This section gives you an overview on your routes into teaching in schools. It is not a compprehensive list. For a more detailed analysis of routes into teaching, go to 'Getting started'and choose 'Your path to a career in education'.
QTS standards and ITT requirements
The QTS standards and ITT requirements that apply to all programmes commencing 1 September 2007 have been finalised.
Standards for QTS and requirements for ITT
Overseas trained teacher programme (OTTP)
The overseas trained teacher programme (OTTP) offers overseas trained teachers (OTTs) the opportunity to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) while working as a teacher. Once in a teaching position in a school, the trainee follows an individual training and assessment programme leading to QTS.
Overseas Trained Teacher Programme (OTTP)
Graduate teacher programme (GTP)
The graduate teacher programme (GTP) suits mature people who want to continue earning while they train. The training is tailored to the trainee’s individual needs. Entry to the GTP is highly competitive and places are allocated to the best schools and graduates in priority categories.
Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
Registered teacher programme (RTP)
The registered teacher programme (RTP) allows candidates who have completed two years of higher education (or equivalent) to qualify as a teacher while employed in a school.
Registered Teacher Programme (RTP)
Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
If you already have a degree (or equivalent qualification), you may wish to consider a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
A PGCE course focuses primarily on the development of your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) – usually to degree level – before you start training.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Funding for training in England
A range of incentives and financial support are available both during and after your training. Find out more on the Teachers Development Agency website
See also
For those interested in teaching adult ESOL, literacy or numeracy in the adult/FE education sector, go to the Talent website for information, or contact Passport Teaching Plus, a programme aiming to prepare refugee teachers for employment in the FE sector.
In connection with assessment of qualifications for entry into teaching, you may find it useful to look at the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This sets out the levels of qualifications and their equivalences: for example, a Bachelor’s degree is at Level 6, and a GCSE (Grade C or above) is at Level 2 on the NQF.
