🎓 How I Got QTS Certified in the UK"#
Way back in 2016, I made the leap into the world of education as a private tutor, and it’s one of the best decisions I made. 3 years later I made an even better decision and got certified as a teacher. If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher and wondering how to get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK, here’s what I learned from going through the process myself.
🛤️ Which Route I Took#
As a career changer, I didn’t want to go back to uni for another three years — I was only three years out of university! I decided I needed something focused and practical. I chose the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS, a 1-year full-time course that combines academic learning with real classroom teaching.
There are other routes, too:
- Assessment Only (AO) — great if you’ve already been working in schools for a couple of years without formal training.
- SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) — very hands-on and school-based, often with QTS included.
- iQTS or direct QTS application — if you’re coming from abroad.
⏳ Duration#
Most PGCE with QTS courses take 1 academic year full-time, or up to 2 years part-time. The Assessment Only route is much quicker — usually wrapped up within 12 weeks — but it’s only an option if you’ve got at least two years of solid teaching experience.
💷 Costs (and Funding Options)#
Here’s what I paid (and how I managed):
- Tuition: Around £9,250 for the PGCE.
- Living costs: I applied for a student maintenance loan and qualified for a bursary (which varies depending on the subject — maths, physics, and computing often have the highest ones).
- Many people also get help from career change support programs, like Now Teach or Transition to Teach.
If you’re doing Assessment Only, costs are lower — typically £2,000–£4,000, but there’s usually no funding available for that route.
📍 Where to Study#
There are lots of providers, so it’s worth doing your homework. A few standouts:
- Universities: UCL (where I studied for my QTS), University of Manchester, University of East Anglia (where I studied for my degree!)
- SCITT programmes: Based in schools, very practical
- Tes Institute, University of Buckingham, or Sunderland: Some offer flexible or online options
Look for something that suits your style — whether you’re more academically minded or learn best by doing.
🎓 Why QTS Was Worth It#
Getting QTS gave me the professional recognition I needed to teach in state schools. But more than that, it gave me confidence, structure, and a deeper understanding of teaching.