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Yes, a teaching assistant can absolutely become a qualified teacher. This career path is not only common but also highly advantageous, as teaching assistants bring invaluable classroom experience. The transition involves obtaining specific qualifications like Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or its equivalent, which can be achieved through several routes tailored to your existing education and career stage. This guide outlines the definitive steps for this professional progression.
The primary requirement is achieving a formal teaching qualification recognized for the age group you wish to teach. For roles in primary and secondary state schools in England and Wales, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the standard. QTS is a professional accreditation that demonstrates you meet the national standards for teaching. For those interested in teaching students over 16, a Diploma in Education and Training (DET) is a key qualification, which can later be supplemented with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, now recognized as equivalent to QTS for teaching in schools.
Your journey will depend on your current qualifications:
| Your Starting Point | Recommended Pathway | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| No undergraduate degree | Bachelor's degree with QTS (e.g., BEd, BA/BSc with QTS) | QTS for teaching under-16s |
| Already hold a degree | Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS | QTS & a postgraduate qualification |
| Want to teach post-16 | Diploma in Education and Training (DET) | License to teach in further education |
| Hold a DET, want school role | Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) | QTS-equivalent status |
There are multiple, well-established routes to gain QTS, many of which leverage the experience of a teaching assistant.
University-Led Training: This is a traditional and comprehensive path. You can enroll in an undergraduate Bachelor of Education (BEd) or another bachelor's degree that incorporates QTS. Alternatively, if you already have a degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is the most common route. A PGCE is a one-year, higher education course that combines academic study with practical teaching placements. Crucially, you must choose a PGCE program that awards QTS upon completion. Your experience as a teaching assistant will be a significant advantage during the demanding school placement component.
School-Led Training: These routes are more employment-based and are often attractive to career-changers. School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programs are run by alliances of schools, providing hands-on training predominantly in a classroom setting. Another option is the Assessment-Only Route, which is designed for experienced teaching assistants or those who have taught overseas. This pathway allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all the QTS standards without a further period of training, through a rigorous assessment of your skills and experience.
Based on our assessment experience, a structured approach is key to a successful transition. Here are the actionable steps to initiate your career progression:
To successfully transition from a teaching assistant to a teacher, focus on these key steps: research the required qualifications, leverage your existing classroom experience, and choose a training route that aligns with your career goals and financial situation. The hands-on experience you possess is a tremendous asset, making you a strong candidate for any teacher training program.
