What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Teacher?

Introduction

If you are thinking about training as a teacher, one of the first things to sort out is your maths qualification, since a GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in maths is required for every route into teacher training, whatever age group or subject you eventually want to teach. Getting a clear picture of the full requirements early on makes the whole process far less overwhelming.

The Basic Requirements

To begin teacher training in England, you need a degree, along with a GCSE grade 4 or above (or a recognised equivalent) in English and maths. Primary teaching also requires a science qualification at the same level. Maths in particular tends to be the qualification adult learners are most likely to be missing, often because it was not achieved at the required grade the first time round.

What If Your Maths GCSE Is Not at the Right Grade?

If your GCSE maths grade does not currently meet the requirement, there are a couple of solid options. There are flexible GCSE courses for teaching designed to help you reach a grade 4 in a way that fits around work or family commitments. GCSE equivalency tests are also widely accepted by training providers, and are a popular alternative for adults who would rather not resit the original exam.

At Functional Skills Maths Level 2, we know how much of a difference the right maths qualification can make to a teacher training application, particularly for anyone who has been putting this step off for a while.

Addressing a Missing A-Level or Level 3 Qualification

If A-levels are the gap in your qualifications, it is worth checking the specific A Levels for teaching requirements for your intended subject, as these can vary between courses and institutions.

Where a traditional A-level route is not the right fit, an Access to HE diploma is a genuine alternative. This kind of diploma used for teaching route is built for adult learners, assessed entirely through coursework and written assignments with no exams to sit, and can often be completed in around six months. Many universities treat an Access to HE diploma for teaching course as equivalent to A-levels for entry onto education degrees, so it is worth confirming this with your chosen university.

Comparing Your Options

If you are still weighing up which route makes the most sense, it is worth comparing the different teaching entry-level qualifications available before committing to a particular path.

Applying for Teacher Training

Once your qualifications are in place, the next step is applying for Initial Teacher Training, which leads to Qualified Teacher Status. The Gov.uk teaching subject guide sets out the different training routes, funding, and bursary information available, and is a reliable, non-competitive place to check before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a GCSE grade 4 in maths to teach?

Yes, this applies to every route into teacher training, regardless of the subject or age group you plan to teach.

What if I do not have a GCSE grade 4 in maths?

Resitting is one option, and GCSE equivalency tests are also widely accepted as an alternative by most training providers.

Is an Access to HE diploma a genuine alternative to A-levels?

Yes. It is assessed through coursework rather than exams, can be completed in around six months, and is recognised by universities as valid entry onto education degrees.

Where can I check the exact requirements for my course?

It is worth checking the current teaching qualifications guidance directly, as requirements can shift slightly year to year depending on the subject and institution.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.