Choosing to become a teacher is a weighty and important decision in itself, yet for many this is the beginning of the decision-making process regarding a career in education. There are currently five main routes you can take to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and each one suits a different type of person.
The Academic
If you have a real passion for teaching and learning, and you are as interested in the philosophy of education as much its application, a BEd might be for you. The honours degree is usually targeted towards primary education or a range of secondary subjects.
The course involves a number of placements at local schools as well as undergraduate level theory and history of education.
Route: Bachelor of Education degree
Length: 3 or 4 years
Environment: University with school placements
Entry Requirements: 240-280 UCAS points
Cost: £27,000 – £36,000
Further Information: Example BEd Course
The Traditionalist
The most recognised and traditional route, the PGCE offers graduates a booster course in teaching. This university-led course splits participants’ time between school placements and lectures. This option purports to give the best of both worlds and is still the preferred choice for many hiring schools.
Route: Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Length: 1 year (2 years part-time)
Environment: University with school placements
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree (2:2 or above)
Cost: £9,000
Further Information: PGCE Information
The Go-getter
If you can’t wait to get started in the classroom and you’re confident of your teaching abilities, various schools run a School Direct programme in partnership with the government and SCITTs (School Centre Initial Teacher Training institutes). You gain training and development whilst working in a classroom environment from day one.
Route: School Direct
Length: 1 year
Environment: School-based
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree (2:2 or above)
Cost: £9,000 (There are a few salaried places as well as bursaries for applicants with a 1st, PhD, or Science degree).
Further Information: School Direct Information
The Humanitarian
Becoming a teacher doesn’t necessarily mean you want a career in education; Teach First operates a charity training, placing high-achieving graduates into ‘problem’ schools. Their aim is to tackle the lack of top quality teachers in inner city schools. This fast-track route has received a lot of support for its ethical approach but has its fair share of controversy.
Route: Teach First
Length: 2 years
Environment: School-based
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above)
Salary: Salary of £15,000 to £27,000 based on location and experience
Further Information: Teach First
The All-rounder
As a result of the high dropout rate of Teach First and PGCE courses, a new school-based teaching approach is now being offered as an alternative route into teaching: Premier Pathways. Graduates apply for specific jobs through recruitment consultancies like EduStaff and are offered a two-year course with a foundation year followed by a year of teaching.
Route: Premier Pathways
Length: 2 years
Environment: School-based
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above)
Salary: Salary of £18,000 to £23,000 based on location and experience
Further Information: Premier Pathways