How to become a teacher - what you need to know

If we have learnt anything from Matilda’s Miss Honey or Mr Keating from Dead Poets Society, it’s that teachers can have a big impact on their students’ lives. Whether you are heading to university or tired of your desk job, you can train to become a teacher and pursue a more fulfilling and active career.

Before sending off your UCAS application, though, make sure this is the right career for you. Shadow classes in a variety of schools or volunteer as a classroom assistant.

If you thrive in the buzz of the classroom, you may want to (re)train to be a teacher. There are numerous paths available, depending on your existing experience and qualifications, so we have created a guide on everything you need to know - including comment from those in the field.

20/05/19Kent's best and worst secondary schools based on 2018 GCSE results

Statistics from the Department for Education show how well schools in Kent performed in last year's exams

14/05/19Family jumps to defence of Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate after child escapes under gate

The child was quickly returned to the school and is now safe and well

10/05/19Shrinking break times in English schools 'impacting social skills'

Afternoon break virtually eliminated and older pupils losing over an hour a week, finds study

07/05/19Don't blame teachers for letting down excluded pupils - blame ministers | Gaby Hinsliff

Something is going very wrong for vulnerable kids – but is the school to blame? Schools should be accountable for exclusions, but so should the ministers who have cut vital services

03/05/19Hinds asks heads how to solve special-needs budget squeeze

Schools are facing "knock-on pressure" as demand for special-needs support rises, England's Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, is expected to admit to head teachers later.