Routes into teaching

Hi,
This post will look at the different graduate routes into teaching and will include Teach First, School Direct and the PGCE.

Firstly, lets look at the usual entry requirements into teaching. To teach secondary, you normally need to have GCSEs in English and maths above a C grade. For primary, you need the same plus a C grade or above in a science GCSE. School Direct and universities that offer the PGCE require experience working in a school setting but Teach First does not. We will begin, then, with Teach First.

Teach First

Teach First is a charity that employs good graduates to work in schools for two years, during which time they teach their own classes from day one, earn an unqualified teachers' wage and train for a PGCE. The application is rigorous but they do not require any classroom experience. What they want from their applicants, is to see that they meet the competencies outlined on their website. Teach First is good for those who want to develop their leadership skills for other roles or for those who want to work in schools where the socio-economic background of those families with low incomes affects the educational well-being of their children. 

School Direct

School Direct is a relatively new way into teaching and it replaced the GTP this year. It is similar to a PGCE offered by a university except that the trainee is placed in one school (or more than one school within a cluster). You will still have to complete assignments and attend university. This is a new role and therefore there is not much information about it. Your best idea is to contact your local schools to see if they are part of the School Direct programme and then ask what their requirements are, what they are looking for and any other information on the scheme. 

PGCE

The traditional route! Most people think of this route when they think of teacher training. PGCEs are offered by universities and the trainee is placed in two or three different placements in various schools. This route will include assignments, lectures and seminars.

I've created a brief table showing the various routes. I hope this helps you to decide which one is best for you! 

Good luck!

Mrs J