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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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.