Routes Into Teaching

There is a range of routes into teaching and the most appropriate route for an individual depends on their personal circumstances, qualifications and experience.

Candidates working in schools as teaching or classroom assistants are advised to consider the NVQ route if their current highest qualification is below Advanced level or HND. On this route the candidate would progress to NVQ Level 3, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, then to the Foundation Degree. With the Foundation Degree a student can enrol on a first-degree course leading to a BA, BSc or BEd. Classroom assistants with a degree may be eligible to train in school on the Graduate Teacher Programme.

Prospective teachers with BA or BSc qualifications may be eligible to embark on the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or the Graduate Teacher Programme. Currently the main difference between these two routes is that the PGCE is college-based training and the GTP is school based. The PGCE and Graduate Teacher Programme are normally one-year course, and are currently oversubscribed.

The Student Associate Scheme allows under-graduates to experience teaching while they are studying for their first degree. Students spend time in participating schools and receive payments of approximately £40 per day.

A booklet entitled “Becoming a Teacher” is available from the Workforce Development and Governance Service.