Why Grad2Teach?
Why Choose Grad2Teach?
Join a powerful training network
Connect with a national community of schools, mentors and fellow trainees. Learn, share and thrive together with structured support and real collaboration.
NCFE-accredited training & trainee events
Phase One includes NCFE-accredited Level 4 qualifications alongside in-person training days each term — bringing trainees together to collaborate, build confidence and sharpen practical skills.
Flexible entry, personalised path
Three start points each year and flexible Phase One placements mean you can begin when it suits you — whether you’re a recent graduate or changing careers. In Phase Two, move onto a salaried PGCE with QTS in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching and Education.
Real classroom experience
From day one you’ll be in the classroom — teaching, reflecting and improving — with experienced mentor support every step of the way.
Our Courses
Phase One Overview
Phase One is flexible by design. We recognise that some applicants arrive with extensive experience — as unqualified teachers or trained overseas — while others may have only a term’s classroom experience or strong subject knowledge.
Our approach adapts to you:
- If you’re ready to hit the ground running, we’ll fast-track your development.
- If you need a more gradual start, Phase One will ease you in before you move on to your PGCE, apprenticeship, or assessment-only route.
During Phase One, all trainees work towards NCFE-accredited Level 4 qualifications that build the knowledge and practice needed for success in teaching.
Entry Requirements
Before applying, you must have:
- An Honours degree (any subject).
- At least one term’s experience in a mainstream school (agency or direct employment, primary or secondary).
Applicants with voluntary experience may also be considered, depending on the nature of that experience.
Gaining Experience
We are proud to partner with Step Teachers, a respected education employment agency, who can help applicants secure paid classroom experience before joining the programme.
Employed PGCE with QTS
Most of our trainees progress onto the Employed PGCE with QTS, a salaried, school-based route delivered in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE). While teaching independently for at least 12 hours per week, you’ll develop your practice with expert mentoring and structured academic training. With three entry points throughout the year, Grad2Teach ensures that you and your school can choose the right time to begin your PGCE, setting you up for success. This tailored approach has contributed to our 100% pass rate.
Alternative Pathways
We understand that a PGCE isn’t the right fit for everyone. That’s why we also offer a Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship and an Assessment Only Route (AOR) — both designed to suit experienced educators who are ready to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through a different pathway.
For those with substantial prior teaching experience, schools may fast-track them directly into full-time teaching, bypassing the PGCE, provided they meet eligibility criteria and their school supports their progression.
Entry Requirements for the Employed PGCE
Before beginning your PGCE, you’ll need to hold GCSEs in English, Mathematics, and Science (grade C/4 or above) to ensure you meet the national standards for teacher training.
Assessment Only Route (AOR)
At Grad2Teach, we believe great teachers — like a good BBQ — are best developed low and slow. Most trainees spend at least one to three terms in Phase One, refining their skills before progressing to QTS. But for those with substantial experience, our Not Only Assessment pathway offers a streamlined route to qualification through the Assessment Only Route (AOR) — with added value.
We don’t just assess and certify; we support. Before AOR is triggered, trainees build their portfolio in Phase One, gaining structured training and development to ensure they’re fully prepared to demonstrate their competence. Once ready, they move onto AOR to secure Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) efficiently and confidently.
Eligibility for Assessment Only
- A relevant Honours degree in their chosen subject.
- GCSEs in English and Maths (grade C/4 or above), plus Science for Primary applicants.
- At least one term of full-time teaching experience, including planning, marking, and assessment.
This pathway is ideal for those who are ready to qualify but value the extra support to ensure long-term success in the classroom.
Meet the Team
Our Mission
At Grad2Teach, our mission is to empower aspiring educators through a transformative, salaried teacher training programme. We equip trainees with the skills, confidence and classroom experience to thrive, while nurturing a genuine passion for teaching.
Our Commitment
We go beyond conventional training with a two-phase model tailored to your experience:
- Phase One – NCFE Level 4 Qualifications
Flexible, school-based training combined with accredited qualifications that prepare you for teaching. - Phase Two – Salaried QTS Pathways
Progress into a full teaching role with a salaried PGCE with QTS (in partnership with NITE) or an Assessment-Only Route, supported by expert mentoring and CPD.
Throughout both phases, we emphasise pedagogical excellence, resilience, inclusivity, and innovative practice.
Grad2Teach – How it Works
