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Becoming a history teacher typically requires a four-year degree, specialist teacher training like a PGCE, and successful completion of mandatory background checks. The process is structured, with clear pathways for gaining the necessary qualifications, skills, and classroom experience. The average salary for a history teacher in the UK is approximately £31,000 per year, with potential for growth into senior roles.
The journey begins with cultivating a deep and broad knowledge of history. While a passion for the subject is crucial, formal education solidifies this foundation. Most competitive candidates possess a First or Upper Second Class Bachelor of Arts degree in History or a closely related humanities discipline like Classics. While an unrelated degree is sometimes acceptable, a history-focused degree is advantageous for interviews and classroom effectiveness. The modern British curriculum often emphasizes world history, so a knowledge base that extends beyond just British history is essential. Strong A-Level and GCSE results in history, along with GCSEs in English and Maths at grade C or above, are standard baseline requirements in the UK.
After your degree, the next critical step is teacher training. The most common route is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which provides the pedagogical skills and classroom management techniques needed for the profession. During a PGCE, you will undertake teaching placements in schools. Alternatively, some schools offer direct training routes, such as School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT). It's important to research available government funding and bursaries to support you during this training period. This training is what qualifies you to teach from primary to sixth-form levels.
| Training Route | Typical Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) | 1 year | Combines university study with school placements. |
| School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) | 1 year | Based entirely in a school environment. |
| Undergraduate Teacher Training | 3-4 years | A combined degree and teaching qualification. |
Gaining hands-on experience is invaluable for confirming your career choice and strengthening your job applications. This can be achieved through placements during your PGCE or SCITT program. Other opportunities include:
This experience helps you decide which age group you prefer to teach and provides concrete examples of your capabilities for future employers.
Once qualified, you can apply for history teacher positions advertised on job boards like ok.com, local authority websites, and directly on school websites. The application process often includes a rigorous interview that assesses both your character and your subject knowledge. A key mandatory step is an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure your suitability for working with children. Upon securing a position, you may undergo further safeguarding training. Some new teachers start in a support role while completing additional certification before becoming a fully-fledged classroom teacher.
To maximize your opportunities, be open to relocation or commuting, as the number of local vacancies can vary.
Beyond qualifications, certain skills are critical for effectiveness in the classroom. Based on our assessment experience, these include:
Career prospects for history teachers are strong, with paths leading to roles like Head of Department or moving into higher education with further qualifications such as a Master's or PhD.
Salary figures reflect data listed on ok.com Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background, and location.
