Can You Get QTS Without a PGCE?

If you want to become a teacher in England, you might think a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is essential. While a PGCE is a respected and popular route, it’s not the only way to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

There are alternative pathways that allow you to qualify and start teaching without completing a PGCE, making the profession more accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and life stages.

What is QTS?

QTS is the professional accreditation required to teach in most state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools in England. It confirms you’ve met the national Teachers’ Standards, including subject expertise, effective classroom practice, and inclusive teaching approaches.

Routes to QTS without a PGCE

If a PGCE doesn’t fit your circumstances, there are other ways to achieve QTS:

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – A classroom-based training route where you learn on the job, often alongside experienced mentors.
Assessment Only (AO) route – For experienced teachers without QTS, allowing you to demonstrate your skills through a formal assessment process.
Undergraduate degrees with QTS – If you’re at the start of your academic journey, some degrees include QTS as part of the course.

Our teacher training programmes offer flexible, practical pathways that can lead to QTS with or without a PGCE, so you can choose the route that works best for you.

Benefits of non-PGCE QTS routes

Choosing a route without a PGCE can mean:

More time in the classroom – Practical training from day one.
Faster qualification – Some pathways can be completed in under a year.
Reduced academic workload – Less emphasis on academic essays, more on practical teaching skills.

These routes are especially appealing to career changers or those with significant teaching experience.

Who should consider QTS without a PGCE?

Non-PGCE routes can be a great option if you:

Already have substantial classroom experience.
Prefer hands-on learning over academic study.
Want to qualify quickly and start teaching sooner

We work with trainees from all walks of life, supporting them to achieve QTS through the pathway that best suits their goals.

Start your journey to QTS

A PGCE can be valuable, but it’s not the only route to becoming a qualified teacher. With the right training and support, you can gain QTS through alternative pathways and build a successful teaching career.

If you’re ready to explore your options, discover our school-centred initial teacher training programmes and see how we can help you qualify without a PGCE.

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