If you love sharing knowledge and enjoy working with children or teens, then read on to find out what it takes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and how to become a teacher in the UK.
Updated: 09 Dec 2025
Besides teaching, it turns out there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. You’ll spend time planning lessons, marking homework, attending parent meetings and working with colleagues on after-school activities and events.
Primary teachers usually have one class all year, and teach a mixture of subjects like reading, writing, maths, and art, with a greater focus on the development of individual pupils.
Secondary teachers focus on one or two subjects, and teach a number of different classes across a range of year groups.
Organisation: There’s a lot to keep track of, between planning lessons, marking homework, managing classroom routines, and dealing with field trips or extra-curricular activities.
Patience: You’ll need to be comfortable repeating yourself, whether it be explaining a concept in class, or encouraging good behaviour.
Responsibility: Leading a class with a keen sense of duty, and a high standard of integrity is a great way to set an example.
In terms of entry requirements for teachers, you'll need to have GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths. Primary school teachers also need a grade 4 GCSE in science.
Most teaching-related degrees ask for two or three A-levels (or equivalent), and for subject-specific secondary teaching qualifications, you’ll often need to hold an undergraduate degree in your teaching subject.
Spending time in a school (even just observing lessons) is a big plus when it comes to applications and starting your course on the right foot.
Primary Education (BA/BSc): Focuses on child development, curriculum design, and classroom management for children aged 3–11.
Secondary Education with QTS: Prepares you for subject-specific teaching at secondary school level.
Joint degrees: Blends teaching with another subject area, however always check that your chosen programme carries QTS accreditation.
NEXT: Compare primary and secondary teaching courses
For both primary and secondary teachers, your teacher training course will comprise a blend of academic and practical work. You’ll learn about educational theory, child psychology, curriculum frameworks, and assessment methods, before heading into classrooms for hands-on practice. Placements begin with lesson observation, then progress to leading lessons under the supervision of a mentor.
Assessment includes essays, lesson evaluations, and teaching portfolios. Most undergraduate programmes last three to four years full-time, with at least 120 days of school experience to ensure that you’re classroom-ready.
Yes. School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) offers local, paid placements with on-the-job teaching within a school environment that enables graduates to achieve QTS within just one year. SCITT courses cover both primary and secondary teacher training.
Additionally, the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) pathway is a university-led training programme that combines academic study with practical teaching experience which leads to QTS. You’ll generally need a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any subject to get started, and the course takes one or two years to complete.
Upon completing a QTS-approved programme, you’ll start as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) on the government’s two-year induction scheme, which you can think of as a type of probation period, where your teaching load is reduced and you still have the benefits of mentoring.
Salaries in the education sector begin around £28,000 per year in England and rise as you gain experience. With a proven track record and some experience, you can progress in your teaching career to senior roles such as Subject Leader, Head of Year, or Senior Leadership Team.
Evidence of impact: Highlight moments when you helped others learn, lead a workshop, or managed a large group
Interview prep: Be ready to teach a sample lesson and discuss safeguarding, assessment strategies, and behaviour management
Professional references: Obtain references from school placements, university tutors, or youth organisations to demonstrate your reliability and commitment
“Placement have been very enjoyable as you get to have lots of different experiences meaning that you are prepared for different schools that you may attend or want to teach at.” — Chloe, PGCE Primary (QTS) at University of Worcester
NEXT: Explore more student reviews
Can I change between primary and secondary?
Yes you can, although it will require some re-training, primary and secondary teaching require different skill sets.
What are class sizes like?
Typically 20–30 pupils, but this varies by school and year group.
How much holiday will I get?
In the UK, teachers typically enjoy around 13 weeks of holidays each year. This includes a six-week summer break, two-week breaks at Christmas and Easter, and three separate one-week half-term holidays.
Ready to get started? You can browse loads of QTS-accredited degrees and find the one that suits you best.