What qualifications do you need to be a teacher in London?
To become a teacher in London, you typically need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a relevant degree, and an enhanced DBS check. Some routes, such as PGCE or School Direct, allow you to gain QTS while training.
Key Requirements to Teach in London: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) / Bachelor’s degree / Enhanced DBS check / Right to work in the UK.
Requirements may vary slightly between state schools, academies, and private schools in London.
Core Requirements
Most teaching roles in London require:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
This is the main certification needed to teach in state schools across England. - A Bachelor’s Degree
Usually in education or a subject relevant to what you want to teach. - Enhanced DBS Check
A criminal record check to ensure you are suitable to work with children.
Common Routes to Becoming a Teacher
There are several ways to gain QTS:
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – the most popular route
- School Direct – train within a school environment
- Teach First – leadership-focused training programme
- Undergraduate Education Degree – for primary teaching
Demand for Teachers in London
London schools consistently face high demand for teachers, particularly in primary education across KS1 and KS2, as well as in SEN (Special Educational Needs) roles and key secondary subjects such as Maths, Science, and English. Ongoing recruitment challenges and a growing pupil population mean that opportunities are widely available, making London one of the best locations in the UK to secure a teaching job quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes — many schools actively recruit international teachers.
You may need:
- QTS recognition or assessment
- Proof of qualifications
- Right to work in the UK
To become a teacher in London, you need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a relevant degree, and an enhanced DBS check. Some routes, such as PGCE or School Direct, allow you to gain QTS while training.
Most state schools in London require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). However, some academies and private schools may hire unqualified teachers if they have relevant experience or are working towards QTS.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a certification that allows you to teach in state schools in England. You can gain QTS through routes such as a PGCE, School Direct, Teach First, or an undergraduate education degree.
In most cases, you need a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher in London, especially for state schools. Some support roles or training pathways may not require a degree initially, but progression to teaching usually does.
Yes, overseas teachers can work in London, but they may need to have their qualifications recognised and obtain the right to work in the UK. Some may also need to apply for QTS depending on their qualifications and experience.
It typically takes one year to complete a PGCE or School Direct programme if you already have a degree. Undergraduate teaching degrees usually take three to four years.
An Enhanced DBS check is a background check that ensures you are suitable to work with children. It is a legal requirement for anyone working in schools in London and across the UK.
Yes, there are flexible routes such as School Direct and Teach First, which allow you to train while working in a school. These options are popular for career changers.
Yes, many London schools experience teacher shortages, particularly in primary education, SEN, and core secondary subjects like Maths and Science. This creates strong job opportunities for qualified teachers.