How To Be A Licenced Teacher: A Step-by-Step Guide For Aspiring Teachers

As a rewarding experience and career path, teaching allows you to have an impact on pupils’ lives. Becoming a licensed teacher has numerous advantages, including financial benefits and the opportunity for professional growth and lifelong learning. The official teaching licence by the British government is qualified teacher status (QTS), which is a mandatory requirement for teaching in all UK public schools. How to be a licensed teacher? There are several routes for attaining a QTS to teach in the UK, including a bachelor’s degree in education (BEd), postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), School Direct teacher training, etc. To answer the question of how to be a qualified teacher in the UK, below is a step-by-step guide for aspiring teachers. 

1. Research and choose a teacher training program that aligns with your qualifications and goals. 
2. Meet the program’s entry requirements and complete the application process.
3. Attend the program’s coursework and complete the assessments and requirements.
4. You receive QTS to teach after completing the program. 
5. For more support and development, finish your early career teacher period (ETC). 

What Are the Prerequisites of Teacher Training Programs?

There are several paths you can choose to obtain QTS to teach in the UK, including an initial teacher training programme (ITT). It is important to research the specific requirements of the schools or the country you want to teach in; below is a comprehensive guide:

Teacher Training Course in England Prerequisites

• A degree (or equivalent) of 2:2 or above. To teach at the secondary level, you should have a degree in, or relevant to, the subject you wish to teach. If your degree is not applicable, you can take an SKE course by contacting a training provider. This way, you will be qualified to teach your desired subject.
• At least a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in English and maths. To teach primary school, you will also need a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in a science subject. Although some training providers may accept equivalence tests, it is recommended to check with the exact provider beforehand. 
• Criminal background checks to ensure safety in the classroom.

Teacher Training in Wales Prerequisites

• At least a GCSE grade B/5 or equivalent in English and maths. To teach primary schools, you need a grade of C/4 (or above) in a science subject.
• An undergraduate degree from a UK higher education institution (or equivalent).
• To become a secondary school teacher, you need a degree that is at least 50% relevant to the subject you want to teach.
• Although Welsh teachers are not mandated to pass professional skills tests, some training providers may require you to pass literacy and numeracy tests.
• Criminal background checks to ensure safety in the classroom.

Teacher Training in Northern Ireland Prerequisites

• Two GCSE advanced-level
• Three GCSEs with a grade of C or above
• To obtain an approved undergraduate degree for PGCE courses.
• Undergoing a police criminal records check.

Teacher Training in Scotland Prerequisites

• Maths at level 5 SCQF and level 6 English.
• For an undergraduate degree, one subject is at SCQF Level 5, while two other national qualifications are at SCQF Level 6.
• An undergraduate degree by a UK higher education provider for PGDE programmes.
• Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups.
• Classroom-related experience.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for Non-UK Citizens 

You can use the Department for Education’s professional recognition service to apply for QTS in England, depending on the subjects, your qualifications, and the location. Please note that a QTS does not guarantee a teaching job or work visa. For those outside the UK, there are 4 routes to qualified teacher status, including assessment only and international qualified teacher status (iQTS). Follow the link below to find out more:

Routes to qualified teacher status (QTS)

Paths to Teacher Licensure

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

PGCE is the most common route to teaching; you can study PGCE at university or as part of a school-based training programme. PGCE courses generally begin with an academic focus, covering education, learning theory, and classroom behaviour management. Later, you will spend most of your training course teaching two different key stages and placement in schools. Below are the requirements:

• An bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• GCSE C/4 or above in English and maths (a B in Wales)
• GCSE C/4 in a science subject to teach primary pupils
• Some experience working with children in a mainstream UK school in the age group for which you’re applying
• A DBS check

Teacher Training Degree Apprenticeship

This approach doesn’t require tuition fees while offering an upfront salary. It is perfect for aspiring teachers who want to sidestep following the traditional university route; generally, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree. During the course, you’ll spend three months in a classroom to gain practical experience through observation and hands-on teaching across two key stages. You will also study the theory through conferences and training sessions. An end-point assessment of lesson observation and an interview is required. You will need:

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent
• GCSE C/4 or above in English and maths
• GCSE C/4 in a science subject to teach primary pupils
• A DBS check

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

The PGDE route is most popular in Scotland. Throughout this course, you will learn the subjects, teaching strategies, and theories. The assessment is generally presentation and written-based. You will also learn about teaching placements. How to be a qualified teacher? Below are the requirements:

• An undergraduate degree
• National qualifications in mathematics (Level 5) and English (SCQF Level 6)
• Membership of Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG)

Salaried PGCE

This program is available in Wales. Throughout the course, you will be working at a school as an unqualified teacher to gain the skills and qualifications. You will need:

• Welsh language and maths or GCSE B/5 in English
• To teach primary schools, a GCSE C/4 in a science subject
• Relevant degree to the subject you want to teach

Routes to Qualified Teacher Status
Route	Qualifications
University-based	Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject GCSE C/4 or equivalent in English & Maths DBS Check
School-based	Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree GCSE C/4 or equivalent in English & Maths DBS Check

What to Expect in A Teacher Training Program

Depending on teacher training providers and your goals, your ITT will vary. Please visit Find Courses by location or by training provider to learn more. In general, you will get 120 days of classroom experience, depending on your course provider. As part of your training, you will have assessments, which are generally in two forms. One of the most common forms of teacher training assessment is the formal form of evaluation at the end of your course. You may also have formative assessments during the course. Throughout your teacher training course, you will gain expertise in:

1. Robust curriculum and subject knowledge 
2. Effective Management Strategies for a Classroom Setting
3. Adapting the lessons and teaching style to meet pupils’ needs
4. Lesson planning
5. motivating, inspiring, and challenging pupils
6. Productive and practical assessment

What is an Early Career Teacher?

After finishing your ITT, you will receive two years of professional training as a paid teacher in a school known as an early career teacher (ECT). During this period, you will be assessed on your teaching approach to help you develop your knowledge, practice, and teaching habits. ECT aims to provide new teachers With support and training in a real-world environment. You will also gain student teaching experience and make good connections during this period.   

The Importance of a Strong Educational Background

Teacher training programs play a significant role in building foundational teaching skills. These programs help build effective teachers who can face real-world teaching challenges. Below is an overview: 

• Confidence

Teacher training courses help teachers become more confident in teaching, answering, and asking questions.

• Pedagogical Skills

These courses help teachers develop teaching skills and the ability to clarify complex subjects.

• Classroom and Time Management

Throughout these courses, applicants learn the science of teaching and how to create a positive learning environment. 

• Lesson Planning Based on Curriculum

Designing lessons based on the curriculum and tailoring lessons to pupils are core requirements for teachers, and these are covered in teacher training programs. 

• Assessment and Adaptation

Student assessment through various methods and adapting the lessons to meet every student’s need based on the assessment results are also taught. 

• Problem-solving

Problem-solving is a vital teacher trait; navigating unexpected situations and finding solutions in a classroom setting are part of most training. 

• Teaching Experiences

Several teacher training courses incorporate elements of real-world teaching practices.

Becoming a teacher is an excellent career choice for people who admire innovation, youth and lifelong learning. What are more reasons to become a teacher? Read on to find out more: Why Choose Teacher as a Career?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid and Tips for a Smooth Application Process

It is not uncommon for aspiring teachers to face difficulties while applying for teacher training programs. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them. 

• Choosing the Wrong Program

It is essential to research and chooses a program that aligns with your goals and skills; for instance, do you want to teach in England? Do you wish to teach primary or secondary schools? 

• Insufficient Subject Knowledge 

For qualified teachers, robust subject knowledge is essential. Before applying for teacher training programs, you can take a course or self-study to meet the standards. 

• Time Management

Whether during the programs or afterwards, you need strong time management skills. 

Maintaining Teaching Licensure

After getting a QTS to teach, there are still steps to take to become a professional teacher. In general, there’s a two-year induction period for those who gained qualified teacher status before teaching their class, known as ECT.

During your teaching career, there might be regular performance reviews, and teachers need to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their knowledge and skills and stay updated with curriculum and teaching methods. Depending on the type of school, your location and school policies, these performance reviews vary. 

• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement in the Teaching Profession

Teaching offers several paths for professional and personal growth. For instance, teachers can take on leadership roles within their subject area, such as mentoring colleagues, leading departmental initiatives, and assisting in curriculum development. There are also specialisation programs available for QTS teachers, such as specialisation in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Special Educational Needs (SEN), etc. Research opportunities in the field of education are also rewarding and lead to further professional growth.

Suppose you are passionate about teaching and helping pupils overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In that case, consider becoming a form tutor. Form tutors help run a more practical and supportive school environment for the pupils and other teachers. Read more on How to Become a good Form Tutor?

Conclusion

Gaining a QTS allows you to teach in most schools in the UK and most countries in the world. Regarding how to be a qualified teacher in the UK, there are several paths and routes to choose from while ensuring that the route you choose aligns with your professional goals. Teacher training programs offer more than teaching certificates; you will learn teaching methods and strategies to deliver tailored lessons, classroom management, lesson planning, and hands-on teaching experience gained through student teaching internships.

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FAQ

How do I get qualified teacher status?

1. Check if you’re qualified to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) regarding your education degree, etc.
2. Research and apply for a teacher training program that aligns with your qualifications and teaching goals. 
3. Complete the teacher training course.