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Becoming a school teacher in England can be a highly rewarding job, but it’s important to do some research before entering this gratifying career. Teaching offers you great job security and other benefits such as a competitive salary, annual leave allowance and a pension. Additionally, you will also be able to gain transferrable skills.
Job satisfaction is guaranteed as you get to educate the future generation and see young people grow and become confident adults. For this reason, we have put together a list of 5 steps to become a school teacher in England, ideal for school leavers or those who are considering a career change to teaching.
If you want to pursue a career in teaching, it is essential to have a very clear idea of what age group you want to teach.
There are mainly three age groups you could teach within nurseries and schools:
Starting a career in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) or primary education can offer a very different working environment and set of challenges to a career in secondary education, and vice versa. If you are having trouble deciding between pursuing a career in the EYFS, primary or secondary education, you can read our guide on ‘which age group should I teach?’
Whilst a Level 3 Childcare Qualification in Early Years is sufficient to build a teaching career in nurseries within the EYFS, you will need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in maintained primary, secondary and special schools in England. You can get this through teacher training.
To train to teach in primary and secondary schools in England, you’ll need:
If you do not have GCSE grade 4 (C), you will need to show that you can meet an equivalent level. The training provider may ask you to take an equivalence test or show other evidence of your ability.
If you have a degree or equivalent qualification, you can do postgraduate primary or secondary teacher training.
If you do not have a degree and are not studying for one, you can do undergraduate teacher training.
If you’ve just graduated, you’re studying for a degree or you want to change your career, we can help you understand what training you need to do to get qualified teacher status (QTS). You can read our useful guide on ‘How to get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)’ for additional information.
If you’re applying for teacher training in England, we can help you understand what funding and practical support you could be eligible for.
For example, you might be able to get funding that you do not have to pay back if you train to teach certain subjects. You can also apply for a student loan to cover course fees and living costs.
For more information on funding and support, you can read our dedicated guide on ‘Teacher Training Funding”.
You need a bachelor’s degree to train to teach in primary, secondary and special schools in England. This does not have to be in teaching. If you do not already have one, you can train to be a school teacher as part of your bachelor’s degree and get qualified teacher status (QTS).
Before you start your postgraduate teaching training course, You will need to:
You can check out our blog on ‘how to train to be a teacher in the UK’ if you have any doubts on teacher training.
Writing a compelling teacher training personal statement is essential to explaining why you want to be a school teacher. It’s your opportunity to show your motivation, enthusiasm and teaching potential. It’s a crucial part of your application – so it’s worth taking your time on it.
As part of your application process, you will need to provide the details of two people who can give you a reference. They will not be contacted until you accept a place on a course.
Unlike a standard work reference, your references for teacher training need to be from named individuals rather than (for example) a human resources team or academic department.
If you get invited to an interview for your teacher training, you can read our guide on ‘How to prepare for a teacher training interview’.
If you are unsure about teaching being the right profession for you, you are most welcome to contact our friendly team, who can introduce you to other male teachers and early years educators. This way, you might get insight to what it takes being a teacher and a role model to future generations.
Nutritional Therapist and Early Years NutritionConsultant
At the intersection of health, nutrition, and early years education stands Louise Mercieca, a dynamic force in the realm of nutritional well-being for young children. A prolific writer with numerous articles and the notable book ‘How Food Shapes Your Child’ under her belt, she has delved deep into the intricacies of how food impacts a child’s development.
Her passion was kindled by two key elements: the journey she undertook with her young son and the extensive research she carried out for her debut book. Not just an author, Louise further extends her reach through the airwaves with her radio show ‘Food For Thought’ on Teacher Hug Radio.
Louise’s commitment doesn’t stop at raising awareness. As an Early Years Nutrition Consultant, she actively collaborates on menu development and nutritional education, ensuring that children receive a balanced and informed start to their dietary journey. Her driving belief is unequivocal: by understanding the bond between food and biology early on, we can preemptively address and potentially prevent many health and dietary issues adults grapple with later in life.
Her dedication to this cause positions her as a beacon for professionals in the Early Years sector, guiding them to understand the pivotal role food plays in holistic child health.
Chef Trainer at LEYF
In the vibrant world of child nutrition and culinary training, Sean Cowden shines as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As of 2022, he took the reins as Chef Trainer for LEYF’s esteemed Early Years Chef Academy courses. Initiated by LEYF in 2019, the Early Years Chef Academy emerged from a pressing need: to guarantee that young learners receive the essential, nutritious food vital for their growth and cognitive development. Through this initiative, chefs are meticulously trained not only in the culinary arts but also in the nuances of child nutrition, sculpting them into experts that inspire children, staff, and parents alike to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Before his esteemed tenure at LEYF Nurseries, Sean donned the hat of a Head Chef at an independent school, bringing his culinary flair to the academic arena. Additionally, his role as a Training Specialist for Gail’s Bakery further showcases his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the world of culinary arts and education.