How to become a teacher in England

To teach in most state schools in England you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you already have a degree, you can usually gain QTS in about a year; if you don’t, there are undergraduate routes that build it into your degree. The right path depends on your qualifications, whether you want to earn while you train, and how much classroom time suits you. The official, free starting point for advice is Get Into Teaching.

The main routes to QTS

Entry requirements

• • A degree — many providers ask for a 2:2 or above (any subject, for postgraduate routes).
• • GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths.
• • GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in a Science too, if you want to teach primary (ages 3–11).
• • An enhanced DBS check and meeting fitness-to-teach requirements.

Exact entry requirements vary by training provider — check each course on the official Find teacher training service.

How much does it cost — and can you get paid?

Fee-based courses are eligible for tuition-fee and maintenance loans through student finance. Many trainees also receive a tax-free bursary or scholarship, particularly in shortage subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, computing and languages — the amounts are set each year, so check the current figures on Get Into Teaching. On salaried routes — teaching apprenticeships, salaried school-led courses and Teach First — you’re employed and paid a salary while you train, with no tuition fees.

How to apply

You apply through the government’s Apply for teacher training service. You can get free one-to-one support from a Get Into Teaching adviser before and during your application, and many providers run School Experience placements so you can spend time in a classroom first.

What happens after you qualify

Once you have QTS, you begin a two-year statutory induction as an Early Career Teacher (ECT), supported by the Early Career Framework and a mentor. This is a paid teaching post — so your next step is finding your first role. You can browse teaching jobs across England on UKTeachingJobs, check typical pay in our teacher salary guide, and if you’re moving from overseas, see our visa sponsorship guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a teacher in England?

Postgraduate routes usually take about one year of full-time training. Undergraduate degrees with QTS take three to four years. After you qualify you then complete a two-year early-career induction while working as a teacher.

Do I need a specific teaching degree?

No. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject you can take a postgraduate route to QTS. If you don’t have a degree, you can take an undergraduate degree that includes QTS, or a teacher degree apprenticeship.

What qualifications do I need?

Typically a degree (many providers ask for a 2:2 or above) plus GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths — and in Science too if you want to teach primary (ages 3–11). Exact requirements vary by training provider.

Can I get paid while I train?

Yes, on some routes. Teaching apprenticeships and salaried school-led courses pay you a salary, and Teach First is salaried. On other routes you may be eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship, especially in shortage subjects, plus student finance.

Do I need QTS to teach?

To teach in most state-maintained schools you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Academies, free schools and independent schools can employ teachers without QTS, but most still prefer it.

How do I become a teacher without a degree?

Take an undergraduate degree that includes QTS (such as a BEd), or an undergraduate teacher degree apprenticeship, which lets you earn a degree and QTS while working in a school.