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    Your Guide to Starting and Growing Your Teaching Career

    At Catalyst Academies Trust, we believe great teaching changes lives. Our blog is here to guide you through every stage of your journey into education – from understanding key qualifications like Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), to exploring teacher training routes, timelines, and career development opportunities.

    It doesn't matter if you’re a graduate considering your first step into teaching, a professional looking for a career change, or an experienced educator seeking professional growth; you’ll find clear, supportive advice here.

    Drawing on our work with primary schools across Essex, we share practical insights, answer common questions, and highlight the many ways we can help you train, qualify, and thrive in the classroom.

    Start reading, and take your next step towards shaping the future of education.

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    • Can I be a teaching assistant with no experience?

      Published 22/01/26, by Sean Garland

      It is completely possible to become a teaching assistant in the UK with zero previous experience. Many people start their careers in education without having worked in a school before. Teaching assistant roles are often designed as entry points into education, especially for school leavers, career changers, or those returning to work.

      What matters most is your willingness to learn, your interest in supporting children, and your ability to develop the skills needed in a classroom setting.

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    • How Many Levels of Teaching Assistant Are There?

      Published 22/01/26, by Sean Garland

      If you are considering a career as a teaching assistant, you are likely wondering how many levels there are and how progression works. In the UK, teaching assistant roles are not nationally standardised, but they generally fall into three main levels, each with increasing responsibility and experience.

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    • Can you become a teaching assistant without a degree?

      Published 22/01/26, by Sean Garland

      Becoming a teaching assistant in the UK without a degree is completely possible. In fact, many teaching assistants begin their careers without higher education qualifications and gain their skills through school-based training and practical experience.

      For school leavers, career changers, or those returning to work, the teaching assistant role offers an accessible route into education without the need for university study.

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    • How long is teaching assistant training in the UK?

      Published 22/01/26, by Sean Garland

      Teaching assistant training can vary in length depending on the route you choose, your previous experience, and whether you train full-time or alongside employment. For many, it is an accessible and practical way to begin a career in education, especially for school leavers and career changers.

      Below, we dive into the typical training timescales and what you can expect from each pathway.

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    • What does a teaching assistant do day to day?

      Published 11/12/25, by Sean Garland

      Teaching assistants (TAs) are a key part of the classroom team, helping teachers deliver lessons and supporting pupils to reach their potential. Their role is varied, rewarding, and essential to the smooth running of every school day.

      If you’re considering becoming a TA, here’s what a typical day in the role might look like.

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    • Can you train to be a Teaching Assistant while working?

      Published 11/12/25, by Sean Garland

      Many people choose to become teaching assistants as a second career or while managing other commitments. If you’re currently employed but interested in working in education, the good news is that you can train to be a teaching assistant while working.

      Flexible courses and on-the-job training options make it possible to gain the qualifications and experience you need without giving up your current role.

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    • How to become a Teaching Assistant in the UK

      Published 11/12/25, by Sean Garland

      Teaching assistants (TAs) play a vital role in supporting pupils’ learning and helping teachers create positive, inclusive classrooms. If you’re passionate about working with children and want to make a difference in education, becoming a teaching assistant could be the perfect career path.

      Here’s what you need to know about how to get started.

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    • What qualifications do you need to become a teacher in England?

      Published 11/12/25, by Sean Garland

      Teaching is one of the most impactful careers you can choose, shaping the lives and futures of young people. If you’re considering this profession, it’s important to understand the qualifications you’ll need before stepping into the classroom.

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    • Skills You Should Develop Before Starting Teacher Training

      Published 25/09/25, by Sean Garland

      Starting teacher training is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure what skills will be most useful. While training will help you build professional expertise, there are several personal and practical skills you can begin developing beforehand to make the journey smoother and more rewarding.

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    • What to Expect at a Teacher Training Interview

      Published 25/09/25, by Sean Garland

      Securing an interview for a teacher training programme is an exciting step on your journey into teaching. Interviews allow training providers to get to know you, assess your readiness for the classroom, and see your potential as a future teacher. While the idea may feel daunting, knowing what to expect can help you prepare and approach the process with confidence.

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    • How to Write a Strong Teacher Training Personal Statement

      Published 25/09/25, by Sean Garland

      Your teacher training personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to show why you want to become a teacher, what makes you a strong candidate, and how your experiences have prepared you for the classroom. A well-written statement can set you apart and help secure your place on a teacher training programme.

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    • How Classroom Placements Prepare You for a Teaching Career

      Published 25/09/25, by Sean Garland

      Classroom placements are one of the most valuable parts of teacher training. They give you the chance to put theory into practice, work directly with pupils, and experience the daily life of a teacher. For many trainees, placements are where the real transformation happens, turning ambition into practical classroom confidence.

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