What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Teacher?

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Step 1: Get Informed

Before doing anything else, it is worth getting a clear picture of exactly what your chosen teacher training route requires. This means confirming the degree subject requirements, the GCSE or equivalent grades needed in English and maths (plus science for primary teaching), and any specific A-level or subject knowledge expectations tied to your intended specialism. Requirements can vary slightly between universities and training providers, so it is worth checking directly with your chosen course rather than assuming one set of rules applies everywhere.

Step 2: Address Any Missing Qualifications

Once you know exactly what is required, the next step is identifying any gaps and dealing with them properly rather than putting them off. If your GCSE English or maths does not currently meet the required grade, it is worth looking into how to find a GCSE resit that fits around your other commitments. If A-levels are missing instead, an Access to HE diploma is a well recognised alternative, and this kind of diploma for teaching route is specifically designed for adult learners returning to study. Many training providers list this diploma used for teaching applications as a genuine equivalent to traditional A-levels, so it is worth confirming this with your chosen university.

It is worth noting that this diploma is assessed purely through coursework, with no exams to sit, and is built specifically around education-relevant content such as child development and learning theory, rather than broad academic subjects.

Step 3: Start Early

Whichever qualification you are working towards, starting early makes a real difference. Trying to fit GCSE or A-level level study into a busy working life is far more manageable when it is spread out over a realistic timeframe, rather than left until the last possible moment before an application deadline. Taking the time to properly plan your revision and study schedule now will put you in a much stronger position later.

Step 4: Consider Support

Studying independently as an adult can be a challenge alongside work, family, and other responsibilities, and there is no reason to do it entirely alone. Looking into structured adult learning courses can provide the kind of guided support that makes a real difference, particularly if you are trying to balance study with a full diary.

Step 5: Understand Your Chosen Subject’s Requirements

If you already know which subject you would like to teach, it is worth checking the specific teaching A level requirements attached to that subject area, as these can differ from the general entry requirements for teacher training as a whole.

Step 6: Apply for Teacher Training

Once your qualifications are in place, the final step is applying for Initial Teacher Training itself. The official Gov.uk guide for teaching sets out the different training routes, funding, and bursary information available, and is a useful, impartial resource to check before submitting an application. It is also worth reviewing the current qualifications for teaching guidance directly, as entry requirements are reviewed and can shift from year to year.

Final Thoughts

The main things to keep in mind when working towards teacher training as an adult are: get a clear picture of exactly what your chosen course requires, address any missing qualifications early rather than leaving them until the last minute, and make use of the support and resources available rather than trying to manage everything alone. Approached step by step, the process is far more achievable than it can feel at the outset.

Written by

Pass GCSE Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.