According to official reports, secondary schools constantly struggle to find enough teachers to support the education of the high number of students coming up from primary.
There has been a steady ratio decline between the number of teachers and students over the years due to the teachers leaving education and the number of people wanting to commence their careers in the education sector. Pre-COVID, the Department of Education (DfE) reported that only 85% of roles were filled in the secondary sector. Unless strategic plans are in place, secondary education faces even more of an issue further afield; with the 2020-2021 lockdown baby boom, an even greater problem is coming long term.
In July 2022, the government announced pay raises for teachers to help retain current teachers and attract new teachers to the industry, and offered an extra incentive of up to £9k for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers over three years to fill roles in disadvantaged areas.
If you enjoy working with adolescents and young adults, and you have toyed with the idea of becoming a secondary teacher, the best time to do so is NOW. Here’s what you need to know:
Description
Secondary teachers work with teenage students between 11 and 18 years and often specialise in subjects like mathematics, science or foreign languages. They prepare lessons, activities and assessments to engage and motivate students to learn more and understand core topics. Secondary teachers focus on a specific subject area.
The average starting salary for a teacher is £20k, and for STEM related subjects in specific areas of the country, an extra £9k incentives (spread over three years).
Skills and knowledge
Effective teachers possess a range of hard and soft skills that are essential for success, including:
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Organisational skills and good time management
• Technical skills and subject knowledge
• Administration skills
Qualifications
There are several requirements you need to meet prior to entering the profession and depending on your qualifications which route you take.
You can get into this job through:
1. A university course
You can do an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) or complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
Entry requirements::
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• A degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
2. An apprenticeship
You can do a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, if you have a degree.
Entry requirements: :
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
• A degree for a teaching apprenticeship
3. Work experience
You could start as a teaching assistant or learning mentor and do a part-time degree. You could then move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher. You could also volunteer to get some experience of working with young people though this isn’t essential.
For more information about how to become a secondary teacher, please visit the government website.:
If you think the career in education may be something for you, please get in touch with our experienced team who will give you more information on how to gain work experience, become a secondary teacher and discuss current job opportunities within your area. Please call us on 0203 011 0044 or send us your CV via website.