Are you a Nigerian-trained teacher without TRCN certificate but would like to teach in England even without the TRCN?
You’re not alone.
Many educators with a bachelor s degree, postgraduate certificate in education, and strong subject expertise are eager to join schools in England.
In this guide,
You will see how to teach in England without TRCN but through alternative routes such as international qualified teacher status (iQTS), PGCE, and other pathways, even if you haven’t received a TRCN certificate.
Can You Teach in England Without a TRCN Certificate?
Many Nigerian educators question whether teaching in England without a TRCN certificate is possible.
The short answer is yes – several pathways exist to enter the UK education system without holding a TRCN qualification.
However, you must meet the specific teaching qualifications required by schools in England, such as holding a bachelor’s degree and gaining relevant teaching experience.
Understanding England Teaching Requirements for Nigerians
To teach in England, Nigerian educators must understand the key requirements:
- Teaching Qualification: You may need to be eligible to apply for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or international qualified teacher status (IQTS).
- Teacher Training: Programs like PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and other teacher training courses can help you apply for qualified teacher status QTS.
- Subject Expertise: Schools often require strong subject knowledge in areas like Maths, Physics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Languages (e.g., French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Latin).
Alternative ways to Teach in England Without TRCN Certificate
For many Nigerian educators, alternative roles serve as a valuable stepping stone into the UK education system.
Here are some pathways to consider if you want to teach in England without a TRCN certificate:
Teaching Assistant Roles: A Great Starting Point
- Gain Experience: Work as a teaching assistant to build your teaching experience and learn classroom management.
- Meet the Requirements: This role can help you later apply for jobs that require more formal qualifications.
Cover Supervisor and Classroom Support Roles
- Temporary Opportunities: These roles allow you to gain exposure to the classroom environment and network with school administrators.
- Path to QTS: They provide a platform for further professional development, increasing your chances to apply for qualified teacher status (QTS) in the future.
Private or Independent Schools: More Flexibility in Hiring
- Diverse Options: Unlike many state-funded institutions, private schools might be more flexible in their hiring practices.
- Innovative Environment: They may offer roles that allow you to specialize in teaching subjects like French, German, Italian, or even Science, Physics, Maths, Biology, and Chemistry.
Further Education (FE) Colleges and Vocational Training
- Specialized Training: FE colleges often focus on vocational subjects and provide opportunities to teach children older than those in primary or secondary schools.
- Alternative Routes: These institutions might have different criteria compared to mainstream schools, making them an ideal choice for educators seeking non-traditional pathways.
How to Qualify for Teaching in England Without TRCN Certificate
Becoming qualified to teach in England involves obtaining the right certifications and training, even if you have not secured TRCN certificate.
Do You Need a QTS – Qualified Teacher Status?
- QTS Requirement: Most schools in England require teachers to be eligible to apply for QTS.
- Qualification Process: You can gain QTS through various training programs and sometimes even by demonstrating substantial teaching experience.
Gaining QTS as a Nigerian Educator
- Direct Training: Consider enrolling in a recognized teacher training program in the UK or online.
- International Credentials: Some Nigerian educators may opt for international qualified teacher status (IQTS) if they meet the necessary criteria.
- Experience-Based Route: With a solid background, including a bachelor’s degree and practical teaching experience, you might be able to transition into a QTS pathway.
PGCE and Other Teacher Training Programs for Nigerians
- PGCE Programs: A Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a popular route that not only helps you meet the requirements for QTS but also enhances your overall teaching qualification.
- Additional Courses: Explore other accredited teacher training courses that focus on subjects such as Physics, French, German, Italian, and Japanese to boost your expertise.
Understanding iQTS
While the TRCN certificate is one way to demonstrate your credentials, you can also apply for qualified teacher status via the international qualified teacher status (iQTS) scheme.
This pathway is designed to assess your teaching qualifications and experience based on global standards, ensuring you meet the rigorous expectations of the UK government and local educational authorities.
Who can benefit from iQTS?
If you have a strong academic background, such as a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with a postgraduate certificate in education, and a proven track record in teacher training, you are an excellent candidate for iQTS.
This pathway is ideal for those with expertise in subjects like:
- Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
- Languages: Including French, German, Italian, Japanese, German, Italian, Latin, and Mandarin
Why choose iQTS for your needs?
iQTS is provided by teacher training organizations in England that partner with schools worldwide.
Along with online tutorials and lectures, you will spend at least 120 days gaining hands-on experience in a school in your own country, and you’ll receive in-person support from a qualified mentor.
The program trains you to teach students aged 5 to 11, or students aged 11 to 18 in all secondary school subjects taught in English schools.
When you complete the course, you will have the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to become an excellent teacher.
Requirements for International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS)
To be qualified to teach in England without a TRCN certificate, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
- A bachelor s degree in a relevant field.
- A maths qualification that is considered equivalent to a GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) grade 4 (C).
- For teaching pupils aged 3 to 11, you need a science qualification that is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C) standard.
Subject Expertise:
- Demonstrated knowledge in your subject area, whether it’s Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Science.
- For language subjects, proficiency in languages such as French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, or Mandarin is highly valued.
Professional Experience:
- Proven teaching experience, ideally with experience to teach children aged 5 to 18 in diverse classroom settings.
English Proficiency:
You must have excellent written and spoken English skills. To prove this, you need one of the following:
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher (or an equivalent score from another English test)
- Evidence that you have completed part of your education in English, such as a degree taught in English.
Tuition fees for iQTS
The fees for a one-year, full-time iQTS course range from £7,950 to £9,950. For more details, check the websites of the training providers.
Note that applicants for iQTS cannot get loans, bursaries, or any other financial support from the Department for Education or Student Finance England.
If you’re interested in scholarships, please contact your chosen iQTS training provider directly.
The Application Process of iQTS
Before you begin your application, thoroughly research the official guidelines, and prepare your academic transcripts, professional certificates and any documentation that evidences your teaching experience and subject expertise.
All iQTS training providers are approved by the UK government and must follow strict standards. However, they can differ in several areas, such as:
- Fees
- Placement schools and opportunities to work while you train
- Application processes and entry requirements
- The regions and countries where they offer iQTS training
Apply for Qualified Teacher Status
Even without a TRCN certificate, you can apply for qualified teacher status through the iQTS route. This involves:
- Completing the necessary application forms.
- Submitting proof of your Bachelor s degree, Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and relevant professional development.
- Providing evidence of your proficiency in the English Language if required.
Assessment and Interview
After your application, you may be asked to participate in an assessment or interview to demonstrate your teaching skills.
During this stage, your ability to deliver subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Science, and Biology will be evaluated.
This is your chance to show that you are qualified to teach and can effectively teach children aged 5 to 18.
Securing a Teaching Job
Once you have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or obtained iQTS, start applying for teaching jobs in schools in England.
Highlight your diverse subject expertise, whether it’s in Physics, French, German, Italian, or Maths, in your CV and cover letter.
Be sure to emphasize your commitment to the UK Government’s standards and your readiness to contribute to the classroom.
iQTS Training Providers
The following providers accept applications from all over the world:
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE), part of the Coventry University Group
- Tes Institute – (Note: This provider does not accept applications from Hong Kong)
- University of Buckingham
- University of Derby
- University of Sunderland
- University of Warwick
- University of the West of England
The following providers specialize in specific regions:
- Liverpool John Moores University – accepting applications from the Middle East and North Africa
- St Mary’s University
- University of Birmingham (Dubai) – offers in-person training only in Dubai, so applicants must live within commuting distance of the Dubai campus
- University of Chichester
- University of Northampton
- University of Portsmouth
Final Thoughts on Teach in England without TRCN Certificate
Teaching in England without a TRCN certificate is entirely possible through alternative pathways like international qualified teacher status (iQTS).
By ensuring you meet the necessary academic and professional criteria, you can apply for qualified teacher status and secure a rewarding career in England’s vibrant education system.
Whether you specialize in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics French, German, Italian, or any combination of Science, there is a place for you in the classroom.
Embrace this opportunity to join the ranks of dedicated educators who inspire and empower students across England.
With careful preparation and determination, your journey to becoming a qualified teacher in one of the world’s most respected education systems is within reach.
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