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Where do I start?

If you know you might be interested in becoming a teacher but you don't know where to start, you're not alone. We've created this step by step list to help you understand the process - but don't forget, you can always give us a call to chat things through.

To speak to us directly call 0191 518 0222 (ext 17161).

Step 1:
Can you see yourself working with children?​

Before you go any further, ask yourself - do you think you'd enjoy being around children every day? 

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If the answer is "yes", congratulations, you might just have what it takes! If the answer is “I don’t know”, try spending time in a classroom to see if it’s for you. Our Teacher Training Taster Days are a great place to start as you'll get to see live lessons and meet some of our students during their break and lunchtimes.

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​Step 2: Do you have a degree?​​​

  • Yes? Great, you’re already on your way. You can train to teach through a few different routes (more on that in Step 3).

  • No? Don’t panic! You can still become a teacher by taking an undergraduate degree in education or a subject you love and then training later. There is also the new apprenticeship route in some subjects, where you train and work towards your degree while working as an unqualified teacher, earning a salary along the way.
     

If you’re looking to teach in primary schools, degrees in education, English, science, or even something broad like history can be a good route.
 

For secondary teaching, you’ll need a degree in (or closely related to) the subject you want to teach. Find our what degrees we accept for which courses below. 

Step 3:
Choose your training route​

Once you have a degree (or are on your way to getting one), it’s time to pick a training path that's right for you. Here are the two main options:

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  1. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – The traditional university-led route. Takes a year (full-time), and includes school placements.
     

  2. School Direct / SCITT (School-Centered Initial Teacher Training) – You train on the job in a school while working toward your qualification. This is the route we offer here at North East SCITT - it's great for hands-on learning right from the start. Takes 11 months (full-time).

​Step 4: Explore funding and financial support

Next you need to sort out the financial side - it costs £9,350 for our 11 month full time course. We understand that this can be daunting, especially if you are changing career. However, you may be eligible for:

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  • A tax-free bursary or scholarship (especially if you're training in shortage subjects like maths, science, or computing).

  • A student loan to cover course fees and living costs - in 2025 our fees were £9,535.

Step 5:
Getting your QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and your first teaching job

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass the QTS assessment and then complete an Early Career Teacher (ECT) period - two supported induction years in a school.
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Once you’re (officially!) a teacher, you’ll apply for jobs through:
 

  • School websites and local authority job boards.

  • TES (Times Educational Supplement) and DfE Teaching Vacancies.

  • Recruitment agencies specialising in teaching roles.
     

North East SCITT is part of the North East Learning Trust - a family of 13 schools across the North East with a great track record of recruiting new teachers directly from the course!

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