Becoming A Teacher

If you have a degree, the graduate routes may be best for you.

If you have do not have a degree, you should explore the undergraduate routes.

If you have a teaching qualification gained outside England, please see the Overseas-Trained Teachers page.

All routes into teaching require at least a grade C or above in O Level/GCSE Maths and English. For primary teaching candidates a similar qualification in Science is required as well. Candidates without these qualifications should consider GCSE courses at a local college, a higher education access course, or GCSE equivalency test from their 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 could include: Art History, Business Studies, Classics, Drama, Economics, Health and Social Care, Social Sciences and Leisure & Tourism.

Further information

For a full analysis of your best route into teaching, visit the Training and Development Agency for schools www.tda.gov.uk
Alternatively you can contact the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.

Grants and fees

You can find further information about grants and fees at the DCSF website, www.dcsf.gov.uk/studentsupport .

Alternatively, you can obtain information by phoning:
The Student Loan Enquiry Line - 0800 7319 133
The Enfield LEA Student Support General Enquiry Line - 020 8379 5366.

Access to Teaching/GCSE and A Level courses

Several local colleges offer Access to Teaching courses. These should include GCSE equivalency in Maths and English, enabling you to pursue higher education.

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:

Enfield College 020 8443 3434
Email: courseinformation@enfield.ac.uk
Website: www.enfield.ac.uk

Southgate College 020 8886 6521
Textphone: 020 8982 5082
Fax: 020 8982 5051
Email: admiss@southgate.ac.uk
Website: www.southgate.ac.uk