Education adviser or school inspector - requirements

Education advisers and school inspectors organise educational activities, resources and standards in schools. To work in either role you’ll need to be interested in improving the education system in the UK. Read our career profile guide to learn more about this job role and how to begin your career.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

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What qualifications do you need to be an education adviser or school inspector?

An education-based degree will certainly go a long way. Subjects to consider include:

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an education adviser or school inspector?

You may need a postgraduate qualification to apply for education adviser and school inspector jobs.

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include MAs in:

  • Education
  • Educational practice and research
  • Science education and communication
  • Education studies

What skills do you need to be an education adviser or school inspector?

You obviously need to be interested in improving education for young people as well as having strong skills in problem-solving and communicating.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Higher education
  • Finance
  • Mental health
Soft skills include:
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Eye for detail
  • Enthusiasm
  • Leadership

Do you need work experience to be an education adviser or school inspector?

Your chance of getting a job will be much higher if you have previous work experience in the education field, e.g. as a teaching assistant. You could also look to do a Teach First qualification after uni which will give you direct experience in schools. You could also gain relevant experience by becoming a tutor in a specific field.

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