Information for new teachers

Basic requirements

From September 2013 it is anticipated that previous workforce regulations will be revoked and that it will be up to employers to decide what is appropriate for their staff and organisation (See here for more information)

As of September 2007 all new teachers entering the further education sector in England and teaching on government funded programmes have had to achieve the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) award within one year of appointment. This can be taken on a stand-alone introductory basis or forms the initial stage of a PGCE or Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) or equivalent.

A full teaching qualification i.e. The Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) or equivalent, also had to be completed within five years of appointment. Endorsed Certificate in Education, Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, and Post Graduate Certificate in Education awards also meet these requirements. (Source: IfL).

Teachers and trainers in any sector also need to be competent in the subject or vocational area they teach. This may be through qualification at degree level (or equivalent) or through considerable occupational experience. For teachers of literacy, numeracy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) there is an additional qualification requirement in the subject you wish to teach.

For more information on training to become a  literacy, ESOL or numeracy teacher see here

The range of qualifications and courses can be confusing.  Have a look at our descriptions of qualifications which we hope will answer lots of your questions.

You can search for providers offering teacher training courses on the talent course database.

Institute for Learning's Policy on Professional Formation

Professional formation is the post-qualification process by which a teacher demonstrates through professional practice the ability to use effectively the skills and knowledge acquired whilst training to be a teacher and the capacity to meet the occupational standards required of a teacher. Professional formation leads to the conferral of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)

Continuing Professional Development requirements

All teachers working within Skills Funding Agency funded provision within lifelong learning are also ecouraged to register with the Institute for Learning (IfL), the professional body responsible for administering the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

Time and commitment

Lots of people successfully train to teach alongside other jobs and commitments. It is a good idea, however, to plan carefully when you apply to start a teacher training course.

Full teaching programmes are often part-time for 2 years and you will need to commit time to attend the course, for practical teaching placements and for independent study.

Applying for a course

Most teacher training providers offer information sessions which give information about the course content, the workload, the arrangements for teaching practice. There is also generally a recruitment process including an individual interview, several tasks relating to your subject area and your personal communication, maths and IT skills and sometimes a practical or discussion task.

Entry requirements

Teachers of all subjects will be expected to have at least a level three qualification in their specialist subject (this can be evidenced by qualifications or appropriate experience). They will also need evidence of level 2 (GCSE or equivalent ) English, Maths and ICT to apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).

Teachers of literacy, numeracy or ESOL will be expected to have a good knowledge of the subject they intend to teach - shown through A' levels or university study, or through other qualifications or experience. They will also need to have good personal skills in the supporting areas of English, Maths and ICT.

All teachers need to demonstrate their competence with language, literacy and numeracy, also ICT by the end of their teacher training course. This is likely to be assessed through previous qualifications, on-course assessment, national tests or their equivalent.

Don't be put off by the recruitment process for teacher training courses - the intention is to make sure the course is right for you - and you are right for the course. There will be lots of suggestions about ways to prepare for teacher training. The process will also give you the chance to make sure the course, the location, the course tutors are right for you. Training to teach is a substantial commitment - you need to be sure it's the right time, place and course. The best course for you may not always be the closest. It is worth traveling to a course which addresses your particular subject area or work setting.

Search for a course

The talent course database lists details of teacher training opportunities. You can search by course type, title or level.

Good luck!