Level 5
Already achieved a Level 5 qualification? A top-up degree can get you one step closer to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
What roles can I already apply for?
There are a vast range of roles available that require Level 5 qualifications. Some may require you to hold a particular qualification, such as a Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills.
With a Level 5 qualification, you can teach in Further Education (FE) to deliver courses to post-16 learners. This can be a particularly rewarding role if you've previously worked in another industry (for five years or more) and are now keen to share your knowledge with the next generation.
You may also pursue learning and skills mentor roles, where you can support learners of all ages in colleges and adult learning centres.
If you've been a working as a Teaching Assistant, you may want to look for more specialised roles where you can take on greater responsibility in the classroom, have more involvement in lesson planning, and eventually cover planned teacher absences.
Consider non-educational roles in areas such as safeguarding, admissions, student wellbeing or behavioural support. Alternatively, more operational roles include administration, human resources, estates management and student recruitment.
You can become a...
- Specialist Teaching Assistant
- Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Learning and Skills Teacher
- Further Education Tutor
- Academic Tutor
- Vocational Mentor
- Admissions Officer
- Administrator
- Safeguarding Officer
- Pastoral Support Officer
- Careers Advisor
- Mid-day Supervising Assistant
- Caretaker / Groundskeeper
Careers in Further Education
You might decide to teach in Further Education (FE), teaching people aged 16 and over. There's a huge variety of subjects you can teach, and many roles allow you to tailor your working hours to your existing commitments.
GOV.UK offers plenty of advice on:
Top-up degrees
If you already hold a Level 5 qualification and want to become qualified teacher, a top-up degree will help you get there.
Top-up degrees allow you to achieve a full (Level 6) Bachelor’s degree, which is required to enrol on a teacher training course and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
They are usually full-time programmes that take one year to complete, and some providers offer distance-learning options.
Most people that enrol on top-up degree programmes already have a foundation degree, DipHE or HND and are looking to build on their existing knowledge and experience.
Browse top-up qualificationsSupport available to you
Teacher training advisers
When you're studying for a Bachelor's Degree, you can apply for a free teacher training adviser through Get Into Teaching. They can provide 1:1 support by phone, text or email, and you can talk to them as little or as much as you need.
Student Finance
You may be eligible for a student loan, also known as Student Finance. This can help to cover your tuition fees and living costs while you're studying at university. Your eligibility depends on many different factors, including your nationality or residency status.
Advanced Learner Loan
You could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan if you're studying at a college or training provider in England. Check your eligibility online and read the criteria about your residency status carefully.
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.
Teacher training advisers
When you're studying for a Bachelor's Degree, you can apply for a free teacher training adviser through Get Into Teaching. They can provide 1:1 support by phone, text or email, and you can talk to them as little or as much as you need.
Student Finance
You may be eligible for a student loan, also known as Student Finance. This can help to cover your tuition fees and living costs while you're studying at university. Your eligibility depends on many different factors, including your nationality or residency status.
Advanced Learner Loan
You could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan if you're studying at a college or training provider in England. Check your eligibility online and read the criteria about your residency status carefully.
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.
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.