Postgraduate routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Entry requirements for courses may vary, so applicants should check with individual course providers for details.

Classroom experience with primary age children or observation at a primary school is also desirable for primary courses: TDA visit a classroom.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Target candidate: Degree recognised in UK; Relatively new to teaching
Duration: 1-2 years (many courses last 1 year though courses may offer some flexible options enabling part-time study over 2 years)
Salary: no

The PGCE offers a phased transition into professional life, consisting of at least 12 weeks based at the ITT provider (e.g. a university) with other student teachers and 24 weeks teaching in two different schools. School placements are arranged by the ITT provider.

A number of UK institutions now offer PGCE courses with an additional specialism in primary languages.  These courses aim to equip trainees with the skills and knowledge to teach languages within the primary curriculum. As part of the training, students undertake a four-week teaching placement abroad.

Applicants to the primary languages PGCE are generally expected to demonstrate a degree of competence in the foreign language equivalent to level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

However, the criteria may vary between institutions and the training provider will assess the suitability of candidates.

See a list of providers offering ITT with primary languages specialism.

Apply via: Graduate Teacher Training Registry

Detailed information from the TDA: Postgraduate certificate in education.

School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)

Target candidate: Degree recognised in UK; Relatively new to teaching
Duration: 1 year
Salary: no

SCITT programmes are classroom-based training designed and delivered local schools and colleges and are often tailored towards local teaching needs. The SCITT route is for student teachers who want to spend more time training in the classroom and putting theory into practice. Some SCITT lead to a PGCE validated by a Higher Education institution as well as QTS.

Applications are through the GTTR , although some SCITT providers do require direct applications.

Apply via: Graduate Teacher Training Registry

Detailed information from the TDA: School-centred initial teacher training.