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 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.