What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Teacher?
Find out the qualifications you need to work in education and how apprenticeships let you earn while you learn in schools or early years settings.
Introduction
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose – shaping young minds, inspiring curiosity, and making a real difference in children’s lives every single day. But if you’re thinking about stepping into the classroom, you might be wondering: What qualifications do I actually need to become a teacher? The answer depends on the type of teaching you want to do and the route you take to get there.
Whether you’re just leaving school, changing careers, or looking for a hands-on way to learn through an apprenticeship, there’s a pathway that can work for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the qualifications required, explore the different training options available, and show you how an apprenticeship could be your first step into a rewarding teaching career.
Understanding the Different Types of Teaching Roles
Before you start your training, it’s important to know which age group or setting you’d like to work in. Different teaching roles require slightly different qualifications, skills, and training routes. Here are the main options:
Early Years Teacher - Early years teachers work with children aged 0–5, often in nurseries, preschools, or reception classes. Your focus will be on building the foundations for learning through play, language development, and social skills.
Primary School Teacher - Teach children aged 5–11 across a range of subjects. You’ll follow the national curriculum and help pupils develop key skills in literacy, numeracy, science, and more.
Secondary School Teacher - Specialise in a subject such as maths, science, English, or art, teaching pupils aged 11–16 (or up to 18 if you teach A-levels). This role focuses on preparing students for exams and further education.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher - SEN teachers work with children who have additional learning needs or disabilities, often in smaller groups or one-to-one. This role requires patience, creativity, and adaptability.
Knowing which role appeals to you will help you choose the right qualifications and training path – whether that’s through university or an apprenticeship.
Basic Qualifications Required
While the exact requirements can vary depending on the role and training route, there are some common qualifications you’ll usually need before you can start teacher training:
GCSEs (or Equivalent) - For most teaching roles, you’ll need at least a grade 4/C in English and maths. If you want to teach primary or early years, you’ll also usually need a science GCSE at grade 4/C or above. If you don’t have these yet, don’t worry – many apprenticeship programmes include the option to work towards Functional Skills as an alternative.
A-Levels or Level 3 Qualification - For university-based teacher training or higher-level apprenticeships, you’ll typically need A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (such as a BTEC or NVQ). If you’re starting with an entry-level apprenticeship, you can work your way up without going straight into A-level study.
Degree (for Qualified Teacher Status) - To be a fully qualified teacher (with QTS), you’ll need a degree. You can achieve this through the traditional university route or by progressing through apprenticeships while gaining experience and qualifications along the way.
Having these academic qualifications is important, but they’re just one part of the picture. Many people start with hands-on roles like teaching assistant apprenticeships to gain experience while building up the qualifications they need.
University vs. Apprenticeship Routes
There’s more than one way to work in education – and the best route for you will depend on the role you want and how you prefer to learn.
University Route (to become a Qualified Teacher)
If your goal is to lead a class as a fully qualified teacher (QTS), you’ll need a degree and teacher training, often through a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). This is a more academic route, usually requiring several years of full-time study before you start teaching independently.
Apprenticeship Route (to become an Educator or Support Staff)
If you want to work in education without going down the QTS path, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get started. Roles like Early Years Educator, Teaching Assistant, or Learning Support Assistant allow you to work directly with children, support learning, and gain valuable classroom experience. You’ll earn a wage while completing your qualification, meaning no student debt and hands-on learning from day one.
Many people use these roles as long-term careers, while others choose to progress to higher qualifications later if they decide to become a teacher. With an apprenticeship, you can start making a difference in children’s lives straight away – and keep your options open for the future.
How To Get Work Experience
Before stepping into a classroom role – whether as an early years educator, teaching assistant, or learning support assistant – having some experience with children is a big advantage. It shows employers and training providers that you’re comfortable in an educational setting and understand how to engage young learners.
Common ways to gain experience include:
- Volunteering in a school or nursery – helping with reading groups, classroom activities, or playground supervision.
- Youth groups and clubs – such as Scouts, sports coaching, or after-school programmes.
- Work experience placements – often arranged through schools or colleges.
- Paid roles in childcare – like nursery assistant or holiday club leader.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got much experience yet – our apprenticeships give you the chance to learn on the job, with plenty of mentoring and support along the way. We’ll match you with a suitable placement so you can start building your skills from day one.
Additional Skills and Qualities You’ll Need
While qualifications get your foot in the door, your personal skills and attitude are what will help you shine in an education setting. Employers look for people who can connect with children, work well with others, and handle the fast pace of school or nursery life.
Key qualities that will set you apart include:
- Strong communication skills – speaking clearly, listening actively, and adapting how you explain things for different ages and abilities.
- Patience and empathy – understanding that every child learns differently and giving them the time and support they need.
- Teamwork – working closely with teachers, parents, and other staff to give children the best experience.
- Organisation – juggling multiple tasks, keeping track of learning activities, and staying prepared.
- Enthusiasm – showing genuine passion for helping children learn and grow.
- Resilience – staying positive and adaptable, even when things don’t go to plan.
These skills can be developed over time, and our apprenticeships are designed to help you strengthen them through real-world experience and ongoing training.
Funding and Support for Your Training
One of the biggest advantages of starting your career in education through an apprenticeship is that you can earn while you learn – and avoid the student debt that often comes with university.
Here’s how it works:
- Fully funded training – The cost of your qualification is covered by your employer and the government, so you won’t pay tuition fees.
- Earn a wage – You’ll receive a salary while gaining hands-on experience in a real education setting.
- On-the-job learning – Your training happens in the workplace, supported by off-the-job study time.
- Mentoring and guidance – You’ll have an experienced mentor to help you build skills, confidence, and industry knowledge.
- Progression opportunities – Once you complete your apprenticeship, you could move into higher-level roles or even work towards becoming a qualified teacher in the future.
With the right training and support, you can start making a difference from day one – without the financial strain of traditional study routes.
Conclusion
There’s no single “right” path into education – whether you dream of working with toddlers in a nursery, supporting a busy primary classroom, or helping older students achieve their goals, there’s a role and a route to suit you. While becoming a fully qualified teacher requires a degree and QTS, apprenticeships offer an accessible, hands-on way to start your career, build skills, and gain real experience without the burden of tuition fees.
At The Childcare Company, we specialise in helping people take that first step into education through high-quality apprenticeships. With our support, you can earn while you learn, make a real difference in children’s lives, and open the door to exciting opportunities in the future.
Your journey into the classroom could start sooner than you think – and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Both the Impact Futures and The Childcare Company brands are used interchangeably for both Impact Futures Training Limited and The Child Care Company (Old Windsor) Limited.