Level 2
If you've already got GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, you can either continue your studies or start gaining practical experience in the workplace.
What roles can I apply for?
There are a vast range of roles available that require Level 2 qualifications. Some may require you to hold a particular qualification, such as a Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
If you're eager to work with young children, consider becoming an Early Years Assistant, sometimes referred to as an Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Practitioner. This may be in a public or private setting, and with a reception class, playgroup, pre-school, nursery school or daycare centre.
It's important to know that you'll need further qualifications if you want to 'teach' in a more conventional sense – in a classroom full of pupils, for example – but there are plenty of non-teaching roles that involve working in an educational setting.
Consider pursuing pastoral support positions, or volunteering to gain experience of working with children or young people. If you have children, you could volunteer to supervise on school trips, or apply for a job as a Mid-day Supervising Assistant.
You can become a...
- Nursery Assistant
- Early Years Assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- Assistant Childminder
- Voluntary Supervisor
- Mid-day Supervising Assistant
- School Caretaker
- Administrator
If you've completed a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification, you'll have a basic understanding of safeguarding, behaviour and communication, and already be well on your way to becoming a Teaching Assistant.
How do I become a Teaching Assistant?
You'll usually need a relevant qualification or significant experience working in a school environment, but neither are mandatory. To give yourself the best possible chance of securing a role as a Teaching Assistant, consider the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- T Level (Level 3) in Education and Early Years.
Many Teaching Assistants work part-time, and later progress to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or qualified teacher. GOV.UK provides a useful summary of the average salary, working hours and career progression for a Teaching Assistant.
Why progress to Level 3?
Progressing to the next level simply opens more doors for you. If you obtain a Level 3 qualification, you can become a Teaching Assistant, Education Technician, Early Years Educator or Learning and Skills Assessor.
Level 3 qualifications are also the gateway to higher education, and you'll need them if you're intending to go to university to complete a teacher training course. If you're aged 19 or over, the fastest route is to complete an Access to Higher Education course.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are aimed at adults who are aged 19 or over, and designed to prepare you for study at degree level. They're available at colleges in England and Wales.
You'll work towards achieving an Access to Higher Education Diploma, which is a Level 3 qualification. It's the equivalent of studying three A levels in a year.
If you're applying to a provider in England, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs associated with the course. Other funding sources are available if you wish to study in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Tuition fees
If you go on to study a degree (or other eligible higher education course) Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding balance you owe once you complete your studies. This means you do not have to repay it.
Extra funding
After you’ve received a letter approving your Advanced Learner Loan, you can apply for additional funding from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund. The fund provides financial support for costs incurred while studying, such as childcare or course-related travel.
Online modules with the Open University
Thinking about training to become a teacher but are unsure where to start or how to fund it? The Open University’s Access modules can be a great first step, especially if you’ve been out of formal study for a while.
Study for free
Over 60% of students qualify to study an Access module for free. You can check your eligibility quickly and easily online.
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Have a household income of £25,000 or less (or qualifying benefits)
- Have limited experience in higher education – this differs across the UK, but you can select your region and see the specific requirements here.
Other ways to pay
If you don’t meet the requirements for free study, The Open University offers flexible payment plans and part-time student loans for those registering for a full qualification.
You can spread the cost and make your path into teaching more affordable by exploring the options available to you.
Extra funding
Eligible students can get help covering extra maintenance costs (like childcare, travel or study equipment) through The Open University’s study-related funding. There are also a range of scholarships available for eligible students. Check your eligibility and apply.
Useful resources
Adult Skills Fund
If you're aged 19 or over and studying at a college or training provider in England, you could be eligible for an Adult Skills Fund grant. The grant does not need to be repaid. Your college or training provider can tell you if this is something offered in your local area and whether you're eligible.
Families Programme
The Forces Employment Charity's Families Programme offers 1:1 employment advice, coaching and mentoring. All of its advisors are Service partners – they understand Service life and how to overcome the challenges it can bring.
Wraparound Childcare
If you have children aged between 4-11 years old, you may be able to receive funding through the MOD's Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme. Eligible families may claim funding for up to 20 hours per week of wraparound childcare (for each child) during term time. Check your eligibility and browse FAQs on the Army Families Federation (AFF) website.
Understand where your qualifications can take you with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's occupational map for careers in education and early years.
Adult Skills Fund
If you're aged 19 or over and studying at a college or training provider in England, you could be eligible for an Adult Skills Fund grant. The grant does not need to be repaid. Your college or training provider can tell you if this is something offered in your local area and whether you're eligible.
Families Programme
The Forces Employment Charity's Families Programme offers 1:1 employment advice, coaching and mentoring. All of its advisors are Service partners – they understand Service life and how to overcome the challenges it can bring.
Wraparound Childcare
If you have children aged between 4-11 years old, you may be able to receive funding through the MOD's Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme. Eligible families may claim funding for up to 20 hours per week of wraparound childcare (for each child) during term time. Check your eligibility and browse FAQs on the Army Families Federation (AFF) website.
Understand where your qualifications can take you with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's occupational map for careers in education and early years.
Getting your GCSEs in English and Maths
To begin your journey into teaching, you’ll usually need GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above. To teach in a primary school, you'll also need a GCSE in Science.
If you don’t have these qualifications, you're not alone – many adults resit their GCSEs later in life. You can study for your GCSEs through a range of providers, including local learning centres. Many courses are available either online or in person, so you can learn in a way that works for you.
The National Careers Service allows you to search for your nearest providers. Use the filters to look for daytime, evening or weekend courses, or ones with flexible or part-time hours. Many of these courses are completely free.
GOV.UK provides a full list of qualifications equivalent to GCSEs, including Functional Skills qualifications that can be obtained through an apprenticeship.
Preparing to enter the workplace
Registering with Forces Employment gives you free access to career consultations, mentoring and tailored guidance including help with CVs, interview coaching, job matching and more.
The Armed Forces Covenant provides Service families with support and guidance on a range of topics including childcare, education and finances. The Covenant can also connect you with employers who understand the lifestyle of Service families.
Getting work experience
Tutoring, volunteering in schools or getting involved with local education projects can help you refresh your skills, gain references and ease into a new environment. Websites like Indeed are helpful for finding both paid and voluntary opportunities in your area.
You can stay up to date on the latest industry insights by following educational blogs, or networking at Get Into Teaching events. This can help to build your confidence before entering a new, unfamiliar industry.
Returning to work
If you're returning to the workplace after an extended break, take a look at the government’s Returner Toolkit which is packed with practical tips and step-by-step advice to help you navigate your return to the workplace.
You may find it helpful to take on a voluntary role first. This can be brilliant way to find your feet, boost your self-esteem and create a stepping stone to employment.