Initial teacher training

There are an increasing number of ways to train as a qualified primary teacher. Use the left-hand menu to explore the different routes available. Train to teach


Qualified teacher status

Teaching in mainstream schools in England is a graduate profession, with teachers expected to hold QTS .

QTS is awarded at the end of an ITT programme or course to candidates meeting all 33 of the professional standards set by the TDA .

The award must then be ratified following an induction period, in most cases one year, as an NQT working in a school.


Qualifying to teach primary

Primary teachers teach all subjects and therefore training is generalist. As all Key Stage 2 pupils will be entitled to learn a foreign language from 2010, primary ITT courses take this new curriculum element into account. In addition, a number of providers now offer the opportunity to train with primary languages as a specialism.

Every teacher trains to teach at least two Key Stages. In primary, this usually means Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11 years). Other options include teaching Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (early years, ages 3-7 years) or Key Stages 2 and 3 (middle years, ages 7-14 years).

Further support:

The TDA website provides comprehensive information about teacher training. For further advice, contact their the TDA teaching advice line:

  • Languages Work
  • lingu@net europa
  • Languages ICT
  • ITT MFL
  • Vocational Languages Resource Bank