Exploring routes into teaching: Which option is best for you?

Whether you're a recent graduate considering your career options, a professional looking for a meaningful change, or someone with a passion for shaping young minds, there are various routes into teaching that you should explore. From those who value university-based learning to people who prefer a course with a larger amount of practical classroom experience, there is a variety of teacher training options tailored to suit all manner of preferences.

However, choosing the ideal option for you is not a swift, simple decision. Conducting significant research into all of the available training routes is essential. By identifying the most suitable path for your learning style, you can look forward to getting your education career off to a flying start.

In this guide, we will explore 4 of the most popular teacher training options:

• 1. PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
• 2. SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training)
• 3. Undergraduate Teaching Degree
• Teach First

1. PGCE

As a well-established, university-led postgraduate qualification, the PGCE has long been a popular training route for aspiring teachers. This full-time course provides students with a combination of theoretical pedagogy knowledge and practical teaching experience.

Requirements and structure

One of the most common routes into teaching, the PGCE is ideal for those who would prefer a university-based training option. Although universities typically lead this qualification, it can also be studied as a part of a school-based training programme. To secure a place on this course, hopeful applicants must possess a selection of requirements, including:

• An undergraduate Bachelor's degree, ideally a 2:1 or higher
• GCSEs (or equivalent) C/Level 4 or above in English and Mathematics
• For primary PGCEs, applicants must possess a GCSE C/Level 4 in a science subject
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Many training providers will look favourably on candidates who have had some experience working with children in mainstream schools or elsewhere, but this is not a mandatory requirement

You'll be expected to complete various written assignments and spend time being trained in at least two different school settings. Usually, you'll need to complete at least 120 days in a school, combined with group work and university lecture time.

If you choose the full-time option, the course will take a year to complete, while part-time PGCEs take two years. Once you have completed your PGCE, you'll gain qualified teacher status (QTS) and be able to apply for teaching roles throughout England and Wales. You'll also be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Councils in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Advantages and considerations

Before you decide to apply for your PGCE, it is essential to thoroughly understand this training option's benefits and drawbacks. By being aware of the pros and cons of a PGCE, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether this route is for you. The PGCE is a respected qualification, one that is guaranteed to support you throughout your teaching career.

Here are the various advantages of taking a PGCE:

• This qualification will provide you with a strong academic foundation in the relevant educational knowledge
• Offers a golden opportunity to network with fellow education professionals and future potential employers
• There is plenty of flexibility regarding location and the subject you wish to specialise in

Now, let's explore some factors that you should take into account before you make your final decision:

• PGCEs come with relatively high costs due to tuition fees; however, maintenance loans and bursaries (for shortage subjects) are available
• There is more focus on academic knowledge rather than practical classroom experience
• You may be required to relocate depending on your course's requirements

2. SCITT

For aspiring teachers who would prefer a training programme that facilitates more practical learning than a university-led PGCE, SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) may be a preferable option. This training route will enable you to do all of your training within a school setting alongside a certain amount of theoretical learning.

Requirements and structure

Typically led by a consortium of schools, SCITT courses are designed to immerse trainee teachers in classroom environments from the very start of their training in September. Rather than spending a large portion of time in lecture halls, you'll get a thorough understanding of working within a mainstream primary or secondary school.

Here are the requirements that SCITT training providers will be looking for:

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in the subject you wish to teach if you choose the secondary teaching route
• GCSEs C/Level4 or above in English and Mathematics
• Should you opt for the primary SCITT, you need a C/Level 4 GCSE in a science subject
• An enhanced DBS check
• Like with a PGCE, having classroom experience is a desirable quality that may boost your chances of securing a place on the course

Although every SCITT programme has its own structure, there are several aspects that all SCITT courses share. Most feature initial training to help you get to grips with teaching fundamentals, a full-time placement at a school within your provider's partnership, and a second full-time placement at another school. Lasting a year, the courses provide abundant hands-on classroom experience as most of the training will likely be delivered by highly experienced Teachers.

Most of the courses will take place in school; however, you may be required to partake in several 'immersion days' at schools to develop your teaching techniques in areas such as behaviour management and safeguarding. Various SCITT programmes maintain close ties to universities, meaning it can be possible for you to gain a PGCE while also working towards qualified teacher status.

Advantages and considerations

The thought of taking a school-led teacher training course will be an exciting prospect for many soon-to-be Teachers, but there are certain factors that this contingent of aspiring educators should consider before choosing the SCITT path. Although there is a greater amount of practical learning, applicants need to think about the following questions: Will I receive the right amount of theoretical knowledge? Will I be able to make the same connections via networking?

Let's examine the key benefits of choosing the SCITT option:

• SCITT courses provide a balance between practical classroom experience and academic pedagogy concepts
• Participants may be able to secure Teaching jobs within the consortium after they qualify
• SCITT placements in different schools will give you exposure to an array of diverse educational settings

Here are the key considerations associated with pursuing a SCITT programme:

• Similar to the PGCE course, the SCITT route has high upfront tuition costs, though various funding options such as student loans and bursaries are available depending on your subject specialism
• SCITTs offer less control over the location of the programme and subject
• There is the potential for inconsistency as training quality may vary for each school in the consortium

As we can see, selecting the perfect teacher training route requires a great deal of research and preparation. But once you have reached the end of your course and become a newly qualified teacher, you can relax safe in the knowledge that your diligence and hard work have paid off. If you are looking for advice on how to proceed after your studies, we urge you to read our Making savvy choices for your teaching career guide.

3. Undergraduate Teaching Degree

An undergraduate teaching degree is next up on our list of routes into teaching. While all the other picks on our list are designed for graduates, this path to becoming a teacher is suitable for those without an undergraduate degree looking for a comprehensive training programme that equips them with all the skills they need to flourish in a teaching career.

Requirements and structure

From school leavers who have their heart set on a career in education to mature students seeking an all-encompassing teacher training course, the undergraduate training degree will likely appeal to a wide range of people. Blending academic study with practical classroom experience, universities throughout the UK offer the Bachelor of Education qualification.

Let's check out the requirements you'll need to secure a place on an Undergraduate Teaching Degree course:

• GCSE grade C/Level 4 or above in English Language, Mathematics, and Science
• A-levels or equivalent (the university will outline the required UCAS points)
• An enhanced DBS check
• Ideally, experience of working with young people in a mainstream school or other setting

If you choose a full-time Bachelor of Education degree, it will take you three years to complete your studies. Some students choose to enhance their learning by progressing to a Master's in Education, which takes a further year to complete. The theoretical aspect of an undergraduate teaching degree covers a range of topics, including child development, curriculum development, special educational needs, and pedagogy.

The practical element of the course will begin during your first-year placement, where you will be expected to take on teaching duties and lead small groups of pupils. Over the next couple of years, you will become more actively involved in supporting Teachers and helping them with duties such as planning, marking, and managing classroom behaviour.

Advantages and considerations

Although the idea of taking a three-year teaching course may interest those without an undergraduate degree or aspiring educators seeking a comprehensive programme, many may think twice about pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. Let's examine this option's benefits and drawbacks to ensure that you are in a position to make a well-informed choice about whether this training route is the most suitable for you.

Here are the most significant advantages of an Undergraduate Teaching Degree:

• A three-year Bachelor's of Education provides students with a strong foundation in both academic theory and practical experience
• Many undergraduate teaching programmes facilitate professional development opportunities that help participants ensure that their skills are up-to-date
• You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of pedagogical knowledge that can help you in designing effective lesson plans, creating inclusive classroom environments, and managing behaviour

Now, we'll take a look at the key considerations you should take into account before embarking on this course:

• Choosing this option will require considerable time and financial investment, so it is crucial to look at funding options before beginning the course
• Undergraduate teaching degrees are typically quite intensive, owing to the combination of academic study and practical placements
• Not all Bachelor of Education courses will qualify you to work in all parts of the UK, so be sure to read the small print of your course details before you apply

4. Teach First

Last up on our list of routes into teaching is Teach First. Established in 2002, Teach First is a charity that aims to address educational inequalities by placing talented graduates into schools within some of the UK's most deprived areas. This competitive course focuses on a variety of key skills and competencies, including leadership, curriculum development, and pupil empowerment.

Requirements and structure

This two-year training programme involves working at schools situated in low-income communities. It leads to a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership, making it an attractive option for those who are deterred by the high tuition fees that must be paid to get a place on a PGCE course. Teach First is an ideal option for those who not only wish to become Teachers but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils in disadvantaged areas.

Requirements for Teach First's training programme include:

• An excellent undergraduate degree (usually a 2:1 or above, but 2:2 will be considered for certain subjects)
• GCSE C/Level 4 or above grades in English Language and Mathematics
• Eligibility to work in the UK
• An enhanced DBS check
• The ability to display leadership potential and passion for education and social justice

Before the beginning of the Autumn term in September, Teach First participants are required to partake in a five-week course in the preceding June. This intensive course is designed to equip students with a host of skills and techniques to prepare for classroom work. You'll be assigned a mentor and a university tutor to evaluate your development throughout the duration of the course.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect across the two years:

• Year One: The first year of the programme will centre on rigorous academic training and intensive classroom placements, all under the supervision of experienced mentors. During the first year, you'll be teaching 80% of a fully qualified Teacher's timetable.
• Year Two: By year two, you will be a newly qualified teacher, so you can expect to take on full teaching responsibilities while receiving support and professional development from your mentors.

Regardless of whether you choose Primary or Secondary education, you'll gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership, a qualification that is worth twice the credits of a PGCE. You'll also receive your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) during your studies and earn a salary as soon as you begin the programme.

Advantages and considerations

Looking for a teacher training option that will pay you a salary and provide you with enriching experiences of working with disadvantaged pupils? Teach First may just be the right training programme for you. However, as with the other options we have discussed on this list, you must consider some pain points before applying for a place on this course.

Here are the most important benefits of the Teach First programme:

• Prospective Teachers who earn a place on the course can expect to earn a competitive salary and a fully funded PGDE
• Teach First provides extensive support for people on the course, offering mentorship from experienced Teachers, personalised professional development, and an impressive alumni network
• The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children

And now, let's delve into the potential challenges associated with this training route:

• It is important to bear in mind that the Teach First programme is particularly demanding, requiring an exceptional work ethic, emotional resilience, and the ability to adapt to challenging situations
• You will be expected to commit to two years of teaching in a disadvantaged school
• There is a competitive selection process where candidates with strong teaching potential and leadership qualities are prioritised

Our key takeaways from exploring routes into teaching

Selecting the right teacher training route is a vital decision that demands careful consideration of individual preferences, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. Whether it's the academic depth of a PGCE, the practical immersion of SCITT, or Teach First's social impact and leadership focus, each option offers unique advantages and considerations.

By thoroughly researching and understanding the finer details of these teacher training routes, soon-to-be Teachers can make informed choices that align with their career ambitions and learning preferences. Regardless of the route you choose to follow, the ultimate goal remains the same: to gain the knowledge and skills you need to transform your passion for education into a fulfilling career.

Placing top talent into teaching jobs

At Tradewind, we are passionate about placing outstanding candidates into teaching jobs across the country. Our dedicated consultants have been helping schools to hire the brightest and best education professionals for many years. Whether you are an ambitious graduate looking to kickstart your career in education or an accomplished Teacher seeking senior positions, we are here to support you.

Reach out to us today to discover more about our market-leading recruitment services.