Frequently asked questions

Before you apply for a teacher training place with United Teaching, check that you meet our qualifications and personal qualities criteria. Once you've chosen your subject and funding route, head to DfE's application form—it takes around 30 minutes to complete.

• A degree (2:2 or above) in or related to the subject you want to teach.
• GCSEs at Grade C+ (or equivalent) in English and maths. For primary training, you’ll also need a C+ in science.
• A-levels including a B in the subject you wish to teach and a minimum of BCC overall.

Requirements differ for international candidates—see our guide for international trainees for more information.

If you haven’t achieved the necessary grades in GCSE maths or English, you’ll need to take an equivalency test to meet the entry requirements. We recommend using A Star Equivalency, Birmingham City University, or Equivalency Testing.

For those on our salaried apprenticeship route, passing level 2 equivalency tests in maths and English is required before starting the course. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a cost-free functional skills test during the programme

Yes! You can specify your preferred schools and regions in your application. As a national teacher training provider with over 100 schools across the country, you can choose a location that suits you. The earlier you apply, the higher the chances of securing your preferred choice.

Absolutely! Many trainees, whether recent graduates or career changers, join us without prior experience. While helpful, it's not mandatory. If you are keen to have an insight into what life is like in schools before you apply, you could complete some work experience in teaching. 

Yes, we offer salaried training for candidates with strong applications. If you have relevant experience, industry expertise, or want to teach a high-demand subject such as maths, science, or geography, you will have a higher chance of being considered for the salaried programme.

Salaried places are offered at the discretion of the admissions team and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

On our salaried programme, you will earn an unqualified teacher's salary in your training year. 

School-based training means you will train on the job in a school, rather than through a university. You will be in the classroom from day one, refining your skills as you go. This differs from traditional teacher training which focuses on lectures and seminars, with shorter school placements.

Yes, teaching is a rewarding career path which welcomes trainees from all different ages and walks of life. Many trainees come from fields such as engineering, finance, law, and marketing, bringing diverse industry experience and perspectives to the classroom. 

Your life experiences will be highly valued by pupils, as they bring unique perspectives that broaden their understanding of the world.

Yes! All trainees on our programme achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the PGCE is optional. To earn your QTS, you’ll be assessed through lesson observations and your ability to meet the Teacher’s Standards. While a PGCE isn’t mandatory, it offers a deeper academic understanding and is essential if you want to teach abroad.

Most of our trainees choose to pursue both a QTS and a PGCE. The PGCE component is delivered by Bath Spa University, with training sessions that are primarily remote and smoothly integrated into your school-based teacher training.

Completing a PGCE is optional. If you already have a PGCE, and only need QTS, you can opt for our QTS-only route.

The majority of our trainees choose to complete both QTS and a PGCE. 

QTS-only is £7,250, and QTS plus PGCE is £9,000. If you train on our salaried programme, these fees are fully funded.

Yes, international candidates are welcome to apply. See our guidance for international applicants for more details on qualifications and visa requirements.

1. Before you apply, make sure that your chosen route and subject are available by finding the relevant course code and checking it in DfE Apply.
2. Then, complete your application directly through DfE Apply, and we will review it within a few days. If your application meets our requirements, you will be invited to the next stage.
3. The first stage of assessment involves an interview and a teaching task (mock lesson) with two members of the United Teaching team.
   
4. After the assessment, we’ll contact you as soon as possible with the outcome. If we make you an offer, you’ll need to provide two references. We will also conduct identity and DBS checks.
5. We aim to place you in your first-choice school. If this isn't possible, we’ll work with you to find a suitable alternative. If you're flexible on location, let us know—your placement could be an opportunity to live in and explore a new area.

Need help with your application? Contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Check our map of schools to find out.

After you’ve completed the programme, you will receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE (if you opted for it). You will then transition into an Early Career Teacher (ECT) role, a two-year period where you will receive ongoing support to enhance your teaching practice.

Most of our trainees are offered a permanent position and stay in the school they trained at. 

The majority of our trainees secure a permanent teaching role at their placement school. However, job offers depend on various factors and are not guaranteed. We will support you to maximise your chances of securing a position. 

Requirements to teach abroad vary by country. Completing a PGCE will increase your options for international teaching jobs. If you only want to teach in England, QTS is sufficient. 

Teacher salaries follow the national pay scale. Starting salaries range from £31,650, with a minimum of £38,766 in inner London. View the latest pay scales.

Independent schools may not follow the national pay scale. United Learning schools pay up to 5% above the national pay scale.