How to become a teacher?

If teaching is something you have considered but want more information on the profession before making a final decision, our latest guide on how to become a teacher is for you.

Teaching is a rewarding profession for the right person. However, knowing where to begin can seem daunting at first but there is help out there (including us) to support you on your teaching journey. This guide outlines what you need to know before you begin the process of applying.

Don't forget, Teach Portsmouth is always here to help. If you have a specific question that isn't covered in this article, just get in touch via email on

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What qualifications do you have?

In England, to become a qualified teacher, you'll need to gain qualified teacher status (QTS). To get this, you will need to have a degree or equivalent qualification. You will also need to have a GCSE at grade C / 4 in maths and English, as well as science if you want to teach primary. For more information on what qualifications you need, read our recent article on eligibility criteria for teaching.

If you want to teach in further education or post-compulsory education and training sectors, qualified teacher learning and skills (QTLS) status is recognised.

What age group do you want to teach?

Knowing what age group to teach isn't as easy as some people think. Choosing what group to teach is a big factor to consider when working out what course to choose. Post graduate training is set up into defined age groups.

Primary

Do you want to teach a range of subject areas? (Primary requires someone who is a generalist and can teach a range of subjects)
Do you want to teach younger children? (It might seem like an obvious consideration but this will be a deciding factor for many people)

Secondary

Do you want to specialise in a subject area? (If you train to teach secondary, you will need to choose a subject. Enhancement courses are available to top up your knowledge).
Do you want to teach older children?

What funding options are available?

When you train to teach, the financial side of things will be a huge consideration. Depending on your circumstances, funding includes a generous bursary of up to £24,000 as well as tuition fees and maintenance loans. Additional support is available if you're a parent or have a disability.

For more information on funding for the next academic year, visit our recent post on financial support for 2021/22.

How do you apply for teacher training?

Portsmouth is a fantastic city to live, work and play in. If you already have plans to move to the waterfront city or already live here, you can use our useful route finder tool to find courses from training providers in Portsmouth. Do your research and speak with training providers to understand your options.

Once you feel ready, you can apply using the UCAS teacher training tool or the new GOV.UK service called apply for teacher training.

If you are applying for an undergraduate teacher training course, you will need to apply via the UCAS undergraduate portal.

Subscribe to our newsletter

We hope our latest guide on 'how to become a teacher' has given you a starting point. It's really important you take your time before deciding whether teaching is for you. Talking to people will really help, whether that's Teach Portsmouth or a local training provider.

If you would like more information on becoming a teacher, subscribe to our monthly newsletter today!