Becoming a Teacher

Got a university degree? Then the graduate routes may be best for you.

If you don’t have a degree, you should explore the undergraduate routes.

If your teaching qualification was gained outside the United Kingdom, please see Overseas-Trained Teachers.

Routes into teaching require a minimum grade C/4 or above in O-level/GCSE Maths and English. For primary teaching candidates a similar qualification in Science is required as well. If you don’t have these qualifications, think about taking GCSE courses at a local college, starting a higher education access course, or taking a GCSE equivalency test from your teacher-training provider.

You should be aware that the National Curriculum subjects are: English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, RE, Music, Art, Design and Technology, PE, ICT, Citizenship and Modern Foreign Languages.

Subjects taught at secondary school also could include: Art, History, Business Studies, Classics, Drama, Economics, Health and Social Care, Social Sciences and Leisure & Tourism.

For a full breakdown of possible routes into teaching, visit Get into Teaching https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/. Alternatively you can contact the Get into Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500.

Access to Teaching/GCSE and A-level courses

Several local colleges offer Access to Teaching courses. These include GCSE equivalency in Maths and English, which will enable you to pursue higher education. You can find out more by contacting colleges directly.

GCSE/A-levels

It is worthwhile having an A-level in any subject you plan to teach. You can find a range of courses leading to this qualification at local colleges such as the ones below:

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London:
020 8802 3111
Email: courseinfo@conel.ac.uk
Website: www.conel.ac.uk

Southgate College:
Main Swithboard: 020 8200 8300
Course Information: 020 8266 4000

Email:info@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk
Website: www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk