Overview
Teaching is a rewarding and impactful career, providing graduates with the opportunity to shape young minds and contribute to society. In the UK, the education system is divided into primary, secondary, further, and higher education, with compulsory schooling between the ages of 5 and 16. With increasing pupil numbers and ongoing government initiatives to improve education standards, the demand for qualified teachers remains strong, making teaching a secure and fulfilling career choice for graduates.
Graduates looking to enter the teaching profession can pursue various pathways, including initial teacher training (ITT), postgraduate certificates in education (PGCE), and school-based training programs such as School Direct. There are also government-funded training bursaries and scholarships available for those entering shortage subjects like maths, physics, and computing.
Beyond traditional classroom teaching, graduates can explore opportunities in higher education, private tutoring, international teaching, educational administration, and curriculum development. For those passionate about education, a teaching graduate career offers long-term stability, professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting difference.
Average Teaching Graduate Salary
Teaching Graduate Career Path
Teaching careers offer structured progression and varied opportunities across primary, secondary, further, and higher education. Graduates can specialise in subject-based teaching, leadership roles, or alternative education sectors.
Common Job Titles for Teaching Graduates
- Primary School Teacher – Educates children aged 5–11, covering multiple subjects in a single classroom setting.
- Secondary School Teacher – Specialises in teaching a specific subject to students aged 11–18.
- Further Education Lecturer – Teaches post-16 students in colleges, adult education centres, or apprenticeships.
- Higher Education Lecturer – Engages in teaching, research, and student mentorship at universities.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher – Supports students with learning disabilities or special educational needs.
Pathways into Teaching
- Undergraduate Route: A Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a subject-specific degree with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) allows graduates to enter teaching directly.
- Postgraduate Route: A non-teaching degree can be followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), a one-year intensive course that includes school placements.
- School-Based Training: School Direct, Teach First, and apprenticeships provide hands-on training while working in a school setting.
- Further and Higher Education: Teaching in colleges and universities usually requires a master’s degree or PhD, along with research and teaching experience.
Career progression within teaching can lead to roles such as head of department, headteacher, education consultant, or curriculum developer. Some teachers move into policy-making, teacher training, or educational psychology, broadening their impact on the education sector.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Teaching graduate careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.
GRB Placements for Teaching by Degree
Typical Candidate Attributes
Teaching is open to graduates from all disciplines, but specific qualifications and skills are required depending on the education level and subject area.
Relevant Qualifications
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) – A direct route into teaching for primary and secondary education.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – A one-year postgraduate training course leading to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status).
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Required for state school teachers in England and Wales, obtained via ITT.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – A more intensive alternative to the PGCE, often including additional credits toward a master’s degree.
- Further Education & Higher Education – Teaching in colleges or universities typically requires a master’s or PhD, as well as relevant experience.
Key Skills for Teaching Graduates
- Strong communication & presentation – Ability to engage, inspire, and educate students.
- Patience & adaptability – Managing diverse learning needs and classroom challenges.
- Organisation & time management – Planning lessons, marking work, and balancing administrative duties.
- Classroom management & leadership – Maintaining discipline and fostering a positive learning environment.
- Interpersonal & teamwork skills – Collaborating with colleagues, parents, and school leadership teams.
- Subject knowledge & academic expertise – Mastery of the curriculum and ability to explain complex concepts.
- Resilience & problem-solving – Ability to handle high workloads and adapt to changing educational policies.
Prospective teachers should gain experience through school placements, voluntary teaching, or tutoring roles to demonstrate commitment and suitability for the profession.
Sources for Further Information
Association of Teachers and Lecturers www.atl.org.uk
National Union of Teachers www.teachers.org.uk
Department for Education and Skills www.gov.uk