How to get the work experience you need to teach in a primary or secondary school

Training providers want to know that you have the skills and motivation to teach. You will usually be required to show you have classroom experience with children of the relevant age, preferably in a primary or secondary school environment.

Why do I need experience to get onto a teacher training course?

Getting classroom experience will help you find out if teaching is the right career for you and will also help you to perform well in the recruitment process. You will find it easier to answer questions at the teacher training interview if you have real-life experience of what happens in the classroom. Schools should be able to give you the opportunity to observe classroom teaching and pastoral work. Some providers may stipulate the type of classroom experience they prefer, but it is always worth checking to get an up-to-date understanding of what is required.

If you are applying later in the recruitment cycle and you're not able to get some experience quickly, don't delay sending your application but state in the application that you have experience arranged in the near future.

How do I approach primary and secondary schools to get experience?

Use your contacts through family and friends. You can also contact schools directly to ask for work experience or to observe classes and shadow teachers. Research where you could apply at Get Information about Schools .

You may be required to obtain a DBS check.

What other ways are there to get the experience I need to teach?

Many students want to get some form of experience in schools, and it may take time to arrange, so try to plan in advance. Although you can approach schools speculatively (for example by writing to a local school asking for experience), there are also a number of formal schemes which can help:

• Get School Experience service (England only) : This is a programme for students and graduates interested in gaining experience in the classroom. School placements that range from one day to three weeks are available in all subjects (at secondary and primary levels) to those planning to apply for teacher training courses in the current cycle. You can apply online for the Get School Experience service.
• Paid teaching internship programme (England only) : This programme offers a three-week internship in a school paying £425 per week in June/July. It is only available in certain subjects, which are chemistry, computing, maths, physics and languages in 2025.
• Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS) : If you are a mathematics, science, technology or engineering undergraduate, your university department may offer a classroom-based module. This would involve spending 3-4 hours per week working in school for around ten weeks. You will get credit that counts towards your degree while also gaining valuable classroom experience. See the UAS website for further information.
• STEM ambassadors : It may also be possible for students of mathematics, science, technology or engineering to become STEM ambassadors . This involves enthusing school students about these subjects and the careers they open up.
• Taster courses and open days : These are organised by schools, universities and others (such as Teach First) to provide an insight into teaching and teacher training. Taster courses tend to be targeted at shortage subjects, such as STEM or languages, or candidates from under-represented groups.
• Paid work : You may be able to obtain paid work in schools as a cover supervisor, teaching assistant, laboratory technician or learning mentor, for example. These posts are usually advertised on local authority websites or through recruitment agencies.
• Voluntary work : Most local authorities run schemes for voluntary mentors to work with pupils on a one-to-one basis. Contact your local authority for more information. Many universities also work closely with local schools to encourage pupils to consider higher education. They should also be able to signpost you to charities offering volunteering opportunities with school-aged children and young people.

For advice on alternative ways to gain experience for teacher training, take a look at our article becoming a mentor .

Tips for experience in primary and secondary schools

• Keep a diary of any classroom experience you undertake. This will be invaluable when it comes to writing your applications or preparing for interviews. Record the key skills you have gained, such as communication, leadership, presenting and organisational skills.
• Write notes about anything that you observe or experience. For example, if a lesson did not work, think about how you would do it differently.
• Reflect on your observations of how teachers undertake classroom control, use different teaching styles and incorporate technology effectively into lessons.

Written by Cathy Taylor, University of West London, July 2024

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