To be able to teach in the state sector you must have qualified teacher status (QTS) which can be gained by completing an initial teacher training (ITT) course or programme. As a basic rule, in order to teach you need to be a graduate in the same or a related subject to the one you intend to teach. In addition, all teachers must have a minimum of Grade C at GCSE in both English and Maths.

The Bachelor of Education (BEd), as an undergraduate degree, is probably the fastest way to achieve QTS, although it is typically aimed towards primary teaching covering a range of subjects rather than one particular specialism.Perhaps the most popular route into teaching is through the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). This is a full-time one year course (although it can be taken part-time over 2 years) leading to QTS that combines subject and professional study with practical teaching experience. This route is most popular for secondary teaching, but there are some places at the primary level. There is also a two year conversion course available for those interested in teaching a subject different to their degree This currently only covers shortage subject areas at the secondary level such as maths, IT, sciences and modern languages.

The School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) scheme enables you to gain QTS through training in a school setting. The course lasts for a year and combines theory and practice, involving a significant amount of classroom work and usually leads to a PGCE qualification. The Graduate Teacher Training Registry is the central clearing agency that handles all PGCE applications and should be contacted to obtain the relevant forms and explanatory information.There are alternative programmes which enable prospective teachers to combine employment as a teacher with training leading to QTS. Candidates have to be at least 24 years old and, prior to applying, must first find employment in a school prepared to offer training.

The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) normally lasts for one year and is for individuals who have already graduated in a subject relevant to that which they propose to teach.

The Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) is for those with two years' higher education who can then study for a degree at the same time as undertaking their teacher training, with QTS only being awarded on completion of their degree studies.