If you're considering teacher training, two qualifications you'll hear about most often are QTS and PGCE. Here's what they mean and how they differ.
QTS
What is QTS?
QTS stands for Qualified Teacher Status. It confirms you’ve met the government’s Teachers’ Standards and are legally qualified to teach in England or Wales.
Why should you get it?
QTS is legally required for teaching in maintained and special schools in England (and Wales if you qualify there). Independent schools are not always required to employ teachers with QTS, but many prefer it. Academies and free schools currently don’t have to appoint teachers with QTS, but this is changing.
QTS is increasingly preferred and often essential for career progression and salary advancement.
Upcoming change from September 2026
The government plans to require all new teachers in state-funded schools, including academies, to hold or be working towards QTS from 1 September 2026.
How do you get it?
To gain QTS, trainees must demonstrate that they meet the Teachers’ Standards through a combination of:
- School-based training
- Classroom observation
- Professional development and written evidence
Most training providers offer a structured programme lasting nine months to a year, culminating in the award of QTS upon successful completion.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
To train as a teacher, you will typically need:
- An undergraduate degree
- GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent, in English and Maths
- For primary teaching, a grade 4/C in Science is also required
How is it different to PGCE?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) confirms you've met the government's Teachers' Standards and a legally qualified to teach in England or Wales. QTS is a professional qualification that places trainees in the classroom from day one, combining hands-on teaching experience with sessions grounded in research and educational theory.
A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) includes university-led sessions and written assignments, which is why many routes combine QTS with a PGCE.
Can you study for QTS without PGCE?
Yes! QTS alone legally qualifies you to teach in England and Wales. At United Teaching, the PGCE is optional, but most trainees opt for it because it adds academic depth and is recognised internationally.
However, completing a PGCE with QTS means extra time commitments to attend webinars, and assignments, so if you’re short on time, a QTS-only route could be the right choice.
A QTS-only pathway may suit you if you:
- Already have a solid academic background in education.
- Want the most direct route into teaching.
- Prefer to avoid academic assignments during your training.
- Would like to dedicate you time and energy to classroom practice, focusing on developing practical skills and effective teaching techniques
On a QTS-only pathway, trainees will still engage with academic research and critically evaluate the evidence-based which underpins approaches to teaching, curriculum and behaviour management.
PGCE
What is PGCE?
PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education and is an academic qualification that complements QTS. It’s not required to teach in England, but it offers:
- A deeper understanding of educational theory, research, and the best teaching practices.
- International recognition.
- Credits towards a Master's degree (if you complete your PGCE through United Teaching, you'll get 60 credits, a third of the 180 credits typically needed for a full Master's in Education).
How do you get it?
Many school-led courses (like United Teaching) also offer the option of gaining your PGCE alongside QTS. United Teaching work in partnership with Bath Spa University to provide the PGCE course, but your time is still spent primarily in a school.
On a school led route trainees usually:
- Work towards QTS through school placement
- Complete two Master's level assignments of around 4,000 words each
- Receive university-led training in sessions across the year
The school placements you complete during your QTS qualification provide a solid foundation of practical knowledge and experience, equipping you to confidently approach your PGCE assignments. Likewise, the insights gained through research and written work in your PGCE can be applied directly to enhance your teaching practice during QTS placements.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
Entry requirements can vary by training provider, but most teacher training providers require:
- A 2:2 degree or above. If you’re teaching secondary, your degree should be in the subject you want to teach.
- GCSEs of grade 4/C or above in maths and English. If you want to teach primary, you’ll also need at least a 4/C in science.
Universities and other training providers may have their own requirements.
How is it different to QTS?
The PGCE doesn’t qualify you to teach on its own, so you’ll normally complete it with QTS if you want to work as a qualified teacher.
The PGCE is an extra qualification, but one that really grounds you in the theory of education and allows you to engage with the latest research. It’s proof that you have a solid academic foundation of knowledge upon which to base your teaching practice.
At the end of the QTS and PGCE:
- United Teaching will recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to the Department for Education (DfE).
- The DfE will then award you QTS.
- Bath Spa University will award your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Typically, QTS and PGCE are awarded together upon successful completion of the programme. Once you have met the requirements for QTS, United Teaching will make the recommendation to the DfE, who will confirm the qualification. Similarly, upon completing the PGCE requirements, Bath Spa University will issue your PGCE certificate.
Cost and funding
Studying for QTS only typically costs £7,250, or around two-third of the combined fee for QTS and PGCE, which is £9,250.
At United Teaching, you can choose to apply for these routes:
- Salaried route - we cover your fees, and you'll earn an unqualified teacher's salary during your training year. Find out more about teacher pay scales.
- Self-funded route - receive financial support by applying for a bursary or scholarship.
Find out more about teacher training funding options.
Need further advice?
Join our weekly live webinar to:
- Get answers to your questions about QTS and PGCE
- Explore salaried and funded training routes
- Understand what to expect during your training year
- Receive tailored advice based on your degree subject or experience
You don't need to decide on your route before applying. Many candidates attend a webinar first to explore their options.
Sign up for our next session and bring your questions!
Further resources
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