What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Teacher?

Introduction

If you are approaching teacher training as an adult, understanding exactly what is required from the outset makes the whole process considerably more straightforward. This covers the core questions on GCSEs, A-levels, degree requirements, and the alternative routes available if any of these are currently missing.

FAQs

What qualifications do you need to become a teacher?

You need a degree, plus a GCSE grade 4 or above (or an accepted equivalent) in English and maths. If you intend to teach primary, a grade 4 or above in science is also required. After that, you apply for teacher training, which leads to Qualified Teacher Status.

What if my GCSEs do not meet the required grade?

There is a flexible Online GCSE course designed to help you reach the required standard around your existing commitments. GCSE equivalency tests are also widely accepted by training providers, and are one of the more popular routes for adults who would prefer not to resit the original exam.

What if I do not have A-levels?

An Access to HE diploma is a well recognised alternative. This kind of Access to HE diploma for teaching route is designed specifically for adults returning to study, assessed entirely through coursework and written assignments with no exams to sit, and can typically be completed in around six months. Universities generally treat these qualifications for teaching as equivalent to A-levels for entry onto education degrees, though it remains worth confirming this with your chosen institution.

At Online Exams, we recommend checking the exact entry requirements of your chosen course before committing to a particular qualification route, since these can vary between institutions.

What are my options for studying flexibly?

There are a number of online study options for teachers that allow you to study at your own pace, which tends to suit adult learners balancing work, family, or other commitments particularly well.

Do I need a specific A-level subject to teach?

If you already know which subject you would like to teach, it is worth checking the A Levels required for teaching for that subject, as expectations can vary between courses and universities.

Where can I check the official requirements?

The Gov.uk teaching page sets out entry requirements, funding, and training routes in detail, and is a reliable, non-competitive place to start. It is also worth reviewing the current teaching entry requirements directly, since these are reviewed periodically and can shift slightly.

Written by

Online Exams Team

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