Time to teach

If you are looking to work in a rewarding, dynamic profession, look no further than teaching. The Training and Development Agency for Schools explains all you need to know about becoming a teacher in the UK

Teaching is an enjoyable and rewarding profession

Attracting over 30,000 trainees a year, the teaching profession is among the largest graduate recruiters in the UK, particularly among those over 25, who account for over half of those going into the profession. The numbers have increased significantly in recent years, as the government has poured increased resources into schools, training and salaries.

To teach in the UK, candidates must undergo Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in order to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a qualification that enables them to teach at state-maintained schools in England and Wales. There are now a wide variety of routes available to those wishing to obtain Qualified Teacher Status and enter the profession.

How to get into teaching

There are three principal ways of obtaining Qualified Teacher Status:

Bachelor of Education

All Bachelor of Education graduates receive Qualified Teacher Status in addition to their degree. Bachelor of Education degrees generally last three or four years, although candidates who have already completed some or all of another undergraduate degree may be able to obtain it in a shorter time by transferring credit. There is no special government funding available for candidates on these courses. Entrance requirements vary by institution.

Bachelor of Science or Arts (with QTS)

It is possible to obtain Qualified Teacher Status concurrently with a BA or BSc qualification by doing teacher training alongside a regular degree course. BSc and BA courses generally last between three and four years. There is no special government funding available for candidates on these courses. Again, entrance requirements vary by institution.

PGCE (in England and Wales)

Teachers can progress their careers within the classroom or in a leadership role

This is perhaps the most well-known of the various routes into teaching and accounts for roughly two-thirds of entrants into the profession. The PGCE (which leads to QTS) actually encompasses two different qualifications: the Professional Graduate and the Post Graduate Certificate of Education – a candidate’s suitability for one or another qualification will depend on their background. All candidates for the PGCE must hold an undergraduate degree or the equivalent.

PGCE courses have a duration of one year of full-time study (part-time courses lasting two years are also available). PGCE fees are fully funded by the government. Students may also be given a Training Bursary for living expenses, depending on their particular circumstances. The value of a Training Bursary varies from £4,000 to £9,000 (tax-free).

Candidates from overseas

Teachers who have qualified within the EU can access teaching positions in exactly the same way as UK candidates – no further training or certification is necessary. Candidates who have trained outside the European Economic Area are allowed to teach (in England only) on a temporary basis for up to four years without having to obtain QTS. Once candidates find a position within a school, they are assessed and trained via the Overseas Trained Teachers Programme, which leads to candidates being awarded QTS.

Flexible training

In addition to these options, there are a number of flexible alternatives for candidates in different situations. For example, the PGCE can be taken as a part-time course over two years. Full-time PGCE conversion courses are also available, as are subject enhancement and extension courses for those wishing to boost their knowledge in specific areas.

What are the incentives?

Management and leadership responsibilities

There are a number of ways in which teachers can progress in their careers, either within the classroom or in a leadership role. In secondary schools candidates can move up and across the management structure and take on responsibilities for:

• A particular subject as head of a department, faculty or curriculum
• A particular age group as head of year or key stage co-ordinator
• A particular area, such as special educational needs or pastoral care (ie personal guidance).

Over time, teachers are able to progress to senior management positions such as deputy or assistant head and, of course, headteacher – at which point they will have overall responsibility for the management of a school and the education that its pupils receive.

In primary schools, teachers can take on responsibility for co-ordinating key areas such as literacy, numeracy or special educational needs. They can move into senior management by becoming a deputy head or headteacher.

Attractive pay and benefits

Today, starting salaries for teachers are guaranteed at at least £20,133 (£24,168, inclusive of inner London weighting), and can be higher, depending on what previous experience a candidate can offer. In addition, teachers in certain subjects may qualify for a “Golden Hello” after initial training – up to the value of £5,000 (taxable) for teachers of subjects like science and mathematics. Prospects for future earnings are good, with many teachers earning more than £30,000 after a number of years in the profession. Additional bonus payments are also available for those who assume extra responsibilities.

For those wishing to pursue leadership positions in the profession, the rewards are commensurately higher; head teachers in medium-sized secondary schools often make well over £65,000, with large schools paying more than £80,000. Generous holiday allowance also increases the appeal of the profession: teachers are required to work 195 days a year in school, plus some additional work during holidays. Additionally, the second-largest public sector pension scheme in the country ensures that teachers’ retirements are well catered for.

For more information for careers in teaching and teacher training:
Tel: 0845 6000 991
Website: www.tda.gov.uk

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