It goes without saying that teaching is one of the most rewarding careers out there. If you're passionate about helping children and young people achieve their goals, this might be the role for you.

There are plenty of different ways to go about becoming a teacher, from starting out as a teaching assistant to getting a degree in a specific subject. Most importantly, it depends on where and how you'd like to teach.

Here's our quick guide on some of the most important questions you'll need to ask before you make the leap into the world of teaching.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Teacher?

If you want to become a teacher in the UK, you'll need specific qualifications first. Of course, this depends on the type of school you want to teach in.

Here are some of the routes you could consider:

Undergraduate route: If you want to become a teacher, you could do an undergraduate degree that includes QTS. This is could be a three or four-year degree course that usually allows you to go into teaching as soon as you've graduated.

Postgraduate route: If you've already got a bachelor's degree, but it isn't one that gave you qualified teacher status, you could apply for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This is a one-year postgraduate course that will provide you with the training you need to become a qualified teacher.

Can a Teaching Assistant Become a Teacher?

If you're a graduate teaching assistant, you can embark on a PGCE course to become a qualified teacher. You can often do this course part time.

If you don't have a degree, you'll need to get QTS through a undergraduate ITT (Initial Teacher Education or Training) course.

If you're a teaching assistant and your school offers it, you might be able to go through the Straight to Teaching route. This is a flexible, online QTS course which will allow you to continue working as a teaching assistant as you prepare for QTS assessment.

Do I Need to Have Experience to Become a Teacher?

Most teacher training courses don't require you to have extensive experience before embarking on your teacher training. However, getting experience could be incredibly beneficial to your teaching career! Many schools will look for candidates who have demonstrated a real passion and commitment to teaching, and experience is a good way to show that you've got this.

Not only this, but you'll also get a head start in working with children, which can inform the choices you'll make further down the line. For example, you might find that you prefer working with younger children, or after a bit of experience, find that secondary schools are your calling.

How To Get a Teaching Job

Once you're qualified, you can start finding work as a teacher. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Register with a Recruitment Agency: Agencies like Smile Education can provide personalised support and help match you with schools that fit your preferences and qualifications.

2. Use Job Boards: Websites such as TES, Indeed, and others list a wide range of teaching jobs across the UK.

3. Network: Attend job fairs, education conferences, and networking events to meet potential employers, agencies and learn about job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Teacher

1. How long does it take to become a teacher?

   - It typically takes three to four years if you're pursuing an undergraduate degree with QTS. For those taking a postgraduate route, it usually takes one year for a PGCE (plus the time it takes to complete an undergraduate degree in most cases).

2. Can I teach with a degree from another country?

- The short answer is yes, but you'll need to have the right to work in the UK, as well as pass safeguarding and other checks. You'll need a high standard of both written and spoken English, and will likely need to apply for English QTS, unless you're able to demonstrate "strong non-UK qualifications and experience", according to Get Into Teaching.

3. What is QTS, and why is it important?

   - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a certification that confirms you have met the required standards to teach in maintained schools in England. You'll need it to secure a teaching position in these schools. Not every single school in England requires you have QTS, but it'll make your job search far easier!

Find a Teaching Job Near You

Becoming a teacher is a journey that requires dedication, passion, and hard work. If you're ready to take the first step, we're here to support you. We're looking for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and experienced teachers to join schools across the UK.

For more information, call our team on 0121 392 6570 or talk to us via our webchat.