Primary and Secondary Education
Primary teachers work with children between the ages of four and eleven. They are responsible for one class and teach across all areas of the primary national curriculum. Primary teachers focus on the three core subjects of English, Maths and Science but also need to be comfortable teaching subjects such as Art, History, Music and PE, and be proficient in the use of ICT. They are also expected to offer a subject specialism and often act as a coordinator for this subject across the school.
Teachers in secondary schools teach one or more subjects to pupils aged between eleven and sixteen. These will include national curriculum subjects such as English, Maths and Science or non-national curriculum subjects such as Business Studies or Media Studies. Some may also teach A level and vocational courses such as BTEC in schools with a sixth form.
The majority of roles in schools are subject to the candidate completing an enhanced DBS check.
Training and qualifying
In order to qualify to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales you must acquire Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
There are several ways into the profession which will award you this required accreditation (QTS). All training programmes that offer at least 24 weeks teaching in 2 schools, offer QTS or a teaching qualification. This includes both non salaried and salaried options. There are some differences between courses that are university led and those that are school led. The information in the links below will provide further details.
- Routes into Teaching This guide provides information about the various ways a teaching career can be accessed, funding options plus advice on how to apply.
- Find postgraduate teacher training courses and apply through the .Gov website
- Targetjobs Teaching Essential information about the sector, different specialisms and how to apply.
- Training to teach primary school subjects Explore the core subjects that you'll teach as well as areas you can become a specialist in. Also learn about entry requirements and funding available.
- Training to teach secondary school subjects Find out more about the different subjects you can teach. Also learn about entry requirements and funding available.
- Guidelines for teaching applications Learn about what your personal statement needs to include when applying for teacher training.
- QTS Skill Tests These tests must be passed to qualify as a teacher.
- National Curriculum Understand what must be taught in all maintained schools in England by age and subject.
- Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Additional courses are available to develop subject knowledge. Some students may be required to complete this course as one of the conditions for them accessing a PGCE.
- PGCE options at The University of Manchester
Work Experience
On your application for teaching you will need to demonstrate understanding of teaching and the curriculum. Many students gain a variety of experience with young people including volunteering, tutoring and work shadowing in schools.
Getting a teaching job
The number of vacancies differ each year. More vacancies are usually available in shortage subjects, it may be necessary to consider relocating if you specialise in a non-shortage subject.
- Times Educational Supplement (TES) Vacancies for teaching roles are listed on the TES. The main website is also useful for keeping up to date with news in the sector.
- Getting your first teaching job by AGCAS and Target Postgrad.
- How to get a teaching job by Prospects, includes advice on applications and interviews.
- Ofsted Inspection reports for schools and PGCE providers.