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Sarah Mitchell — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor
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How to Handle Get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Step by Step

When get qualified teacher status (qts) leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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1

Enroll in a teacher training undergraduate program.

Enroll in a teacher training undergraduate program.
If you know you want to go into teaching right from the start, then attending a full-time undergraduate program in teaching is a good path for you. Visit university websites to learn more about their teaching degrees. Visit their admissions offices to discuss their programs in person.
  • Enrolling in an undergraduate program can provide a solid foundation for teaching
  • It's essential to research and choose the right program for your needs and career goals
  • Failing to enroll in a teacher training program may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • If you know you want to go into teaching right from the start, then attending a full-time undergraduate program in teaching is a good path for you.
  • Visit university websites to learn more about their teaching degrees.
2

Complete a 2:2 degree in your teaching program.

Complete a 2:2 degree in your teaching program.
Completing a 2:2 degree is an essential requirement for teaching in England A 2:2 degree can provide a good understanding of education and child development Failing to complete the required coursework may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • Completing a 2:2 degree is an essential requirement for teaching in England
  • A 2:2 degree can provide a good understanding of education and child development
  • Failing to complete the required coursework may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • Completing a 2:2 degree is an essential requirement for teaching in England A 2:2 degree can provide a good understanding of education and child development Failing to complete the required coursework may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • Completing a 2:2 degree is an essential requirement for teaching in England A 2:2 degree can provide a good understanding of education and child development Failing to complete the required coursework may result in being unable to obtain QTS
3

Obtain additional subject-training if necessary.

Obtain additional subject-training if necessary.
If you want to specialize in teaching in a certain subject area you may need to complete more coursework. Check with your program for specific information about their requirements.
  • Subject-training can provide specialized knowledge and skills
  • It's essential to research and choose the right subject-training for your needs and career goals
  • Failing to obtain additional subject-training may result in being unable to specialize in a particular subject area
  • If you want to specialize in teaching in a certain subject area you may need to complete more coursework.
  • Check with your program for specific information about their requirements.
4

Enroll in a Masters-level PGCE program that leads to QTS.

Enroll in a Masters-level PGCE program that leads to QTS.
There are three types of PGCE offered. Choose one based on the age you want to teach:
  • PGCE courses can provide specialized knowledge and skills
  • It's essential to research and choose the right PGCE for your needs and career goals
  • Failing to enroll in a PGCE program may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • There are three types of PGCE offered.
  • Choose one based on the age you want to teach:
5

Complete your coursework and in-school training.

Complete your coursework and in-school training.
Over a 9-month period, PGCE courses cover teaching and learning theory, classroom management, and current educational issues. You’ll also spend up to two thirds of your time in school classrooms, teaching and learning.
  • In-school training is an essential requirement for teaching in England
  • It's essential to research and choose the right PGCE program for your needs and career goals
  • Failing to complete the required coursework and in-school training may result in being unable to obtain QTS
  • Over a 9-month period, PGCE courses cover teaching and learning theory, classroom management, and current educational issues.
  • You’ll also spend up to two thirds of your time in school classrooms, teaching and learning.

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References

  1. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/routes-into-teaching
  2. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/how-to-become-a-teacher
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/education-40826391
  4. https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate/teacher-training/train-teach-wales/teacher-training-entry-requirements-wales
  5. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/exams-and-assessments/results/uk-honours-degree-system-undergraduates
  6. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dbs-check-requests-guidance-for-employers
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/may/22/convictions-cautions-teaching-job
  8. https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate/teacher-training/apply-through-ucas-teacher-training/ucas-teacher-training-after-you-send-your-application
  9. https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/teacher-training-routes/university-led-training/university-led-undergraduate-training/degrees-with-qts
  10. https://www.ucas.com/postgraduate/teacher-training/train-teach-england/undergraduate-teacher-training-england
  11. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/pgce
  12. https://www.ucas.com/teaching-option/school-direct-tuition-fee
  13. https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/teacher-training-routes/school-led-training/school-direct-salaried
  14. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/volunteering-in-schools

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