How to become an A Level teacher

Becoming an A-Level teacher is a fantastic challenge for existing teachers who are looking to sink their teeth into teaching at a higher level. Many prospective teachers also start out as an A-Level teacher, drawn to this rank of teaching because of the effect it allows to have on young adults about to begin their adult lives, and possibly because their specialist area is not available to teach at GCSE. (For example, Film Studies.)

What is an A-Level teacher?

A-Level teachers are a type of Further Education (FE) teacher. A-Level teachers teach students over the age of 16 in colleges and sixth forms (and less commonly in community centres, prisons, and the armed forces) in academic subjects for the award of A-Levels. Other types of Further Education teachers award BTECs in vocational subjects, or diplomas.

What does an A-Level teacher do?

A-Level teachers deliver lessons through a variety of seminars, tutorials, and demonstrations – depending on the subject. The teachers are tasked with:

• Planning and preparing lessons
• Setting and marking assignments
• Assessing students’ progress
• Developing teaching materials
• Keeping records
• Supervising practical work and field trips

Teachers may work full-time or part-time, in day or evening courses.

How do I become an A-Level teacher?

To teach at A-Level, you will be expected to already hold a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in the subject area you wish to teach, although employers are free to set their own entry requirements.

You can become an A-Level teacher without a teaching qualification, although you may be expected to study for one, and you’ll increase your chances of finding a job if you have a relevant qualification.

Some available qualifications are:

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training: an introductory, knowledge-based course, which doesn’t have a placement and you can complete before being in a teaching role.
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: develops practical teaching skills and requires you to have at least 30 hours of teaching practice.
• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training: this is the recognised, full teaching qualification for the sector and you must have at least 100 hours of teaching practice. You can choose to take a specialist pathway at this level in literacy, ESOL, mathematics or special educational needs (SEN).

The most usual route into the profession for graduates, however, is to study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE incorporates the requirements of the Level 5 diploma and offer additional units at a higher level (the Engage Teacher Training Programme is at Level 7).

Take the first step

If you have an undergraduate degree and the passion to teach, you can enrol on the Teacher Training Programme today. We have intake sessions throughout the year, so you’ll never have long to wait before we can get you in the classroom!

When you fill out an application form to enrol on the Engage Teacher Training Programme, you’re taking your first step on your journey towards becoming a teacher. Exciting, isn’t it?

Still got questions? Email the teacher training team at pgce@engage-education.com.