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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
Becoming a primary school teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths you can take. Primary teachers play a vital role in helping children develop core skills, build confidence, and nurture a love of learning from their earliest years. If you’re considering this career, there are clear steps you’ll need to follow to qualify and begin teaching in the UK.
.png)
If you’re considering becoming a teacher, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to complete your initial training. Two of the most common routes in England are the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT). Both can lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is essential for teaching in most state schools. But how do they differ, and which route is best for you?
.png)
More and more people are choosing to change careers and step into teaching. Whether you are looking for greater purpose, more stability, or a role that makes a real difference, teaching offers a rewarding new path. If you already have experience in another profession, you may be better prepared for the classroom than you think.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.
.png)
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.