How to become a teacher

Find out how to get into teaching in England in primary, secondary and further education.

A member of teaching staff

Information is correct as at April 2025. Before deciding whether to pursue a career, you're advised to contact your careers service for the most up-to-date guidance.

See how to become:

Already a Sussex student? See our teaching sector guide.

How to become a primary or secondary school teacher

To qualify as a teacher for primary, secondary and special schools in England, you need an undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 or above, GCSE Maths and English Grade 4 (C), Science Grade 4 (C) for primary and early years, and 'Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS).

There are a number ways to get Qualified Teacher Status:

  • you can study for a Primary Education undergraduate degree with QTS
  • after your undergraduate degree, take a primary or secondary teacher training course to get QTS with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). At secondary level, you will take a subject specific course
  • other postgraduate training routes include school-based options, which can be fee-paying or salaried. To be considered for a salaried training role, you may need to have considerable work experience as courses are competitive.

Sussex offers undergraduate and postgraduate options to train as a teacher, including school-based options with partnership schools.

Find out more about getting into teaching from the Department for Education.

How to become a nursery/early years teacher

Early years or nursery teachers work with children up to five years old. To qualify, you need to complete an 'Early Years Initial Teacher Training' (EYITT) course, which leads to 'Early Years Teacher Status' (EYTS).

To start this training, you'll need:

  • a 2:2 or higher in an undergraduate degree (with honours) in any subject
  • GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science (grade 4/C or equivalent) or proof of an equivalent standard.

If you're considering an EYTS course, see our Early Years Education (with Early Years Teacher Status) MA.

Alternatively, our undergraduate course Primary and Early Years Education (with Qualified Teacher Status) HA (Hons) would allow you to focus on Reception and early years teaching.

Find out more about becoming an early years teacher from the Department for Education.

How to become an A-level teacher

It's recommended that you gain a recognised teaching qualification as most employers will expect one.

Most new graduates will take a PGCE in post-compulsory education. You will need a degree in the subject you wish to teach.

Find out more about becoming a further education teacher.

How to get teaching experience

You should try and get as much work experience in a school as you can. You can: 

  • volunteer at a school
  • shadow a teacher
  • visit your former school or local school to observe lessons
  • try a mentoring placement in local schools through your university or optional course modules that might give you some education and school experience.

If you choose to study an undergraduate degree at Sussex, check out our Exploring Teaching in Schools elective.

Find out more about getting experience in the classroom from the Department for Education. 

Teaching in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

If you're interested in teaching in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit the Department for Education for more information.

Additional requirements

To become an early years, primary or secondary school teacher, you may also need: 

  • a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check
  • a mental and physical fitness to teach assessment
  • professional skills test in numeracy and literacy.

Studying at Sussex

If you choose to study your degree at Sussex, you'll benefit from:

  • careers support for up to three years after you graduate
  • the chance to join our alumni network Sussex Connect
  • mentoring schemes so you get real-world advice, support and experience while you study. 

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