Changing career to teaching: how to make the switch

More and more people are choosing to change careers and step into teaching. Whether you are looking for greater purpose, more stability, or a role that makes a real difference, teaching offers a rewarding new path. If you already have experience in another profession, you may be better prepared for the classroom than you think.

Why switch to teaching?

Teaching appeals to career changers for many reasons:

Impact: You can directly shape the lives and opportunities of young people.
Transferable skills: Experience from other careers, such as leadership, organisation, or communication, can enhance your teaching practice.
Stability and progression: Teaching provides clear career pathways and opportunities to specialise or move into leadership.
Variety: No two days are the same, with opportunities to teach, mentor, and inspire in different contexts.

Do you need QTS to teach?

To teach in most state schools in England, you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The good news is that there are flexible training routes designed for people changing careers, allowing you to gain QTS while developing classroom experience.

At Catalyst Academies, our teacher training courses and apprenticeships support career changers with structured school placements, mentoring, and academic study. Many of our trainees bring unique perspectives from previous professions, enriching their classrooms and becoming role models for pupils.

Training routes for career changers

There are several pathways into teaching for those switching careers:

Postgraduate routes (e.g. PGCE with QTS): Usually one year full-time or two years part-time.
School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT): A school-led route where you train in the classroom from day one.
Assessment Only (AO) route: For those already working as unqualified teachers with significant experience, allowing you to achieve QTS without additional training.

These options provide flexibility, meaning you can train in a way that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Support for new teachers

Making a career change is a big decision, but you won’t be doing it alone. At Catalyst Academies, we ensure every trainee receives:

Mentoring: Experienced teachers guide you through lesson planning, behaviour management, and professional development.
School placements: Hands-on experience in local classrooms.
Continued support: Structured CPD and guidance through your Early Career Teacher (ECT) years.

Taking the next step

A career change into teaching offers the chance to make a lasting impact while building a rewarding new profession. With your existing skills and our training support, the transition is more achievable than you might think.

If you are ready to take the leap, explore our Essex teacher training programme and see how Catalyst Academies Trust can help you begin your new career in teaching.

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Further Reading