Teacher Training UK: How to Become a Teacher in the UK

When you’re thinking about becoming a teacher in the UK, you’re looking at teacher training UK, the structured process of gaining the skills, experience, and official certification needed to teach in state or independent schools. Also known as initial teacher training, it’s not just about knowing your subject—it’s about learning how to reach every student, manage a classroom, and meet national standards. Whether you’ve just finished university or are switching careers, there’s a clear path forward, and it starts with choosing the right route.

Most people in England and Wales go through a PGCE, a one-year postgraduate course that combines university study with real classroom time. Also known as Postgraduate Certificate in Education, it’s the most common way to get qualified teacher status (QTS). In Scotland, you’ll usually do a Master of Education, a degree-based route that includes teaching placements and leads to registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, a similar one-year program, is the standard. These aren’t just theory-heavy courses—they’re designed so you’re in schools, working with real kids, from week one.

What you’ll learn isn’t just how to teach math or English. You’ll learn how to handle behavior, plan lessons that stick, use assessments that actually help students grow, and work with support staff and parents. You’ll also get used to the paperwork—attendance records, progress reports, safeguarding policies. It’s messy, demanding, and deeply rewarding. And the best part? You’ll be paid during some routes, like School Direct or Teach First, where you train while working in a school.

Not everyone starts with a degree in the subject they want to teach. If you’ve got a degree in biology but want to teach physics, you can take a subject knowledge enhancement course first. If you’re unsure where to start, the UK government’s Get Into Teaching site lists approved training providers and funding options. You don’t need to go to a top university to become a great teacher—just a program that gives you real classroom experience and strong support.

What you’ll find in the posts below are practical tips from students who’ve been through it: how to survive your first placement, how to write a teaching statement that stands out, how to balance coursework with school hours, and how to deal with the emotional toll of the job. These aren’t abstract guides—they’re real stories from people who’ve sat in the same chair you’re in now. Whether you’re just starting to think about teaching or already have an offer, this collection gives you the tools to move forward without guesswork.