Discover other sectors
This sector not for you? Don't worry, there are plenty of others to explore.
Teaching is a challenging but rewarding profession, with opportunities for graduates from all degree disciplines to work with different age groups in a range of settings from early years, to schools, colleges and higher education; STEM subjects are particularly sought after. For information on the wide range of roles in Education outside school teaching, please see the Education - general sector pages.
Research the sector and keep up with current issues by:
Information for teachers from outside the UK
In addition to subject knowledge, you are likely to need:
Do you possess these skills and qualities? Can you demonstrate that you have them? Can you find ways to develop them? See the at York section for some suggestions.
There are various options for teacher training, and it is important that you investigate these carefully before making your application - would you prefer a university-led PGCE, or a more school-based programme? Both include study and classroom practice.
Apply for teacher training courses in England via the GOV.UK application service. Applications open in October 2023 for 2024/25 courses. You can apply for up to three courses. If your first three applications (Apply) are not successful, you can apply in a second round of applications (Apply Again).
You may also be interested in:
The training provider will assure you have the fundamental English and Maths skills needed either at interview or during the training course, before awarding QTS. You will have to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check through your course provider or school.
Teacher training and applications are slightly different in:
The Get into Teaching website outlines ways to train, costs and possible funding sources.
You may be able to apply for a tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England. Scholarships and bursaries are available for some subjects. Find out more about funding your training.
There are different arrangements for funding Initial Teacher Education or Training programmes in:
Tutoring
Tutoring, online or in person, can be a good way of sharing your subject knowledge, gaining teaching experience, and earning some extra money. Some tutoring opportunities are advertised by agencies in Handshake.
Careers and Placements advises that you check any tutoring opportunities carefully before entering into an agreement. Tutoring is often on a freelance or self-employed basis (rather than being employed by a company). High Speed Training has some good advice about setting up as a sole trader for tutoring. Note that international students on a student visa are not permitted to be self-employed. See also the advice on the Work while you study page.
Teaching jobs are advertised:
For teaching in different parts of the UK, check the registration information for:
The recruitment process is likely to include some or all of:
Find more information on getting a teaching job from Prospects, and getting your first job in teaching from TARGETjobs.
Visits to the school are often offered for candidates interested in applying - you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about the school, get a feel for the working environment, and show your interest in the post. Research as much as possible about the school (from Ofsted reports, the school website and newsletters).
It is usual to be offered a job on the day of the interview, and for unsuccessful candidates to receive feedback.
There are lots of things you can do right now, while at university, to help you develop the skills you'll need to succeed in teacher training and applying for teaching jobs.
Find the full list of graduate profiles on York Profiles and Mentors.
You can also find and connect with York alumni working in this sector on LinkedIn.
Look for events in Handshake in Semester 1, including sessions on teaching and applying for teacher training, and the Transform Society panel event (including TeachFirst).