Routes into Teaching

Initial Teacher Training Course

To be eligible for an Initial Teacher Training Course you will need to complete a degree either before, or as part of your training.

You will also need to have achieved GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C or above in English, Mathematics and, if teaching at Primary level, you will also need GCSE at Grade C or above in a Science subject.

If you do not hold this qualification, GCSE equivalence tests are held  at the University of Warwick. Please contact the university on 02476 522968 or email them at pgce@warwick.ac.uk

Routes for Undergraduates

You can combine your study with gaining Qualified Teacher Status and can opt for full or part-time courses. Full-time study combines your subject and professional studies with school-based training, which will comprise of at least 24 weeks for three-year courses. Part-time courses completed over five years are offered by some Initial Teacher Training providers as an alternative to full-time study. 

• Routes for Undergraduates

Routes for Postgraduates

For entry to postgraduate Initial Teacher Training you will need a relevant degree or equivalent qualification. For secondary teaching, most teacher training providers require a degree in the subject to be taught. It usually takes a year to complete a postgraduate programme and to achieve Qualified Teacher Status. Generally, you spend at least 18 weeks of the year in school if you are pursuing primary teaching, or 24 weeks for secondary.

• Routes for Postgraduates

Employment-based Routes

The Graduate and Registered Teacher programmes enable schools to employ people who are not yet qualified to teach to undertake an individual training programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status.

• Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
  Involves up to one year of postgraduate training.
  
  
• Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) 
  Requires you to have successfully completed two years of higher education. You complete a degree while you train which means that this programme usually takes two years.

Overseas Trained Teachers

If you have qualified as a teacher overseas you can work as an unqualified teacher in the UK, however, in order to obtain a permanent position as a qualified teacher you need to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

• Overseas Trained Teachers

High Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)

It is possible for classroom assistants to study on a part-time basis for a Foundation Degree in Education. On completion of this course there are then a variety of routes into teaching for those who wish to obtain Qualified Teacher Status.

• High Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA)

Return to top