How to become a teacher

Find out how to get into teaching in England in primary, secondary and further education.

A member of teaching staff

Information is correct as at April 2025. Before deciding whether to pursue a career, you're advised to contact your careers service for the most up-to-date guidance.

See how to become:

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How to become a primary or secondary school teacher

To qualify as a teacher for primary, secondary and special schools in England, you need an undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 or above, GCSE Maths and English Grade 4 (C), Science Grade 4 (C) for primary and early years, and 'Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS).

There are a number ways to get Qualified Teacher Status:

  • you can study for a Primary Education undergraduate degree with QTS
  • after your undergraduate degree, take a primary or secondary teacher training course to get QTS with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). At secondary level, you will take a subject specific course
  • other postgraduate training routes include school-based options, which can be fee-paying or salaried. To be considered for a salaried training role, you may need to have considerable work experience as courses are competitive.

Sussex offers undergraduate and postgraduate options to train as a teacher, including school-based options with partnership schools.

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How to become a nursery/early years teacher

Early years or nursery teachers work with children up to five years old. To qualify, you need to complete an 'Early Years Initial Teacher Training' (EYITT) course, which leads to 'Early Years Teacher Status' (EYTS).

To start this training, you'll need:

  • a 2:2 or higher in an undergraduate degree (with honours) in any subject
  • GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science (grade 4/C or equivalent) or proof of an equivalent standard.

If you're considering an EYTS course, see our Early Years Education (with Early Years Teacher Status) MA.

Alternatively, our undergraduate course would allow you to focus on Reception and early years teaching.

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How to become an A-level teacher

It's recommended that you gain a recognised teaching qualification as most employers will expect one.

Most new graduates will take a PGCE in post-compulsory education. You will need a degree in the subject you wish to teach.

Find out more about becoming a .

How to get teaching experience

You should try and get as much work experience in a school as you can. You can: 

  • volunteer at a school
  • shadow a teacher
  • visit your former school or local school to observe lessons
  • try a mentoring placement in local schools through your university or optional course modules that might give you some education and school experience.

If you choose to study an undergraduate degree at Sussex, check out our Exploring Teaching in Schools elective.

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Teaching in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

If you're interested in teaching in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland,  for more information.

  • How to become a maths teacher

    To become a maths teacher, you need:

    • an undergraduate degree in Maths from an approved education institution or validating body. (You may be able to study a related subject such as Accounting and Finance, Engineering or Economics and then take a  course before your PGCE) 
    • a PGCE in Maths - if you're considering a PGCE, see our Secondary Mathematics PGCE
    • knowledge and understanding of Mathematics, and an awareness of how the subject is taught within secondary state schools
    • experience of working with young people. 

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  • How to become an English teacher

    To become an English teacher, you need: 

    • an undergraduate degree or Masters degree in English from an approved higher education institution or validating body
    • a PGCE in English - if you're considering a PGCE, see our Secondary English PGCE
    • knowledge and understanding of English, and an awareness of how the subject is taught within secondary state schools
    • experience of working with young people. 

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  • How to become a history teacher 

    To become a history teacher, you need: 

    • an undergraduate degree or Masters degree in history from an approved higher education institution or validating body
    • a PGCE in history - if you're considering a PGCE, see our Secondary History PGCE
    • knowledge and understanding of history, and an awareness of how the subject is taught within secondary state schools
    • experience of working with young people.

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  • How to become a music teacher

    To become a music teacher, you need: 

    • an A-level in music
    • an undergraduate degree in music from an approved higher education institution or validating body
    • a PGCE in music - if you're considering a PGCE, see our Secondary Music PGCE
    • knowledge and understanding of music, and an awareness of how the subject is taught within secondary state schools
    • experience of working with young people.

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  • How to become a drama teacher

    To become a drama teacher, you need: 

    • an undergraduate degree in drama or performance from an approved higher education institution or validating body
    • a PGCE in drama - if you're considering a PGCE, see our Secondary Drama PGCE
    • knowledge and understanding of drama, and an awareness of how the subject is taught within secondary state schools
    • experience of working with young people.

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  • How to become a science teacher

    To become a science teacher you should usually decide which area of science you want to specialise in and then study: 

    Find out more about becoming a , or teacher from the Department for Education.

Additional requirements

To become an early years, primary or secondary school teacher, you may also need: 

  • a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check
  • a mental and physical fitness to teach assessment
  • professional skills test in numeracy and literacy.

Studying at Sussex

If you choose to study your degree at Sussex, you'll benefit from:

  • careers support for up to three years after you graduate
  • the chance to join our alumni network
  • mentoring schemes so you get real-world advice, support and experience while you study. 

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