Which Training Route Fits You? School-Based vs. University-Based

If you already hold a degree, there are two main postgraduate routes into teaching: school-based and university-based teacher training. Both routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), but they differ in structure, focus, and day-to-day experience.

Below, we explain the key differences to help you choose the route that best suits your strengths, learning style, and career goals.

The Essentials: What You Need to Know

Before choosing a route, ensure you meet the baseline requirements for postgraduate training in England:

Academic Requirements: A bachelor’s degree plus GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths. If you are aiming for Primary teaching, you also need a grade 4 in Science.
The 2026 Fees: Tuition fees for most postgraduate routes are now capped at £9,790 per year for full-time courses.
Financial Support: Depending on your subject (e.g., Physics, Maths, Chemistry), you may be eligible for tax-free bursaries or scholarships of up to £31,000.
Hands-on Experience: Every course includes at least 24 weeks of placement across at least two different schools.
The “Try Before You Buy” Rule: We highly recommend gaining school experience before applying to ensure the age group and environment suit you.

Route 1: School-Based Training (The “Hands-On” Approach)

On a school-based course (often referred to as a SCITT or School Direct), you are treated as a member of the staff from day one. You’ll be immersed in the school culture, attending staff meetings and training days alongside your colleagues. You will learn on the job by working alongside experienced teachers and gradually taking on more responsibility in the classroom as you complete your training.

This route is highly practical and immersive, with most of your time spent in school rather than in lectures. Training is delivered by the school or a group of partner schools, often with some academic input from an accredited provider. You will receive day-to-day support from school mentors who observe your teaching and help you develop your classroom skills.

School-based training is well-suited to those who prefer hands-on learning and want to gain confidence quickly in a real school environment.

How it works: You spend the majority of your time in one “lead” school, with a shorter placement in a second, contrasting school.
Support: You’ll have an intensive mentoring system with experienced teachers on-site to provide immediate feedback.
Qualification: All lead to QTS. Most also offer a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education), which provides Master’s-level credits, but check with the provider first.

Route 2: University-Based Training (The “Reflective” Approach)

The university-led route (the traditional PGCE) is ideal if you value a strong theoretical foundation and a gradual introduction to the classroom.

On a university-based teacher training course, you will begin by studying the theory of teaching and learning through lectures and seminars at a university. This academic study is complemented by practical placements in partner schools, where you apply what you have learned in real classroom settings.

Compared with the school-based route, you will spend less time in schools overall. However, this pathway offers a strong academic foundation and structured support throughout your training. You will be guided by experienced university tutors and benefit from learning alongside fellow trainee teachers.

How it works: You’ll spend significant time at the university campus with a cohort of other trainees, learning educational theory and subject pedagogy before heading out on blocks of school placements.
Support: You’ll have a university tutor to support your academic progress and a school mentor for your practical teaching.
Qualification: Almost always results in both QTS and a PGCE.

Which Route Should You Choose?

Choose School-Based if: You are a “hands-on” learner who feels confident entering a professional school environment immediately and wants to feel like a member of staff from day one.

Choose University-Based if: You value the “student experience,” enjoy academic research and theory, and prefer having a peer group of fellow trainees to share the journey with outside of the school gates.

Thinking about training to teach in a Catholic school? Visit a Catholic Recruitment Education Careers Fair to explore teacher training routes, including university‑based and school‑based pathways, and speak directly with schools and training providers.

👉 Find a Catholic Recruitment Fair near you
https://catholicrecruitment.co.uk/cr-fairs2026-27/