Teaching & education graduate jobs & schemes 2025

Careers in education go beyond traditional teaching roles. Here are some key areas:

Teaching Roles

• Primary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher (subject-specific)
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher
• Early Years Educator
  

Education Support & Leadership

• Teaching Assistant (TA) / Learning Support Assistant (LSA)
• Pastoral Support Officer
• School Administrator
• Education Consultant
  

Alternative Education Careers

• Private Tutor
• Educational Psychology Assistant
• EdTech Specialist (e.g., online learning platforms)
• Training & Development (corporate education)
  

Many graduates enter teacher training schemes or work in education-related sectors like policy, administration, and technology .

There are multiple paths to becoming a teacher in the UK:

✔ Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – A one-year course with school placements, required for teaching in most schools.
✔ School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) – A school-based alternative to a PGCE.
✔ Teach First – A two-year leadership-focused graduate scheme, placing trainees in schools while they train.
✔ Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship – Work-based teacher training with a salary.
✔ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Only Programmes – Some routes offer QTS without a PGCE.
✔ Researchers in Schools (RIS) – A programme for PhD graduates to enter teaching.

For nursery and early years roles , a degree in Early Childhood Studies or a Level 3 qualification (e.g., Early Years Educator) is often needed.

It depends on the subject and age group:

• Primary teaching – Any degree is accepted, but subjects like Education, English, or STEM are beneficial.
• Secondary teaching – A degree in the subject you want to teach is typically required (e.g., Maths for Maths teaching).
• Specialist roles (e.g., SEN, Early Years) may require specific qualifications.
  

If your degree is unrelated, you can take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course before teacher training.

• Communication & Presentation Skills – Essential for engaging students and explaining complex topics.
• Patience & Empathy – Understanding students' needs and supporting their development.
• Classroom Management & Leadership – Keeping lessons structured and handling behaviour.
• Adaptability & Creativity – Responding to challenges and making lessons engaging.
• Organisation & Time Management – Handling lesson planning, marking, and assessments.

Salaries depend on location, experience, and school type.

State Schools (England & Wales, 2024 figures)

• Trainee Teacher (Teach First, SCITT, PGCE with bursary): £26,000 – £30,000
• Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT / ECT Year 1): £30,000+ (£36,745+ in London)
• Experienced Teacher: £36,000 – £46,000
• Head of Department / Senior Teacher: £45,000 – £65,000
• Headteacher / Principal: £70,000 – £120,000+
  

Independent & International Schools

• Salaries vary, with some offering higher pay but different benefits (e.g., housing in international schools).
  

Private Tutoring & Alternative Routes

• Tutors can earn £20–£50 per hour , depending on experience and demand.
• Education consultants and trainers may earn £30,000 – £60,000+ .

• High demand for teachers in STEM subjects, computing, languages, and special education.
• Teach First and competitive PGCEs (e.g., Oxford, UCL) have rigorous entry processes.
• Primary school teaching can be more competitive in some regions.
• Alternative education roles (e.g., educational psychology) often require postgraduate study.

✔ Gain classroom experience – Volunteering, tutoring, or working as a Teaching Assistant helps.
✔ Develop strong subject knowledge – Especially for secondary education.
✔ Enhance your leadership & teamwork skills – Teaching involves managing groups effectively.
✔ Understand safeguarding & child protection – Many roles require DBS checks and safeguarding training.
✔ Stay informed about education trends – Read about new teaching methods, policies, and curriculum updates.