Website of the UK government

Fast-track teacher training

Shortening the time it takes for teachers to qualify from one year to six months is intended to attract talented people from other career paths.

The plan is aimed particularly at people with several years of professional experience in areas such as financial services or high tech industries.

It is hoped that targeting professionals will help to boost teacher numbers in subjects where there is traditionally a shortage, such as science and maths.

Details of the course will be finalised over the next few months, but may include:

• a short familiarisation placement in a school
  
• an initial ‘summer school’ to prepare for work
  
• a full teaching salary as soon as training is complete

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: "By cutting the initial teacher training course to six months for the most able candidates, we will make teaching a more attractive choice for experienced people who want to get into the classroom quickly but need high quality Initial Teacher Training."

Accelerate to Headship programme

A new scheme to fast-track the best teachers to leadership positions has also been announced.

The Accelerate to Headship programme will identify up to 200 outstanding teachers across the UK and fast-track them to leadership positions within four years.

Jim Knight said: "I am excited about the Accelerate to Headship programme. It will mean that people with the potential to be outstanding school leaders will have a route which allows them to make swift progress and good support in their development.

"I want to see the best possible people teaching in classrooms and running our schools. Teaching is a career for talented people and these programmes will build on the excellence already in our workforce."

• Public sector careers

• Postgraduate study: teacher training, social work, healthcare

• Student finance: teacher training courses

• Find out about Initial Teacher Training Opens new window