Graduating from university is a significant milestone in life and, for many, the next step is to start looking for employment opportunities.
If you are considering a career in teaching, there are various routes you can take in the United Kingdom, such as School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), Initial Teacher Training (ITT), or Schools Direct.
In these pages, we will discuss the different routes to teaching and the opportunities available to undergraduate students through Prospero Teaching.
Graduate Teaching Guide
Routes Into Teaching
Let’s take things back a step. If you are considering a career in teaching, there are two main routes you can take as a graduate to get there.
The first is to study for a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at university. This option means you’ll get your qualification first, and then apply for teaching jobs afterwards. It’s probably the most common route into teaching, and a great way to get a solid grounding in the theory and practice of teaching. The PGCE programme is open to students from different academic backgrounds or subjects.
The second route is a little different – you’ll start by getting a job in a school and then work towards your qualification while you’re on the job. It’s a hands-on approach that can be a good fit for graduates who like to learn by doing.
Explore the tabs below for more information on this approach:
School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
Schools Direct
Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Register for Graduate Teaching Opportunities
Can graduates work as unqualified teachers or teaching assistants?
It is also possible to work as an ‘unqualified teacher’ in some schools (namely, independent schools or academies) depending on your experience and subject specialism, including international students. For these types of roles, STEM and MFL graduates are highly sought after.
Working as a graduate teaching assistant is an excellent first step to take. Unsure if teaching is for you in the long term? Interesting in supporting individuals and small groups of pupils, with the chance to work closely with an experienced teacher? Graduate Teaching Assistant jobs could be the perfect choice for you!
Graduate Teaching Assistant Jobs
Graduate Primary Classroom Teacher
Graduate Secondary Subject Teacher
Special educational needs (SEN) Teacher
Graduate Training Programme at Prospero Teaching
How to Write Your First Graduate Teaching CV
Applying for Graduate Roles in Education
Careers in Education for Graduates
Develop Your Teaching Skills with Prospero Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
As we understand, deciding what to do after university or college is absolutely huge. To help, we’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions below. And if you’d like to talk to someone just let us know.
What qualifications do I need to become a graduate teacher or teaching assistant in the UK?
For graduate teaching experience in the United Kingdom, you will typically need to have a degree and complete a teacher training programme such as a PGCE.
For teaching assistants, qualifications can vary by school, but a relevant diploma or degree-level qualification in education or child development is often preferred.
For any role working with children or young people, you will need to undergo a background check or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and to have passed a relevant Safeguarding course.
How do I find job opportunities for graduate teachers and teaching assistants in the UK?
One way to find job opportunities for graduate teachers and teaching assistants in the UK is to search for teaching positions on job websites and school websites.
Another great option is to go through a teaching recruitment agency that specializes in education roles, such as Prospero Teaching.
By choosing to work with a recruitment agency, you can benefit from the guidance and support of a dedicated consultant who can help match you with suitable job opportunities.
At Prospero Teaching, for example, you can receive individual support, access to resources, and training from their Training & Development team, which can help you succeed in your role and advance in your career.
Using a recruitment agency can be a convenient and effective way to find job opportunities in the education sector, and can offer valuable support and resources to help you succeed in your role.
What should I include in my CV or cover letter to showcase my skills and experience?
Your graduate teaching CV and cover letter [link to blog] should demonstrate your experience with supporting students, as well as evidence of your professional development and any positive feedback from tutors or supervisors.
What is the application process like for graduate teaching positions in the UK, and what should I expect during interviews?
The application process may involve submitting a CV, cover letter, and/or application form.
During interviews, you can expect to be asked about your understanding of teaching approaches and strategies, as well as your knowledge of the curriculum and school policies.
What is the average salary for graduate teachers and teaching assistants in the UK?
The average salary for graduate teachers in the UK is around £25,000 – £30,000 per year, while a graduate teaching assistant salary can range from £13,000 – £18,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications.
How can I prepare for my first day as a graduate teacher or teaching assistant in the UK?
A great way to prepare is by reviewing the school’s policies and procedures, familiarising yourself with the curriculum.
Brush up on the teaching strategies and positive behaviour management techniques you are looking to adopt as part of your approach to teaching.
How do I manage classroom behavior and discipline in the UK?
Schools in the UK typically have behavior policies and procedures that teachers are expected to follow, which may include positive reinforcement, consequences, and communication with parents and other staff.
For ideas about positive behaviour management strategies check out our free online courses or read about popular techniques.
How else can we help you?
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