Alternative Teacher Training: Paths to Teaching Without a Traditional Degree

When you think of becoming a teacher in the UK, you probably picture a three-year university degree followed by a PGCE, a postgraduate certificate in education that’s the most common route into teaching in England and Wales. Also known as Postgraduate Certificate in Education, it’s been the standard for decades. But that’s not the only way anymore. Alternative teacher training, a range of programs designed for people who want to teach without following the traditional university path is growing fast—and it’s not just for career changers. More people are choosing it because it’s faster, cheaper, and puts you in classrooms sooner.

Alternative teacher training includes routes like School Direct, a program where you train in a specific school or group of schools, often with a salary, and Teach First, a two-year leadership program that places you in under-resourced schools while you earn your teaching qualification. There’s also Assessment Only, a route for experienced teaching assistants or cover staff who already teach daily but need formal certification. These aren’t shortcuts—they’re structured, government-approved paths that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the same status you get from a traditional degree. The big difference? You’re learning by doing, not just studying theory.

Who benefits most? People with real-world experience in fields like business, tech, or the arts. If you’ve worked for five years in engineering and now want to teach physics, you don’t need to go back to university for three years. You can start teaching next September. You’ll still need to pass skills tests in maths and English, and meet basic academic requirements, but your experience counts. Schools value that. And if you’re someone who learns better by jumping in than by sitting in lectures, this might be your best shot at teaching.

It’s not for everyone. You’ll be expected to handle a classroom from week one, often with less support than traditional trainees. But if you’re ready for the challenge, alternative routes give you real control over your career start. You choose your school, your subject, and your pace. And you’re more likely to stay in the profession—you’ve already tested it out before fully committing.

Below, you’ll find practical guides from real UK students and new teachers who took these paths. From how to get into School Direct without a degree in education, to what your first term really looks like, to how to manage your finances while training on a salary—these posts cut through the noise and show you exactly what to expect.