When you start out on your teaching journey, you might have an idea of what age group you would like to teach, where you would like to live or even the type of teacher you would like to be. Others may not know which is perfectly fine. Read our latest guide that explains the basics of what you need to know when planning your next steps. 

With so many options to take, it can be difficult knowing where to begin. You might have searched through multiple websites and read magazines which can be time consuming. If Portsmouth is the place you would like to live, work and play as a teacher, the Teach Portsmouth website is a great resource to help you navigate your options that best fit your circumstances.

The basics you need to know 

If you want to become a teacher, there are minimum requirements you will need to meet. You must have GCSE passes in English and mathematics as well as science for primary at grade C / 4 or above. If you do not have these qualifications, you can still train to teach, however, you may need to sit an equivalency test, or offer other evidence to demonstrate your ability.

To work as a teacher, you must also have a degree that is 2.2 or above. You may decide to enrol on a course that offers you a degree qualification with qualified teacher status (QTS) attached or complete post-graduate training that leads to it.

There are 8 qualification options available for you to consider that lead to this qualification. This includes schools-based training, a combination of both school and university study or university-based training.

In Portsmouth, you can choose from a range of lead providers who will support your teacher training journey. For a full breakdown, visit the training section of the Teach Portsmouth website. 

Teach Portsmouth presents routes into teaching

In November 2020, we hosted a webinar called: Teach Portsmouth presents routes into teaching. Two teachers from Portsmouth were invited to explain what path they took to train as a teacher. Hosted by Councillor Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, the webinar gave real life examples of those who had taken a school-based and university-based route into the profession.

The webinar introduced Abigail who trained at the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Teaching School Alliance as well as Emily who trained at the University of Chichester. Both graduates spoke about their experiences as well as gave top tips for those considering their next steps.

There are many training providers in Portsmouth who will support your aspirations. Watch our webinar on routes into teaching to get a sense of what pathway you could take. 

Find your route