Teaching Certification UK: What You Need to Know to Teach in British Schools

When you want to teach in a state school in the UK, you need teaching certification UK, the official process that qualifies you to teach in state-funded schools across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This certification is called QTS, Qualified Teacher Status—and it’s not optional. Without QTS, you can’t be hired as a classroom teacher in most public schools. In Scotland, the equivalent is GTCS registration, registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Both require proof of training, classroom experience, and meeting national teaching standards.

Teaching certification UK isn’t just a formality. It’s built around real classroom competence. You’ll need to complete an approved teacher training program—whether it’s a PGCE, School Direct, or an undergraduate degree with QTS. These programs mix university study with hands-on teaching placements. You’ll be assessed on how well you plan lessons, manage behavior, assess student progress, and meet the Teachers’ Standards. It’s not about memorizing theory. It’s about showing you can make learning happen, day after day, with real kids in real classrooms. If you’re an international graduate, you’ll need to get your qualifications checked by the Department for Education or GTCS. Some countries have mutual recognition agreements, but many don’t. Don’t assume your teaching license from abroad will transfer—it rarely does without extra steps.

There’s a difference between being able to teach and being legally allowed to teach. You can work as a teaching assistant without QTS. You can tutor privately. You can even teach in some independent or international schools without it. But if you want a permanent, well-paid, stable role in a state school—with pension benefits, pay scales, and career progression—you need certification. The process takes time. It costs money. It’s demanding. But it’s also the only path that gives you real credibility in the UK education system. The posts below cover everything from how to choose your training route, to what happens if you fail an assessment, to how to get QTS if you’re already working in a school. You’ll find guides on funding options, visa rules for overseas applicants, and how to prepare for your teaching placements. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to get certified and start teaching.