What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Teacher?

Introduction

If you are thinking about becoming a teacher as an adult, it helps to know exactly what qualifications you need from the start. The good news is the requirements are clear, and there is more than one way to reach them, even if your GCSEs or A-levels do not match what is being asked for right now.

The Basic Requirements

To train as a teacher, you need a degree, plus a GCSE grade 4 or above (or an accepted equivalent) in English and maths. If you want to teach primary school, you also need a grade 4 or above in science. These rules are the same for everyone, whatever your age or background.

What If You Are Missing a Qualification?

Functional Skills Level 2 in English or maths is one of the most widely accepted alternatives to a GCSE grade 4, and can often be completed more quickly than sitting the original exam again. If you would rather work towards the GCSE itself, there are flexible GCSE courses for teaching built around adult life instead of a school timetable.

If A-levels are the gap instead, it is worth looking at the alernatives to A-Levels for teaching, such as an Access to HE diploma. This kind of access to higher education diploma for teaching course is built for adult learners, marked entirely through coursework rather than exams, and can often be finished in around six months. Most universities treat it the same way as A-levels for entry onto education degrees.

At Functional Skills Level 2, we know how important having the right maths and English qualifications is for anyone applying for teacher training, especially if these were not achieved at school first time round.

Comparing Your Options

If you are not sure which route is right for you, it is worth comparing the different teaching pathway courses available before deciding, since the best option often depends on how quickly you want to move forward.

Subject-Specific Requirements

If you already know which subject you would like to teach, check the A Levels for teaching usually expected for that subject, as this can vary between courses and universities.

Applying for Teacher Training

Once your qualifications are sorted, the next step is applying for teacher training, which leads to Qualified Teacher Status. The Gov.uk subject page for teaching sets out the different training routes and funding available, and is a good, impartial place to check before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Functional Skills Level 2 really accepted instead of a GCSE?

Yes, it is widely accepted by universities, employers, and training providers as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 pass in English or maths.

Is an Access to HE diploma a genuine alternative to A-levels?

Yes. It is assessed through coursework rather than exams, can be completed in around six months, and is recognised by universities as valid entry onto education degrees.

Is it too late to start teacher training as an adult?

No. Training providers care far more about whether you meet the requirements than about your age or how long ago you left school.

Where can I check the exact requirements for my course?

It is worth checking the current entry requirements for teaching directly, as these can vary slightly by subject, institution, and training route.

Written by

PassFunctionalSkills Team

We help thousands of students get their Functional Skills Qualifications.