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Education & Teaching

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” (Malala)

What's education and teaching?

📚 What is the education sector?

It’s all about helping people learn, from nursery kids to uni students and beyond. Educators work in schools, colleges and universities, helping students learn, find their passions and prep for the future.

👨🏽‍🏫 And what about teaching jobs?

Teaching isn’t just about classes and exams – it's about inspiring students and helping them explore new ideas. And it’s not all teachers – there are tons of roles to keep everything running smoothly.

❓ What's the difference between primary and secondary teaching?

Primary teachers handle everything for children aged 5-11, helping them build the basics. Secondary teachers focus on specific subjects for older students, getting them ready for those all-important GCSEs and A-levels/equivalent.

👶 How about early years education?

Early years education focuses on children aged 0-5. It’s play-based learning that builds social skills and gets kids ready for primary school. Think of it as learning through fun!

Need more info? Ask an Apprentice

Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.

What jobs can I do?

Administrator

Admins keep schools or unis ticking over. They manage records, sort out timetables and keep everything organised so that the focus stays on teaching.

Careers advisor

They help you figure out what job suits you best, showing you the routes to get there. Careers advisors help people identify their strengths and match them with career paths.

Headteacher

Headteachers set the direction, manage the team and make sure everything’s working well – from the lessons to the budgets.

Nursery assistant

Nursery assistants help with playtime, learning activities, and taking care of little ones in their early years. It’s all about giving them the best start in life.

Nursery teacher

They plan activities that help kids develop essential skills before they start school. They keep things fun and help youngsters discover the world.

Teaching assistant

Teaching assistants support teachers in the classroom. They might work with students who need extra help, either one-on-one or in small groups.

Teacher

Teachers do more than teach – they plan lessons, mark work and help students grow. Secondary teachers usually specialise in subjects, while primary teachers cover a bit of everything.

Tutor

Tutors work outside of school hours, offering private lessons to help students ace their exams or improve in specific subjects.

University lecturer

Lecturers are experts in their fields, teaching degree and postgrad students. They often do research alongside their teaching, so they’re always pushing the boundaries of their subject.

What are the top skills?

💬 Communication

You’ve got to explain things clearly and keep students engaged. Good communication makes it easier to build a positive vibe in the classroom.

🦁 Confidence

Confidence helps you lead the class, keep students’ attention and handle any tricky situations that come your way.

📋 Organisation

Teachers juggle lesson plans, marking and loads of admin, so staying organised is crucial to keeping on top of it all.

😊 People skills

Being good with people helps you connect with students, colleagues, and parents. It’s all about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels heard and understood.

😎 Patience

Different students learn at different speeds, so patience is key to helping everyone succeed.

How can I start a career in education and teaching?

🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?

You can start with options like the level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship or the early years educator apprenticeship. They’re a great way to get hands-on experience and qualifications while you earn and learn.

🎓 Is uni an option?

Yes, uni is definitely an option. Degrees in education studies or a subject you love, followed by a PGCE, can get you into teaching. You could also check out training programmes like.

🤔 Can I become a teacher even if I didn't do a PGCE?

Yes, you can! Some programmes like School Direct and Teach First let you train while you teach, so you can earn while you learn and still get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

↗️ What are the possibilities for professional development?

You can move up the ladder to roles like head of department or headteacher. Plus, there are loads of training courses to keep your skills fresh.

⭐ How can I stand out?

Get some experience by tutoring or volunteering, focus on your subject strengths and build skills like managing a classroom and planning creative lessons.

What qualifications can I get?

What degree options do I have?

If you want to be a teacher, you could study for a PGCE focusing on primary education or secondary education alongside your favourite subject.

What qualifications can I get through an education apprenticeship?

Through apprenticeships, you can get qualifications like NVQs or diplomas in your chosen field and even progress to higher levels as you gain experience.

5 fun facts you didn’t know

Free school meals are over a century old!

The UK's free school meals started in 1906. It was a big step towards making sure kids got a healthy start.

Oxford is the oldest uni in the English-speaking world

It was founded in the 12th century – and has produced over 120 Nobel Prize winners!

The oldest school is in China

Chengdu Shishi High School in China has been around since 143 BC, making it the world’s oldest school!

Wolverine was a teacher

Before playing Wolverine, Hugh Jackman taught PE at a boarding school in the UK. Bet he was a pretty cool teacher!

You can get £27K to train

You can get up to £27,000 in bursaries if you’re training to teach certain subjects. It’s a great boost to help you get qualified.

Need more info? Ask an Apprentice

Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.