Level 6
If you already have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, you're just one step away from gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
What roles can I apply for?
There are a vast range of roles available that require Level 6 qualifications. Some may require you to hold a particular qualification, for example a Bachelor's degree or a Diploma in Teaching FE and Skills.
With a degree-level qualification, you can teach in Further Education (FE) to deliver courses to post-16 learners. Alternatively, you may pursue a career in Higher Education (HE) at a university or college.
There's a huge variety of subjects you can teach, and many roles allow you to tailor your working hours to your existing commitments. This can be particularly rewarding if you've previously worked in another industry and are now keen to share your knowledge with the next generation. The more experience you have, the greater your advantage over other candidates.
You may also pursue 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.
If you've successfully completed a BEd (Bachelor's degree) with integrated QTS, you don't need any further qualifications to enter the workplace as a fully qualified teacher.
You can become a...
- Primary School Teacher*
- Secondary School Teacher*
- Further Education Tutor
- Higher Education Lecturer
- Early Years Teacher
- Academic Tutor
- Careers Advisor
- Safeguarding Officer
- Pastoral Support Assistant
- Student Recruitment Officer
- Student Wellbeing Officer
*Requires Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Become a lecturer in Higher Education
As a lecturer at a university or specialist college, you not only have the opportunity to broaden horizons for your students, but expand your own knowledge too.
Lecturers must have extensive knowledge of their specialist subject, as well as a drive to continually build on it. Competition for roles can be fierce, and practical industry experience gives you a significant advantage over other candidates.
You'll usually need a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) qualification to teach in HE. Many employers will offer this when you begin your role.
Associate Lecturer positions are a great first step into the industry. You'll teach on an ad-hoc basis and be paid an hourly rate, making this a great option if you're unable to commit to a longer-term contract. Lecturers are employed on a permanent contract, and are more heavily involved in supporting students and developing the course.
Naturally, choosing to work for a provider that offers online or evening courses will give you greater flexibility in terms of your working hours and ability to work remotely.
Alternative careers in Higher Education
Careers in Higher Education (HE) aren't limited to academia – in every university or specialist college, there are countless different roles in professional services.
- Pastoral roles focus on student wellbeing and supporting learners during their studies.
- Administrators ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations and events.
- Student recruitment teams attract new students and build relationships with local schools and colleges, engaging and inspiring the next generation of learners.
Many of these positions offer hybrid or remote working options, and some higher education providers offer enhanced staff benefits such as childcare support and generous annual leave allowances.
How do I get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)?
If you've already been working as an unqualified teacher for a significant amount of time or in more than one school, you may be able to secure Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in as little as 12 weeks through the Assessment Only route to QTS. Upon successful completion, you'll be fully qualified to teach in the classroom.
If you've not yet got this experience, you can pursue one of the routes outlined below. Consider whether you'd like to take an university-led approach or a more vocational one. You may also want – or need – to pursue an employment-based route that allows you to earn a salary while you're training.
Ways to get QTS
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses help you to develop the skills needed to be a teacher. It's not essential to have a PGCE to become a qualified teacher, but it's an incredibly popular route for graduates and aspiring teachers.
There are two types of PGCE:
- PGCE with QTS
- PGCE without QTS
If your aim is to become a fully qualified teacher, choose a qualification with QTS.
PGCEs can be studied on either full-time (for one year) or part-time (for two years). You'll focus on either primary or secondary education and complete a minimum of 24 weeks on school placements. You can find out more about PGCEs on UCAS.
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover your tuition fees.
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers are networks of schools that have been approved to run teacher training. They provide practical, hands-on teacher education, delivered by experienced teachers.
It's a popular vocational alternative to university-based routes. You'll usually work in a school in your local area, and many people enjoy giving something back to their local community while also forming new connections.
You can train at either a primary or secondary school, and the programme typically takes one year to complete. On successful completion of your training, you'll be awarded a PGCE and QTS.
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover your tuition fees.
Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)
Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships are a relatively new way to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). They're a practical alternative to traditional teacher training.
You'll be employed by the school you're working in, so the majority of your time will be spent teaching in the classroom. However, you'll also spend roughly a fifth of your time learning about different ways of teaching.
If you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you'll get QTS and can apply for roles as a primary, secondary or SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) teacher.
There are no tuition fees, and you'll earn a salary throughout your apprenticeship.
Teach First Training Programme
The fully-funded Teach First Training Programme offers you the chance to earn a salary right from your very first day in the classroom. You'll work towards a PGCE with QTS and become part of a large network of education professionals.
There are no tuition fees, and you'll earn while you learn.
School Direct (Salaried)
The School Direct (Salaried) route leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You'll earn an unqualified teacher's salary from the school you're working at, and you won't need to pay for your training.
In most cases, there are no tuition fees, and you'll earn while you learn.
However, some School Direct (Salaried) courses include a PGCE – and if so, you may be charged the fees for it. If your chosen provider doesn't make this clear, contact them to clarify before you apply.
Assessment Only
If you've already been working as an unqualified teacher for a significant amount of time or in more than one school, you may be able to secure Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in as little as 12 weeks through the Assessment Only route to QTS.
This option is aimed at those who already meet the standards for qualified teacher status and do not need any further teacher training. Upon successful completion, you'll be fully qualified to teach in the classroom.
Tuition fees apply. If you’re currently working in a school, it's best to talk to your employer about potential funding.
Recommended courses
- One-year programme
- Intensive teacher training
- Earn a salary from your very first day in the classroom
- 12-week course
- School-based route to QTS
- Aimed at people currently employed in a school as an unqualified teacher
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- One-year programme
- Teach ages 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11
- Gain QTS through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, and hands-on training in at least two schools
- One-year programme
- Teach pupils aged 11-16
- Specialise in teaching your chosen subject, for example Modern Languages or Physical Education
- One-year programme
- Intensive teacher training
- Earn a salary from your very first day in the classroom
- 12-week course
- School-based route to QTS
- Aimed at people currently employed in a school as an unqualified teacher
- One-year programme
- Teach ages 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11
- Gain QTS through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, and hands-on training in at least two schools
- One-year programme
- Teach pupils aged 11-16
- Specialise in teaching your chosen subject, for example Modern Languages or Physical Education
How can I fund my teacher training?
Many teacher training courses have tuition fees, but some also allow you to earn a salary while you train.
If you're considering a course with tuition fees, it's important to check whether you're eligible for a student loan. Depending on your personal circumstances and the subject you'd like to teach, you may also be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Alternatively, you may decide to pursue a salaried course. This employment-based route is extremely popular and places are highly sought after. Fees may still apply, so check the details carefully for each provider.
GOV.UK offers plenty of advice on funding your teacher training.
Sources of support
Teacher training advisers
If you've got 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.
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.
Teacher training advisers
If you've got 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.
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.
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.