Skip to content

    • Blog

    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.

    Page 2

    Archive

    • Do I need to retrain if I’ve been out of teaching for years?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Taking time out of teaching is common. Whether for family reasons, a career change, or time abroad, many teachers step away from the classroom for several years. When considering a return, a key question arises: do you need to retrain?

      The good news is that once you hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it does not expire. This means you remain a qualified teacher, even after a long break. However, there are practical steps to take before returning.

      Read More

    • Does QTS expire?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the accreditation that allows teachers to work in most state-maintained schools across England. Once achieved, it confirms that you meet the professional standards for teaching and are recognised as a qualified teacher.

      A common question for aspiring and returning teachers is whether QTS has an expiry date. The short answer is no: QTS does not expire once awarded.

      Read More

    • Can you teach without QTS?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional accreditation required to teach in most state-maintained schools in England. It confirms that a teacher has met the national standards for subject knowledge, classroom practice, and professional conduct.

      However, some teaching roles are available without QTS. These positions are more limited, and career progression can be restricted without gaining formal accreditation. Understanding the difference can help aspiring teachers decide on the right training pathway.

      Read More

    • What is SCITT and how long does it take?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a practical, school-based route into teaching. Unlike university-led courses, SCITT programmes are delivered directly by schools and trusts, giving trainees hands-on classroom experience from the start.

      SCITT combines immersive school placements with academic study, ensuring that trainees build subject knowledge, classroom management skills, and confidence while working alongside experienced teachers. Most SCITT programmes also award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon completion, with the option to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) too.

      Read More

    • How Long Does Initial Teacher Training Take?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, one of the first questions you might ask is how long Initial Teacher Training (ITT) takes. The answer depends on the route you choose, your qualifications, and whether you train full-time or part-time.

      On average, ITT takes between one and four years to complete, with most postgraduate routes lasting just one academic year.

      Read More

    • What Is Initial Teacher Education?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is the first stage of professional training for anyone who wants to become a qualified teacher. It’s where future teachers gain the knowledge, skills, and classroom experience needed to meet national standards and succeed in the profession.

      ITE is more than just a stepping stone to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – it’s the foundation of a teaching career. Through a blend of academic study and practical school placements, it equips you to inspire pupils, manage classrooms, and create inclusive learning environments.

      Read More

    • What’s the Difference Between QTS and PGCE?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      If you’re exploring a career in teaching, you’ll often see two terms: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). They’re closely linked, but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is important when deciding the best route into the profession.

      Read More

    • Can You Do a PGCE Without a Degree?

      Published 21/08/25, by Sean Garland

      A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is one of the most respected teacher training qualifications in England, often combined with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). But can you take a PGCE if you don’t have a degree?

      The short answer is no. To start a PGCE, you must already hold an undergraduate degree (or an equivalent qualification). However, there are other routes into teaching if you don’t yet have a degree.

      Read More

    • Can You Get QTS Without a PGCE?

      Published 15/08/25, by Sean Garland

      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.

      Read More

    • What Is a PGCE and How Can It Help You Teach?

      Published 15/08/25, by Sean Garland

      If you’re considering a career in teaching, you’ve likely come across the term PGCE. Short for Postgraduate Certificate in Education, a PGCE is one of the most popular qualifications for aspiring teachers in England.

      A PGCE blends academic study with practical, school-based training, giving you both the theoretical understanding and hands-on experience to excel in the classroom. It’s a respected pathway into the profession – and a stepping stone to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

      Read More

    • How to Get Qualified Teacher Status in England

      Published 15/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is your formal recognition as a trained teacher, allowing you to teach in most state-maintained schools in England. It’s not just a certificate – it’s proof that you have the skills, knowledge, and professional standards to make a real impact in the classroom.

      Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or teaching assistant ready to take the next step, the path to QTS is achievable with the right guidance, training, and support.

      Read More

    • What is Qualified Teacher Status?

      Published 15/08/25, by Sean Garland

      Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional accreditation that enables an individual to teach in most state-maintained primary, secondary, and special schools in England. It demonstrates that a teacher has met the required standards for professional competence, subject knowledge, and classroom practice.

      Read More

    Page 2

    Archive

    Cookie Policy