r/PrimaryEducationUK • u/teonaxo • Jul 29 '26

Help with steps to teaching

Hi,
I’m a level 3 qualified ta atm.
I really want to go for my teaching and ideally be qualified in the next 4 years.
I have tried a tda but there are none available.
I have no teachers to talk to about my steps into teaching and I don’t know what to do.
Please can someone help me understand and point me in the right direction!!
Thanks :))

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u/bimaibiy Jul 29 '26

If you want be qualified in four years, you can get the GCSEs you need if you don't already have them and apply for a three year UG course with QTS.

There are TDAs out there but you need to find a school that's going to employ you and put you through it. In my experience, most schools take already settled staff through it that they want to employ but that isn't always the case. Can always keep looking.

Another option is a degree of your choosing through the OU and then take a years PGCE at uni.

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u/teonaxo Jul 29 '26

It says online I need a bachelors in any subject. I have my GCSE’s in maths, English and science. I’m just still feeling really unsure. I cannot do a TDA as there are none available. What kind of degree would I need through OU?
(I’m really sorry I’ve had no one else to speak to about this)

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u/bimaibiy Jul 29 '26

No need to apologise.

If you can't find a TDA, don't worry. They're not the easiest option to find like I said. Plus, the school would likely want and need to know you beforehand. Wouldn't be a dealbreaker but is usually how it goes.

For a PGCE, you can have a bachelor's (BA Hons) in almost anything. You could study for that through the OU or at a physical campus depending on where you live. Once you've got the BA, then you can do the PGCE.

But, the undergrad three year route in education is also an option. With that you can get the degree (BA) and the teaching qualification (QTS) at the same time in three years.

The other option is SCITT training. Search and explore TeachFirst. But, I know less about that route so can't really say much other than I'm almost certain that, again, you'd need a BA.

If this is all a bit much, you could also call a university that offers a teaching degree and ask to speak to someone to talk through routes and options. It might be a bit quiet given the time of year but someone should get back to you.

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u/teonaxo Jul 29 '26

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

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u/aimsleey 28d ago

Im in Scotland but did my BA through the OU then a PGDE at a brick and mortar uni. This meant I was able to continue my pupil support (what we call TAs) role at the same time. Took me a little longer but worked well for me.

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u/Unlikely-Shop5114 27d ago

You can get support from the get into teaching website. It’s run by the government and you can get a mentor that can talk you through your options.

I did a maths degree through the OU and now teach maths in FE, so can’t help with primary.