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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There is no single route into primary teaching. The best pathway depends on your experience, qualifications, and how you prefer to learn. Some people choose a traditional university route, while others opt for a more practical, employment-based approach.
Understanding the differences between these options can help you choose the right path for your long-term career in education.
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A primary teaching apprenticeship in the UK typically takes around three years to complete. The exact length depends on the provider and structure of the programme, but most are designed to combine a full degree, classroom experience, and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) into one pathway.
This extended timeframe allows you to develop your teaching skills gradually while gaining real experience in a school setting.
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Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route into teaching, offering a way to earn a salary while gaining a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
If you’re considering this pathway, understanding the entry requirements is an important first step.
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If you’re considering a career in teaching, one of the biggest questions is how to fund your training. Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeships offer a solution by combining paid employment with fully funded training, allowing you to qualify as a teacher without paying tuition fees.
These programmes are delivered by schools, academy trusts, and universities working in partnership, rather than by private companies in the traditional sense.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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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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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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.