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Are you looking to progress your career in education by transitioning from a teaching assistant (TA) to a teacher? Whilst the prospect of this might seem a little daunting, there’s more than one way to become a teacher. In this blog, we take you through the various routes into teaching open to TAs and explain the qualification you need to achieve to make the transition. 

Can a TA be a class teacher? 

Experienced teaching assistants often already possess a great deal of the skills and knowledge required to work as a teacher, but lack the qualifications needed to teach in (state-funded) UK schools. However, there are multiple routes that you can take to become a teacher, depending on your current level of education, experience and working arrangements. 

What qualifications does a TA need to become a teacher? 

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a requirement for many English schools and is mandatory for teaching in state-funded schools. Here are a few ways to achieve QTS depending on your current situation: 

With a degree 

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can gain QTS with the following programs: 

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) 

ITT is a year-long school-led program leading to QTS. Depending on the provider, it can also optionally include a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This course allows you to train as part of a school and learn from experienced professionals. Throughout the course, you’ll gradually begin to take on lessons and take on shared responsibility for students. Around this, you’ll also attend professional development training (although this may differ by provider). 

Straight to Teaching programme with ÌÇÐÄVlog Institute

Our Straight to Teaching programme helps TAs, higher level TAs and unqualified teachers prepare for the Assessment Only route to QTS.

It is a personalised course that is tailored to your current experience and needs; however, you should already have some teaching experience. Straight to Teaching then helps you to build on your experience and knowledge until you are ready for Assessment Only.  

To be eligible for Assessment Only you need a minimum of two years of teaching experience across two schools, or five years of experience in one school. Our Straight to Teaching course helps you work towards this experience, including a short placement (20-30 days) in a second school if required.

However, note that this course is only available with the express agreement of your current or intended employer to support you to prepare for QTS via our Assessment Only route. 

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship 

Earn while you learn with a nationally recognised level 6 postgraduate teaching apprenticeship that leads to QTS. This is a year-long work-based route into teaching that allows you to learn whilst you work as part of a school team. 

With a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, you’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of your chosen key stage and subject and gain practical teaching skills, resulting in QTS. You can also optionally add a PGCE. 

Without a degree 

If you do not already have a degree, you must complete a bachelor’s degree to begin teacher training courses.  

Teaching degree apprenticeships are also an option here. During a teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA), you’ll work in a school and earn a salary while getting a bachelor’s degree and qualified teacher status (QTS). A TDA is a four-year, full-time course where you will spend an average of 40% of your time (2 days a week) studying for your degree with a university. 

Progress from TA to teacher with ÌÇÐÄVlog Institute 

At ÌÇÐÄVlog Institute, we offer a number of teacher training courses that result in QTS and help you to reach the next stage in your career. Browse all of our courses online today or, if you’re not quite sure which course is right for you, our course finder quiz can help. 

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