Deciding on your best route into teaching can leave you scratching your head. Thankfully there are many flexible teacher training courses to suit your circumstances. This overview guide will help you understand some of the most popular choices of how to get you into this amazing profession and make a difference to the next generation.
The School Route
SCITT Route – School Centered Initial Teacher Training
| Pay | Unsalaried |
| Course Length | Generally one year |
| Overview | Based in the lead school from partnerships of training schools. Mentoring and training by outstanding and experienced teachers. |
| Assessment | E-Portfolios, observations, written assignments. QTS given, some given PGCE with some providers giving credits towards a masters. |
The School and Higher Education Route
School Direct
| Pay | Salaried |
| Course Length | Generally one year |
| Overview | 2 school placements. Weekly mentoring with a subject leader. Training bespoke to trainee needs. 20%-80% teaching time. |
| Assessment | Evidence of quality classroom teaching. School based study. Critical reflective journal. QTS given with many given PGCE and credits towards a masters. |
Researchers in Schools
| Pay | Salaried for those finishing a doctorate |
| Course Length | Two Years |
| Overview | Summer programme followed by school placements. Training from an outstanding training school. Time given for personal academic pursuits. |
| Assessment | Classroom observations and written university work. Qualifications bespoke to the academic route of the trainee. Gain a Degree. QTS given. |
School Direct
| Pay | Unsalaried |
| Course Length | Generally one year |
| Overview | 2 school placements. Weekly mentoring with a subject leader. Training bespoke to trainee needs. 20%-80% teaching time. |
| Assessment | Evidence of quality classroom teaching. School based study. Critical reflective journal. QTS given with many given PGCE and credits towards a masters |
Teach First
| Pay | Earn while you work |
| Course Length | Two Years (2:1 Degree minimum required) |
| Overview | Work in a challenging school. Summer training. Mentor is assigned to you. Leadership, business, mentoring, networking, coaching skills given to you. |
| Assessment | Observations, training opportunities in research. QTS given. |
Troops to Teachers
| Pay | Salaried |
| Course Length | Two Years |
| Overview | Graduates train in a school or university. Non-Graduates in a school 4 days a week and 1 day a week in a university. |
| Assessment | Evidence files of written assignments, weekly journal, teaching observations, external assessment. PGCE awarded and QTS given after year 1. You can begin a 2 year masters in the second year. |
The University Route
Undergraduate Route
| Pay | Unsalaried |
| Course Length | Full time 3-4 years. Part time 4-6 years. |
| Overview | Study for a Degree and train as a teacher both at the same time. |
| Assessment | Reports, Essays, Presentations, Teaching Observations. Degree and QTS given. |
Postgraduate Route
| Pay | Bursaries on some courses |
| Course Length | One year |
| Overview | After completing your Degree. Trained by academics at a college or university with placements within schools. |
| Assessment | Critical Journals, Essays, Coursework, Teaching Observations. PGCE awarded and credits towards a masters. |
