Get Into Teaching

Do you want to get into teaching or develop your career as an educator?

Whether you’re ready to start your career in teaching, looking to further develop your practice or even just curious about the world of teaching, we have a pathway for you.

We have been preparing the next generation of teachers for many years and all our tutors are very experienced and skilled in sharing their knowledge and experience with their students. And, as part of your course, we’ll help to arrange a teaching placement with you.

We offer a flexible range of study options including full-time and part-time teaching courses at New City college.

You will benefit from small class sizes, 1:1 support and a mix with people with varied backgrounds and experience on your course.

Our courses integrate professional practice and exposure to help prepare you for classrooms of the future.

Teaching and Further Development

Explore our Education and Teacher Training courses at New City College.

Teaching Assistants

View our range of courses for Supporting Teaching and Learning.

We are really proud to work with the newly-formed NCC Teaching and Learning lab, which is leading in solution focused research, practice, learning & development​.

By taking a teacher training course at NCC you will be supported by teachers who are part of innovative projects linking educational research with new approaches in their own classrooms.

Find out more about The Teaching and Learning Lab and read blogs from our experts in education below.

Careers & Salaries

Careers in education and teacher training include:

Your Questions Answered

Thank you to everyone that joined our Get Into Teaching: Live Event!

Below are the answers to some of your questions from the evening. We will continue to update these but in the meantime, if you have any further questions please call our friendly advisors on 0330 135 9000 or email info@ncclondon.ac.uk.

  • Do I have to start from a Level 1 qualification to qualify for a Teaching Assistant role?

    The Level 1 course is appropriate for those who don’t have experience in working in primary schools and would like to learn more about the teaching assistant role. If you are already working in a school, even as a midday assistant, you can start from the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course.  

  • I Have a NVQ in Activity Leadership, how can I progress into teaching PE and school Sport courses?

    You will have to complete at least a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport to be able to work in a school. If you would like to become a PE teacher, you will need to complete a relevant degree and then follow one of the teaching training routes.  

  • Is the Further Education teaching pathway ideal for those wanting to teach A Levels?

    It is certainly one way of becoming an A level teacher, as some further education colleges (like New City College) have A level provision. Some people choose to do a secondary PGCE which means they are also qualified to teach in schools with 6th forms, and in 6th form colleges which are slightly different. Come to one of our open events and we can talk through your options. 

  • I'm not sure whether it's best to study the secondary school specific PGCE or the FE PGCE?

    If you want to work with learners aged 14+ in colleges like ours, and have the chance to teach adults as well as young people who have just left school then the FE PGCE gives you a wide range of options. However, if you want to keep your options open to work in schools as well then consider the secondary PGCE. You are qualified to work in FE colleges with a secondary PGCE. You are not qualified to work in schools with an FE PGCE, although there may be some exceptions (e.g. academy trusts) 

  • Most FE PGCEs don't come with qualified teaching status, how does that impact employment?

    You are fully qualified to work in FE without QTS. There is a further education version of QTS called QTLS accredited through the Society for Education and Training (SET). At New City College we support our staff to gain QTLS. 

  • I want to teach but I do not have a Maths GCSE. What would be your advice?

    Having GCSE maths is not essential to take our teacher training courses, but it is essential for getting QTLS once you complete the course, and also for some of the bursary funding that is available, so you should certainly take your GCSE at some point. In the meantime, come and talk to us about the Multiply courses which can help you with number skills for your career path, as well as about the best teacher training course for you. 

  • Are the teaching courses run in the evening or weekends?

    Our Level 3 Award in Education and Training course runs one morning a week or one evening a week. Our Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training course runs one evening a week

    We do not currently run any weekend courses, although we are considering this.

  • I have level 3 childcare and 2 years experience in nursery what would you advise are my next steps to teaching.

    If you would you like to become a primary school teacher, you can apply for our L5 Foundation Degree in Education Studies for teaching assistants. You can then progress to our L6 BA in Education and Professional Practice top up. This would give you a full BA and will help you to apply for any of the available teaching routes. 

  • I enjoy the settings of FE colleges but I'm not sure whether its best to do the secondary PGCE or the FE one?

    If you want to work with learners aged 14+ in colleges like ours and have the chance to teach adults as well as young people who have just left school, then the FE PGCE gives you a wide range of options. However, if you want to keep your options open to work in schools as well then consider the secondary PGCE. You are qualified to work in FE colleges with a secondary PGCE. You are not qualified to work in schools with an FE PGCE, although there may be some exceptions (e.g. academy trusts) 

  • I have worked with children in year 3 for a year whilst doing my GCSE English this year. Can I start with my degree in September?

    Yes, you can apply for the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education Studies for Teaching Assistants. Please look at our website or come to our Open Event to help you with your application. 

  • I have already had an MBA (HR) and 10 years of work experience in India, how can I get into teaching in college in UK ?

    Come and talk to us, we will be able to help you with this. You will have to NARIC your MBA to find the equivalent course here in the UK and you will need your GCSE English and Maths or equivalent. You can then apply for the Level 7 PGCE or the Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. 

  • I have both level 2 and 3 supporting teaching and learning which I completed last year, I also did 1 year voluntary work in a primary school. Am currently doing my GCSE English as I want to be a primary school teacher. Can I start the foundation course this September?

    Yes, you can apply for the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education Studies for Teaching Assistants. Please look at our website or come to our Open Event to help you with your application. 

  • I want to work in nursery .What courses I need to do ?

    A Level 2 or Level 3 course in Early Years and Childcare. Please look at our website to find out more about our Childcare courses. 

  • What do you do in the PGCE course?

    The PGCE course combines theory and practice. You will be in college for 2 days per week where you will become aware of the main learning and teaching theories, of assessment principles and the importance of differentiated learning. You will also be 2 days in placement where you will shadow experienced teachers and start teaching your own classes. For further information, please look at our website.  

  • I have level 3 NVQ in health & social care and am currently working as a mid day supervisor in a primary school but I want to get into teaching. what route can I take?

    You can apply for our Level 5 Foundation Degree in Education Studies for Teaching Assistants. It would be good to start working as a teaching assistant to develop your knowledge and skills. 

  • What financial help we can get for PGCE?

    You will be able to apply for student loan. If you are eligible, the loan can cover your course fees and you might be able to get a maintenance loan depending on your circumstances. You might be able to receive a bursary, but it depends on your subject area and qualifications.  

  • Do we need teaching experience before doing the PGCE?

    No, the PGCE is for those who don’t have any experience. We will help you develop your teaching practice during the course.  

  • Do you need references to prove experience in coaching for a level 3 PE and school sport 16-18 course?

    Yes, we would like to see prove of your coaching experience.  

  • I’m doing A Levels but want to into secondary school teacher what’s the best route?

    You will have to complete a degree in your subject area and then complete your PGCE for secondary. This would help you to become qualified teacher and work in secondary schools.  

  • What is the difference between the foundation course and QTS?

    The Foundation degree is the first two years of a degree while QTS is the qualified teacher status. You first need to gain a full degree in education, then complete your teaching training year and then you will gain your qualified teacher status.  

  • I have both an MA and BA in History. Is it possible to go into A Level teaching with the MA as it is level 7 or is it recommended to get a specific teaching qualification alongside?

    It is recommended to get a specific teaching qualification. You will need to be considered qualified teacher to be able to teach A Levels.