No matter which subject you intend to teach in a mainstream school, all candidates applying for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses must have the following pre-requisite qualifications:
- For undergraduate ITT routes: A minimum of two A levels or equivalent.
- For postgraduate ITT routes: A recognised degree (in the case of the Registered Teacher Programme, degree study can continue alongside teacher training.) Note that a degree need not always be in the language to be taught, such as in the case of a native speaker.
- For primary teaching: GCSE Grade C in Maths, English* and a Science subject, or equivalent.
- For secondary teaching: GCSE Grade C in Maths and English*, or equivalent.
*Alternatives to GCSE English may include RSA Stage III (Advanced) in English, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, International English Language Testing System (IELTS grade 6.00 or above across the skills) and AS or A level English.
Are your qualifications from outside the UK?
Qualifications from other countries are not automatically granted equivalent status with those gained in the UK. If qualifications were gained within the European Union the ITT course provider can probably confirm equivalence.
UK NARIC (the National Recognition Information Centre) advises on the comparability of international and UK qualifications. Advice is given over the phone. Written confirmation of equivalence can be provided on receipt of certificates (with certified translation) at a cost of approximately £34 plus VAT. Contact NARIC on 0871 330 7033.
