Teacher training in a school vs university

Choosing to train to teach is one thing, choosing how you train is another. There are pros and cons for each training route, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

These are the key differences between training in a school and the traditional university route.

Training routes

There are two main graduate routes into teaching.

School-led

Otherwise known as school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT), trainee teachers are based in a school and learn practically on the job. You could be a salaried trainee, self-fund your training, or receive a bursary or scholarship.

Traditional university

Students are based at a university and study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) alongside short school placements.

PGCE vs QTS: what's the difference?

Differences at a glance

 School-based teacher training

How it works

• You’re based in a school, getting practical experience in the classroom from day one
• You receive continuous support from experienced teachers who act as mentors and guide you through your training
• You gain qualified teacher status (QTS) which enables you to teach in schools in England (some providers offer an optional PGCE)
  

Immediate classroom experience

You are immersed in a school setting from day one, developing practical teaching skills throughout your training year.

Strong support network

As a part of a school from the start, you are a valued team member. You can build an established network of experienced teachers and leaders, subject specialists, and fellow trainee teachers — receiving mentorship and support every step of the way.

Adaptability

You will complete two school placements (one main school, and a three-week second contrasting school) exposing you to different settings and teaching environments, adding to your skill set and helping you become an adaptable teacher.

Academic focus

There can be less emphasis on academic theory compared to a university-led PGCE course. However, some SCITT providers (like United Teaching) also offer the option of studying a PGCE through a partnership university — so you get the benefit of practical in-school experience alongside the academic theory of a PGCE.

Intensity

The immersive nature of the programme can be intense. Some may find it challenging to be in the classroom from the start.

Traditional university PGCE

How it works

• You spend most of your time at university, learning educational theory through lectures and seminars
• You get to apply your knowledge in classroom settings through short school placements
•  You gain an internationally recognised qualification after one year

A theoretical foundation

The PGCE has a strong emphasis on educational theory and research, preparing you academically for your teaching career.

Recognised qualification

Widely recognised across the world, a PGCE can open doors to teaching opportunities abroad. Most universities also offer QTS.

Gradual introduction

The structure of the course gives a more gradual introduction to teaching, which can be less overwhelming.

Less immediate practical experience

Shorter school placements mean you are more removed from everyday school life and spend less time in the classroom initially, compared to a school-led route.

Potentially less support

Universities might offer less day-to-day support compared to the consistent mentorship provided by experienced teachers through a school-based programme.

Potentially more expensive

A university-led PGCE is a one-year, full-time programme that costs £9,250. You will likely need to take out an additional student loan to cover the cost and, depending on your circumstances, also work a part-time job alongside your studies.

This differs from the school-led route where some providers, like United Teaching, offer a salaried route so you earn while you learn, and your training (including your PGCE) is fully funded — making it a more convenient and financially feasible option for many.

Choosing the right route for you

There’s lots to consider when choosing between a school-led or university-led training route.

Your learning style

If you’re someone who learns better through doing, and you aren’t afraid to dive straight into the classroom, school-led might be the best fit. Although initially demanding, it puts you in good stead as you embark on your Early Career Teacher (ECT) years.

If you value a strong theoretical foundation, the university-led route could be more suitable.

Your preferred pace

The university route offers a more gradual introduction to teaching, with less time spent in the classroom.

Some school-based providers also offer more gradual training routes. Trainees on United Teaching’s self-funded route start on a 30% timetable of a qualified teacher, gradually building up to 70-80%.

Funding

It’s also worth considering the financial and practical aspects of training.

If you don’t want to add to your student debt, a salaried school-based programme would be a good option.

Depending on the subject you want to teach, you could also opt for a school-based self-funded route, which offers financial support for certain subjects through bursaries or scholarships. These help you fund your training and don’t need to be paid back.

Your career goals

If you want to be able to teach abroad, you’ll likely require a PGCE. As an internationally recognised qualification, it opens doors to teaching in different countries. United Teaching offers a PGCE through our partner university Bath Spa.

If you’re set on only teaching in England, qualified teacher status (QTS) is sufficient. You can achieve this on its own through a school-based QTS-only training route.

You can become a great teacher regardless of how you train and both routes, if successfully completed, lead to QTS. The most important thing is that you choose the right route for you.

Want to train to teach in a school? Find out more about our one-year training programme.