Teacher Eligibility Checker
Fast-Track Teacher Eligibility Checker
Check if you meet the requirements for the fastest teacher training pathways in the UK. The most accelerated routes can qualify you in as little as 9 months.
If you’re looking to become a teacher right now - maybe you’ve just changed careers, or you’re tired of waiting - you’re not alone. Many people want to step into a classroom as soon as possible. The good news? In the UK, you can become a qualified teacher in as little as 9 months. But it’s not about shortcuts. It’s about choosing the right path with the right support.
There’s no magic button, but there is a fast track
You can’t become a teacher overnight. Teaching isn’t like getting a driver’s license. You need to prove you can manage a classroom, plan lessons, assess students, and handle behaviour. But the system is built to help people like you move quickly if you’re ready. The fastest route in England and Wales is the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) or Teach First programmes. Both lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the legal requirement to teach in state schools. These programmes start in September and finish by June the next year - just 9 to 10 months. In Scotland, it’s the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), which can be completed in one academic year. In Northern Ireland, the Professional Master of Education (PME) runs similarly.What you actually need to start
Before you even begin training, you need three things:- A degree (any subject, but must be at least a 2:2)
- GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above (for primary teaching, you also need a GCSE in Science)
- Pass the Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy (these were removed in 2020 - no longer required)
How the 9-month route works
Let’s say you apply in January for a September start. Here’s what happens:- You’re accepted into a SCITT or Teach First programme (applications open from October)
- In September, you start full-time in a school - you’re not just observing, you’re teaching real classes from week one
- You attend training days once a week (usually on Fridays) with other trainees
- You’re assessed continuously: lesson observations, student progress data, lesson plans, professional reflections
- By June, if you’ve met all the standards, you get your QTS
Who this route is best for
This isn’t for everyone. It’s intense. You’re expected to be a teacher, not a student. If you’re someone who learns best by watching, reading, or taking time to adjust - this might burn you out. It’s ideal for:- Graduates who’ve worked in business, tech, or the military and want to switch
- Parents returning to work who need structure and a clear timeline
- People who thrive under pressure and like hands-on learning
What you’ll be teaching
Your subject depends on your degree. If you studied biology, you’ll train to teach science. If you studied history, you’ll teach secondary history. Primary teaching is different - you’ll be trained to teach all subjects, but you’ll specialise in one area like literacy or maths. The Department for Education prioritises teachers in high-demand subjects. That means if you’ve got a degree in physics, computing, or modern languages, you might get extra funding - even a £25,000 bursary - just for signing up.Why not a university PGCE?
The traditional university-based PGCE takes a full year and includes 12 weeks of placements. It’s slower. You spend more time in lectures, less time in classrooms. It’s fine - but if speed is your goal, it’s not the fastest option. Also, university PGCEs cost £9,250 for UK students. The SCITT route is often free - or you get paid. Plus, you graduate with QTS already. Some university courses only give you QTS if you pass all assessments. SCITT programmes are designed around that outcome from day one.What happens after you qualify
Once you have QTS, you’re not done. You’ll enter your first year as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT). You’ll still need support - a mentor, regular observations, a professional development plan. This year is mandatory and usually built into your first teaching contract. After that, you’re fully qualified. You can apply for any state school job in England or Wales. You can also teach in international schools, private schools, or academies without needing more certification.
Pitfalls to avoid
Fast doesn’t mean easy. Here’s what trips people up:- Thinking you’ll have weekends off - you won’t. Lesson planning, marking, and parent emails eat into evenings
- Not choosing the right school - some SCITT partners are in under-resourced areas with high turnover. Ask about staff retention
- Ignoring your mental health - burnout is real. Find a peer group early
- Believing you’ll be a great teacher right away - you won’t. First term is hard for everyone
Alternatives if you can’t wait for September
If you need to start teaching before next September, here’s what you can do:- Apply for a teaching assistant role - many schools hire TAs with degrees. It’s not teaching, but you’ll be in the classroom daily
- Get a supply teaching contract - you can work as a cover teacher without QTS if you’re registered with an agency
- Teach privately - tutoring kids one-on-one or in small groups lets you build experience and income while you wait
Where to apply
Start here:- Get Into Teaching (official government site)
- Search for SCITT providers near you - Birmingham has several, including Birmingham SCITT and Heart of England SCITT
- Check Teach First’s website - they recruit in 16 regions across England and Wales
Final reality check
Becoming a teacher in 9 months is possible. But it’s not easy. It’s demanding. You’ll be tired. You’ll doubt yourself. You’ll cry after a bad day. But you’ll also have moments - a student who finally gets fractions, a parent who thanks you for changing their child’s life, a class that erupts in laughter during your lesson - that make every late night worth it. If you’re ready for that, then go for it. The fastest path isn’t the easiest. But it’s the one that gets you where you want to be - in front of a classroom, doing work that matters.Can I become a teacher without a degree?
No. In the UK, you need at least a bachelor’s degree (2:2 or higher) to get Qualified Teacher Status. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to complete a degree first - either a full undergraduate degree or a conversion course like a Graduate Diploma.
How much does it cost to train as a teacher quickly?
If you choose a salaried route like SCITT or Teach First, you won’t pay tuition. Instead, you’ll earn a salary - around £25,000 to £30,000 depending on location. Some routes offer bursaries up to £25,000 for high-demand subjects like physics or languages. The only costs are for DBS checks and basic materials.
Do I need experience working with children?
Not officially. But having spent time in a school - even as a volunteer - makes your application stronger. Interviewers want to know you understand the reality of classroom life. A few weeks of helping out in a primary school can make a big difference.
Can I train part-time to become a teacher faster?
No. Part-time routes take longer - usually two years. If you want speed, you need full-time training. The fast-track programmes are designed to be immersive. Trying to do it part-time while working will stretch the timeline and increase burnout risk.
Is QTS valid in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
QTS from England and Wales is recognised in Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland. If you want to teach in Scotland, you’ll need to complete the PGDE there. Each nation has its own system, even though they’re all part of the UK.
