Can I get into teaching without a degree?

1. Teaching Assistant Roles

One of the most common ways to begin working in a school without a degree is by becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA). TAs provide vital support to teachers and students, assisting with classroom activities, managing behavior, and working one-on-one with students who need extra help. While a degree is not required for this role, schools may look for candidates with relevant experience, vocational qualifications, or training in child development.

Benefits of becoming a TA:

• Gain hands-on experience in the classroom
• Develop skills in managing groups, supporting students, and delivering lessons
• Build relationships with teachers, students, and staff
• A stepping stone towards a career in teaching, with the potential to pursue further qualifications

Many TAs go on to pursue teacher training routes once they’ve gained classroom experience, making it a great first step into education.

2. Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Another option is to work towards becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). This role involves taking on more responsibility, such as leading small groups, covering lessons, and planning some activities. Although a degree is not required, you will need to complete HLTA training and demonstrate that you meet specific standards in areas such as curriculum knowledge and lesson delivery.

Benefits of becoming an HLTA:

• More autonomy and responsibility in the classroom
• Opportunity to deliver lessons and support learning at a higher level
• Potential to progress into a teaching role later on with further qualifications

Becoming an HLTA allows you to deepen your experience in education, which can lead to further career progression in the future.

3. Assessment-Only Route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

If you already have extensive experience in a school setting but no degree, the Assessment-Only Route to QTS could be an option. This pathway allows experienced school staff to gain QTS without completing traditional teacher training courses. You’ll need to demonstrate that you meet the teaching standards through your work experience, and you must already be working in a school to apply.

Requirements for the Assessment-Only Route:

• Significant teaching experience
• Evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards
• A school willing to support you through the assessment process

While you don’t need a degree to start the assessment process, some schools may still require degree-level qualifications or equivalent experience.

4. Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS)

If you’re interested in teaching in further education (FE) or vocational training, you can qualify through the Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) route. QTLS status is recognized as equivalent to QTS for teaching in schools, especially in secondary education, particularly in subjects like vocational training, apprenticeships, or specialist areas.

Benefits of the QTLS route:

• Focus on teaching post-16 education and vocational subjects
• Recognition as equivalent to QTS for many secondary teaching roles
• Flexibility in teaching both in schools and further education colleges

While QTLS does not require a traditional degree, it typically requires a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (DET) or equivalent, making it a specialized route for those interested in teaching older students or vocational subjects.

5. School-Based Training (with Degree Apprenticeships)

In some cases, it’s possible to enter the teaching profession through a degree apprenticeship. These programs allow you to work in a school while studying for a degree part-time, typically over several years. The apprenticeship model means that you earn a salary while gaining your qualifications, with the potential to move into a full teaching role upon completion.

Benefits of degree apprenticeships:

• Earn while you learn, with no tuition fees to pay
• Gain practical experience while studying for your degree
• Progress straight into a teaching role upon qualification

While degree apprenticeships are still relatively new in teaching, they offer an accessible way for those without a degree to work towards becoming a fully qualified teacher.

6. Subject-Specific Teaching Roles

Some specialized subject areas, such as vocational subjects or physical education (PE), may offer pathways into teaching without a traditional degree. For example, if you have significant experience or qualifications in a specific vocational field (e.g., plumbing, engineering), some schools may hire you to teach those subjects, particularly in further education or technical colleges.

Benefits of subject-specific roles:

• Leverage your vocational expertise to teach specialized subjects
• Opportunity to teach practical, hands-on courses
• Potential to gain QTLS or other teaching qualifications while working

If you have strong experience in a particular trade or vocational subject, this can be an alternative route into teaching without a conventional degree.

7. Gaining a Degree and Teaching Qualifications

While the pathways mentioned above can help you start working in schools without a degree, pursuing a degree is still the most common way to enter the teaching profession, especially if you aspire to become a fully qualified teacher with QTS. Many universities offer part-time or distance learning courses for those looking to gain a degree while working.

Options for gaining a degree include:

• Studying part-time while working as a TA or HLTA
• Exploring degree apprenticeships or foundation degrees
• Online or flexible learning courses that fit around your work schedule

Once you’ve completed a degree, you can apply for postgraduate teacher training programs, such as a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which will help you gain QTS and begin teaching in primary or secondary schools.

Final Thoughts

While a degree is typically required for fully qualified teaching roles in the UK, there are several pathways into education for those without a degree. Roles such as Teaching Assistant, HLTA, or specialized teaching positions allow you to work in schools, gain experience, and potentially progress into a teaching career. With the right training and dedication, you can build a rewarding career in education—whether you choose to pursue a degree later or explore alternative routes into teaching.