science GCSE at grade 4 (grade C) or above.
3. Time gaining experience in a school will give you the opportunity to talk to teachers about what working in the profession is like day-to-day, watch lessons and observe pastoral work. You could arrange to gain experience in a local school directly. Alternatively you can register with the Department for Education (DfE) Get School Experience service which can help you to find a school in your area where you can gain some experience.
4. To meet the government’s required level of literacy and numeracy skills.
5. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify that you don’t have a criminal record that would prevent you working with children and young people.

Read more about how to get the qualifications you need to kick off your teaching career in our free downloadable Career Tracks Guide: Teaching.