Careers in Education

Links to a comprehensive range of careers information for those interested in a career within education.

Education

Teaching Agency www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Main government website for the promotion of teaching.  Information on life as a teacher, routes into primary and secondary teaching, professional skills tests, tuition fees and bursaries, work experience in a classroom and advice on applications.

Overview of education    www.prospects.ac.uk
Information on all sectors of education including teaching roles and related careers.

Department for Education   www.education.gov.uk
Government department responsible for all sectors of education from pre-school to higher education and adult learners.

General Teaching Council for Scotland   www.gtcs.org.uk
The GTCS is the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland.

General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk/gtcw/index.php/en
The GTCW maintains high standards of conduct and practice in Wales.

Applications for primary and secondary teacher training

Teacher training at primary and secondary level includes university-based training (PGCEs), and school-based training including School Direct, School Direct (salaried), School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Teach First.  All lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) but you will need to check to see if the route you choose also leads to the award of a PGCE.  School Direct (salaried) and Teach First are salaried training programmes.  For university-based training, School Direct and SCITT you will pay tuition fees. 

UCAS Teacher Training www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training
The new single admissions process for all postgraduate primary and secondary teacher training courses (apart from Teach First) that will commence in September 2014.  Courses included within the UCAS application process: university-based training (PGCEs), School Direct, School Direct (salaried), School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT).  Applications will open on 1 November 2013 for courses starting September 2014.  Applies to postgraduate Initial Teacher Training in England and Wales, and Initial Teacher Education in Scotland.

Teach First   www.teachfirst.org.uk
Teach First is a charity that puts graduates, with a 2:1 degree and 300 UCAS points, into challenging primary and secondary schools where half of the pupils are on free school meals.  This is a two-year programme with a £18,000 salary in the first year increasing in the second year.  The application process in now open (June 2013) for entry onto the programme during the summer 2014.  Opportunities exist in London, the South East, South Coast, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, Yorkshire and Humberside, Wales.

Graduate Teacher Training Registry  www.gttr.ac.uk
For entry in September 2013 only.  Covers all applications to primary and secondary PGCE courses. Contains information on courses, institutions and online application details.

Teaching Agency www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
For all applications to School Direct and School Direct (salaried) for entry in September 2013.

Further and adult education

Lifelong Learning UK   www.lifelonglearninguk.co.uk
Lifelong Learning UK is responsible for the professional development of all those working in libraries, archives and information services, work-based learning, higher education, further education and community learning and development.

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales (NIACE)  www.niace.org.uk/organisation
Promotes adult education and aims to advance the interests of adult learners.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language  www.kent.ac.uk/careers/tefl.htm 
Comprehensive careers information from the University of Kent Careers Service on teaching English to those whose first language is not English.    

Higher education

Higher education lecturer  www.prospects.ac.uk 
Provides information on becoming a HE lecturer with case studies and related jobs.

Vacancies within higher education  www.jobs.ac.uk
Career opportunities within education across research, science, academic and related professions.

Postgraduate Options www.keele.ac.uk/studyatkeele/postgraduatetaught
Information on this website for postgraduates. 

Higher Education Funding Council for England and Wales  (HEFCE) www.hefce.ac.uk
Promotes and funds high-quality, cost-effective teaching and research, meeting the diverse needs of students, the economy and society.

Universities UK  www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
Universities UK represents and promotes all UK universities.

Research Councils UK   www.rcuk.ac.uk
Information and links to all HE Research Councils.

Additional information

Applying for the PGCE   www.prospects.ac.uk
An essential guide for anybody considering applying for the PGCE. It offers general information on teaching in the UK as well as practical help with the GTTR application form. Written by university careers advisers.

The Independent Schools Council   www.isc.co.uk
The Independent Schools Council represents 50% of independent schools and runs an induction programme for Newly Qualified Teachers in their member schools.

The Disclosure and Barring Service   www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service
This is an Executive Agency of the Home Office. The website contains important information for people interested in working with children.

Getting a teaching job   www.prospects.ac.uk/links/teachingjob
Excellent advice on getting a teaching position from university careers advisers.

 

Updated on 26 April 2013