Teacher Training in the UK: PGCE and Alternative Routes Explained

If you're thinking about becoming a teacher in the UK, you’ve probably heard of the PGCE. But it’s not the only way in-and depending on your background, goals, or budget, it might not even be the best fit. The UK offers multiple paths to qualified teacher status (QTS), each with different time commitments, costs, and structures. Knowing the difference between them can save you months of confusion-and thousands of pounds.

What is a PGCE?

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the most traditional route into teaching in England and Wales. It’s a one-year, full-time course offered by universities and some school-led partnerships. You’ll spend about two-thirds of your time in school placements and one-third in university-based training. By the end, you earn both QTS and a PGCE qualification, which is a postgraduate credit (60 credits at Level 7).

PGCEs are widely recognized, especially if you plan to teach abroad later. They also give you access to student loans and maintenance grants if you’re eligible. But they’re not cheap. Tuition fees for UK students are around £9,250 for the 2025-2026 academic year. International students pay between £18,000 and £26,000. That’s before living costs in cities like London, where rent can easily hit £1,200 a month.

It’s a solid route if you want structure, academic support, and a formal qualification. But it’s not the only option.

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

SCITT programs are run by groups of schools, not universities. They focus almost entirely on classroom experience. You’ll be placed in a host school from day one, learning directly from experienced teachers. The training is practical, hands-on, and often tailored to the local school system.

You still earn QTS, and many SCITT providers also offer a PGCE alongside it-but not all. If you’re not worried about the academic credential and just want to get into a classroom fast, SCITT might be the smarter move. Fees are similar to PGCE, but some SCITTs offer salaried options if you’re switching careers from a high-demand subject like maths, physics, or languages.

SCITTs are ideal if you already know you want to teach in a specific region or school type-say, a secondary academy in Manchester or a primary school in Bristol. You’ll build relationships with staff early, and many trainees get hired by their placement school after training.

School Direct (Salaried and Training)

School Direct is the umbrella term for two types of training: salaried and non-salaried. Both are school-led and give you QTS. The key difference? Money.

The salaried route is for career changers with a degree and relevant work experience. You’re employed by the school as an unqualified teacher and paid a salary-usually between £21,000 and £29,000 depending on location. You don’t pay tuition, and you learn on the job. But you’re expected to handle full teaching responsibilities from term one, with support.

The training route (non-salaried) is more like a PGCE but delivered by schools. You pay tuition, but you’re placed in one or more schools for the whole year. You might get a bursary if you’re training in a priority subject like chemistry, computing, or modern languages. Bursaries range from £5,000 to £30,000 depending on your degree class and subject.

School Direct is popular because it’s flexible. You can apply directly to schools, not universities. It’s also the most common route for people switching from corporate jobs into teaching.

Teaching Apprenticeships

Teaching apprenticeships are the newest and most hands-on option. Introduced in 2019, they’re designed for people who want to earn while they learn. You’re employed as a teaching assistant or unqualified teacher and work toward QTS over 12 to 24 months.

There are two levels:

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - for those starting from scratch, no degree needed.
• Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Teaching - for graduates. You earn a full teaching qualification equivalent to a PGCE, plus a bachelor’s degree if you don’t already have one.

The big advantage? You’re paid. Salaries start at the national minimum wage for apprentices-£6.40/hour as of 2025-but many schools pay more, especially in London. You pay no tuition fees, and you’re eligible for student finance for living costs if needed.

It’s slower than a one-year course, but it’s the most affordable path. If you’re working while studying, or you’re not sure you can afford a full year without income, this is your best bet.

Assessment Only Route

If you’ve already been teaching for years without formal training-say, you’ve worked as a teaching assistant, tutor, or in a private school-you might qualify for the Assessment Only (AO) route. It’s not a training program. It’s an evaluation.

You apply to an approved assessment body, and they observe your teaching over several weeks. If you meet the Teachers’ Standards, you get QTS without taking any courses. No tuition. No placements. Just proof you’re already doing the job.

This route is rare. Only about 200 people use it each year in England. But if you’ve got 2+ years of full-time teaching experience, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get certified. You’ll need references, lesson plans, and evidence of meeting all 13 Teachers’ Standards.

Choosing the Right Path

Here’s how to pick what’s right for you:

Ask yourself: Do you need a PGCE for future jobs overseas? Are you comfortable with debt? Do you have teaching experience already? Are you ready to jump into a classroom full-time? Your answers will narrow it down fast.

What You Can’t Skip: The Teachers’ Standards

No matter which route you choose, you must meet the Teachers’ Standards set by the Department for Education. These are the 13 benchmarks every teacher in England must hit to get QTS. They cover everything from lesson planning and classroom management to safeguarding and professional behavior.

For example:

• Set high expectations for all pupils
• Plan and teach well-structured lessons
• Use data to assess pupil progress
• Manage behaviour effectively
• Communicate professionally with parents

These aren’t just checkboxes. They’re the foundation of your teaching practice. Training providers assess you against them constantly. If you don’t meet them, you don’t qualify.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many applicants make the same mistakes:

• Applying too late - Most courses open in October for September starts. Deadlines are usually in January or February. Don’t wait until summer.
• Ignoring bursaries - If you’re training in a shortage subject like physics, computing, or modern languages, you could get £25,000+ in funding. Apply early-bursaries are first-come, first-served.
• Choosing based on prestige - A PGCE from a top university won’t help if you hate the placement school. Focus on where you’ll learn best, not where the name sounds best.
• Underestimating workload - Teaching training is intense. You’re in school 5 days a week, plus planning, marking, and university assignments. Sleep becomes a luxury.

Next Steps: How to Apply

Start here:

1. Check your eligibility: You need a UK degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2:2 classification.
2. Decide your route: Use the UK government’s official training finder to compare options.
3. Apply through UCAS Teacher Training: All routes (except Assessment Only) go through this portal. You can apply to up to three programs.
4. Prepare for interviews: Expect a teaching demo, a written task, and questions about classroom management and child development.
5. Secure funding: Apply for student loans, bursaries, or scholarships as soon as you get an offer.

Don’t overthink it. Pick the route that matches your life right now-not the one you think you ‘should’ take.