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How to become a teacher in the UK?

It goes without saying that teaching is a challenging yet a rewarding profession. Good teaching can transform the lives of many; therefore it is important that teachers are very suitably trained and qualified. When it comes to taking teaching as a profession, you must decide on the level of teaching you would like to engage in. In fact, there are different levels in education e.g. primary, secondary, further and higher education.  British universities, colleges, and training providers offer a variety of qualifications that suit the needs of teaching at different levels.

How to become a primary school teacher?

PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education. If you would like to become a primary school teacher, you should pursue a PGCE (Primary) qualification. The successful completion of the course leads to the qualified teacher status (QTS). Please note that the minimum entry requirements for PGCE’s are a 2:2 degree or equivalent and GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths. There may be some other subject and university specific requirements that you must also meet.

How to become a secondary school teacher?

If you would like to become a secondary school teacher, you should pursue a PGCE (Secondary) qualification. Secondary teaching qualifications are subject-specific i.e. PGCE (Maths). The successful completion of the course leads to the qualified teacher status (QTS).

How to become a college (FE) lecturer?

Teaching qualification is not mandatory for teaching at a college,  however it is strongly desirable. If you would like to become a college lecturer, you should pursue a DTLLS or PGCE (Post sixteen) qualification. The holder of DTLLS/PGCE should easily gain competitive advantage over someone competing for a teaching job without a teaching qualification. The successful completion of DTLLS/PGCE leads to the qualified teacher status in learning and skills (QTLS).

Most of the universities in the UK offer teacher training courses. However, they may not offer all types of teacher training. Therefore, you need to find out which universities offer your chosen programme. Universities usually offer PGCE primary and secondary courses in September semester only. On the other hand, DTLLS and PGCE (Post sixteen) are offered few times a year. Please note that universities do not usually offer DTLLS programme. Therefore, you need to search for a college or a training provider to pursue a DTLLS course.

In light of the above, it is clear that there are many options available for a prospective teacher. You must decide on the level of teaching and pursue a relevant teaching qualification. Certainly, teaching is a very rewarding profession, and an appropriate teaching qualification may simply be a fantastic start! If interested, click here for more information on teacher training.

The article publication date: 07th May 2017

Photo credit: www.pixabay.com

Author: Joe David

Joe David has years of teaching experience both in the UK and abroad. He writes regularly online on a variety of topics. He has a keen interest in business, hospitality, and tourism management. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management.

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