Considering a Career in Teaching?
Considering a career in teaching can be one of the most fulfilling professional decisions you make shaping young minds and positively impacting pupils’ futures. Most of us can think of a teacher who inspired us, showing just how influential educators can be. If you’re reading this blog, you may already be passionate about education and ready to explore whether a teaching career could be right for you.
In this guide, we walk through why a career in teaching is rewarding, what options exist to get started, and how you can take practical steps toward becoming a teacher in the UK.
Why Choose a Career in Teaching?
A career in teaching offers variety, challenge, and purpose. No two days are the same: you’ll work with different pupils, adapt to new learning needs, and be part of a supportive school community. For many, teaching provides a unique sense of fulfilment that comes from inspiring growth and making a lasting difference.
Key advantages include:
Variety in daily experiences and professional challenges
Strong career stability, as education is an essential service
Professional development opportunities and pathways to leadership
Work-life balance, including school holidays and term-time rhythms
Understanding Your Pathway Into Teaching
Before committing to a career in teaching, it helps to understand the qualified teacher routes available in the UK. Whether you’re coming straight from university or transitioning from another career, there are structured paths to help you train and qualify.
The Department for Education’s Get Into Teaching service offers detailed guidance on entry routes, qualifications, and funding options, as well as free support to help you decide the right pathway for you:
Some of the main routes include:
Postgraduate teacher training (e.g., PGCE)
Teacher degree apprenticeships
School-based routes such as School Direct and Teach First
Undergraduate initial teacher training for those without a degree
These routes combine academic learning with practical classroom experience, helping you gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) a requirement for most teaching roles in maintained schools.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
To pursue a career in teaching in the UK, there are a few typical requirements:
A recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification)
GCSEs in English and maths (and science for primary roles)
Completion of an accredited teacher training course leading to QTS
If your degree is not directly linked to the subject you want to teach, you may be eligible for a subject knowledge enhancement course before training begins, helping you build confidence and competence in your chosen teaching area.
Gaining Valuable Experience
Before and during teacher training, gaining hands-on classroom experience can be invaluable. Volunteering in schools, working as a teaching assistant, or taking part in school placements lets you observe teaching practice, understand school cultures, and reflect on whether a career in teaching aligns with your strengths and goals.
Preparing for Recruitment and Your First Role
Once qualified, securing your first teaching role is your next step. This might involve:
Crafting a strong CV and personal statement tailored to the education sector
Preparing for teaching interviews with sample lesson plans and classroom scenarios
Understanding the recruitment needs of different school types
Industry advice highlights the importance of gaining classroom experience, building your professional network, and showcasing your passion for education during recruitment processes.
Is a Teaching Career Right for You?
A career in teaching isn’t just a job it’s a vocation that requires dedication, resilience, and empathy. But for those drawn to helping young people learn and grow, it can be deeply rewarding, offering long-term career stability, continual professional development, and daily opportunities to make a difference.
If you’re still exploring your options, resources like Get Into Teaching provide free advice, personalised guidance, and detailed information on how to start your teacher training journey.
How MAT Recruitment Can Help
At MAT Recruitment, we support aspiring educators in navigating the recruitment landscape and securing roles that match their strengths and career aspirations. Whether you’re newly qualified or considering a transition into teaching, our team can help you understand your choices and find the right opportunities. For more information or a confidential discussion with our Recruit
