University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the qualification required by those wishing to teach in England and Wales state schools.

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an additional academic qualification, including QTS.

EYTS is Early Years Teacher Status, which you gain when undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Practice with EYTS.

Postgraduate teacher training

Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE)  is ideal for recent graduates and those considering a career change. The one-year course blends academic and practical learning through a combination of school or setting placements and university-based sessions.

There are two types of teacher status:

  • Early Years Teacher Status  - graduate level teaching qualification for working in an early years setting from birth - 5 years. 
  • Qualified Teacher Status - graduate level teaching qualification for working with children in primary (5 - 11 years ) or secondary (11-18 years)

Studying for either qualification, students will receive:

  • a substantial amount of school or setting-based experience
  • placements in at least two contrasting schools or settings
  • all our PGCE courses have QTS as an outcome
  • one year of study.

Teachers like us

At the Institute of Education, we are determined to ensure that children in schools see themselves represented in their teachers.  We want to make this happen and play our part in re-dressing the imbalance in the teaching profession. This means we welcome and encourage applications from candidates from under-represented backgrounds. 


"Transforming lives through education runs as a golden thread through all Initial Teacher Education programmes at the University of Reading."

- Ofsted Inspection Report, May 2024

Routes into teaching

Early Years

We offer two Early Years options for those wanting to train/qualify to work with babies and young children.

Primary

We offer a range of postgraduate primary courses with different pathways and subject specialisms.

Secondary

We offer training in a wide range of curriculum subjects, covering the 11-18 age range.

Assessment Only

Are you already an experienced teacher? 

Do you wish to gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status)? Without additional training, the Assessment Only route could be your perfect choice.

Don't have a degree but want to teach?

If you have A levels or equivalent qualifications, you can train with us to become a primary teacher and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Alternatively, study BA Education Studies or BA Children’s Development and Learning and then progress to a postgraduate teaching qualification for early years or primary.


Meet our experts

Learn in an exciting environment where you'll be challenged and supported to thrive and grow as an individual.

Teacher training events

Come to a Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education event. These events cover all routes into teaching for Early Years, Primary and Secondary Postgraduate programmes.

Read our stories

Read about the experiences of our students and the work of our academics.