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.

11/12/20Covid-19 tests for secondary school pupils in parts of London, Kent and Essex

Mass testing will be rolled out to secondary school children in the worst-affected areas of London, Kent and Essex, the health secretary has said.

10/12/20Covid: Schools in England can close for Christmas a day early

Schools in England will be allowed to close a day early for Christmas to give teachers "a proper break" from identifying potential Covid-19 cases.

03/12/20Top teacher wins $1m and gives half away

A teacher from a village school in India, praised for improving the education of girls, has won this year's Global Teacher Prize.

30/11/20Will schools shut a week early this Christmas term over fears of Covid-19 isolating?

Will schools shut a week early this Christmas term over fears of Covid-19 isolating? Kent head teachers have their say

13/10/20Students to be given more time to prepare for 2021 exams

Exams will go ahead next summer, underpinned by contingencies for all possible scenarios.