Best route to become a primary school teacher

Traditional university route

The most common route into primary teaching is through university. This usually involves:

• Completing a degree in a relevant subject or Primary Education

• Following this with a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)

• Gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

This pathway is well established and suits those who prefer academic study before entering the classroom.

However, it typically requires full-time study and comes with tuition fees, which can be a barrier for some.

School-led teacher training routes

School-led routes, such as SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training), allow you to train in a classroom environment while studying.

These programmes:

• Provide hands-on experience in schools

• Are often completed over one year

• Still require a degree before applying

They offer a more practical approach than university-only routes but still require upfront academic qualifications.

Primary teaching degree apprenticeships

For many aspiring teachers, the most accessible and practical route is a Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship.

This pathway allows you to:

• Earn a salary while training

• Gain a degree, QTS, and often a PGCE

• Learn in a real classroom environment from day one

• Avoid paying tuition fees

It is particularly well suited to career changers, teaching assistants, or those who prefer learning through experience rather than full-time study.

The best route for you

The best route depends on your situation:

• If you already have a degree and prefer structured academic learning, a PGCE or SCITT may be suitable

• If you want to earn while you train and gain long-term classroom experience, an apprenticeship is often the strongest option

• If you are just starting out and want a gradual, supported pathway into teaching, an apprenticeship provides a clear progression route

Choosing the right pathway is about balancing financial considerations, learning style, and career goals.

Becoming a primary teacher with Catalyst Academies Trust

Catalyst Academies Trust offers a 36-month Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with Brighton University, providing a clear, employment-based route into teaching in Essex.

You will be employed within one of our primary schools in Thurrock, including Grays, South Ockendon and Aveley, earning £24,000 per year with no tuition fees to pay.

The programme combines practical experience with structured study:

• Monday to Thursday in school, developing teaching skills in a real classroom

• University-directed study every Friday, with 75% delivered online and 25% face to face

• Three weeks of university-based training in Brighton each year

• Ongoing support from a dedicated mentor, university tutor visits and a Trust ITT manager

You will gain a BA in Primary Education, achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and complete a PGCE, while gradually increasing your teaching responsibilities over four years.

Entry requirements include:

• Aged 18 or over

• Grade 4 or equivalent in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science

• Minimum Grade C or above in three A levels (candidates with lower grades will still be considered if they have relevant school experience) 

• Applicants who gain an equivalency using the A Star equivalency test will be considered

• Applicants with approved BTEC courses can apply

This route is also ideal for career changers and those already working in schools with a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

Taking the next step

The best route to becoming a primary school teacher depends on your experience and how you want to train. For many people, an apprenticeship offers the most practical and financially accessible pathway, combining earning, learning, and real classroom experience.

If you are considering training in Essex, the Primary Teaching Degree Apprenticeship with Catalyst Academies Trust provides a structured and supportive route into teaching, helping you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed.