In order to enter an initial teacher training programme, trainee teachers must have at least a grade ‘C’ or equivalent in GCSE maths and English. For those teaching primary pupils, a grade ‘C’ or equivalent qualification in a science subject is also required.
Initial teacher training providers will typically also set additional requirements for entry to initial teacher training courses such as A levels, NVQs or work experience.
For a postgraduate course, trainee teachers must also have a degree. This also applies to the employment based routes into teaching; with the exception of the Registered Teacher Programme which requires that trainees have completed two years (240 CATS) of higher education.
Regardless of the route, a first degree or an equivalent and passing the professional skills tests in numeracy, literacy and information communication technology is a requirement for the award of qualified teacher status (QTS).
These requirements reflect a belief that all teachers should have a good standard of knowledge in the core subjects and that teaching is a job towards which our best and brightest young people should aspire. They also give parents confidence in the knowledge and competence of the teachers education their children.