Training to be a teacher

To work in a primary or secondary school as a qualified teacher you should have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

If you are a graduate, you can complete a one year Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). There are also part-time and flexible PGCE courses available.

If you are an undergraduate, you can complete a Bachelor's Degree with QTS in either 3 or 4 years or do a non-teaching degree followed by a PGCE.

For information on training to become a teacher, contact the Department for Education (DfE). They can provide information on entry requirements and on local providers.

Croydon Education Recruitment Careers Fair

Date: Saturday 28 February 2026

Time: 10am to 12pm

Place: London South Bank University, 3 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AG (5 minutes’ walk from East Croydon station)

Could you make a difference to the young people of Croydon? Interested in teaching as a profession? Considering a career in education? If so, we would love to hear from you.

In response to the challenges of appointing outstanding education staff, Croydon Education Partnership and Croydon Education Settings have been working closely on initiatives to raise Croydon's profile as the destination of choice.

At the heart of the project lies the Croydon Education Recruitment Fair which will be held in the new year. On Saturday 28 February 2026, a mix of exhibitors will gather at London South Bank University to meet potential delegates. They will discuss prospective positions and opportunities, not only within their organisations but also across the borough as a whole.

The event will feature a mix of exhibitors including:

• teacher training providers
• housing providers
• professional associations
• education settings representing the borough

Experts will be available to offer advice and tips on various aspects of teaching, such as: 

• applying to become a teacher
• securing your first teaching job
• returning to teaching
• re-training as a teacher

Additionally, there will be opportunities to explore other jobs and careers within education.

Please note that the event is free to attend.

To secure your place, email our Education Recruitment service via teacher.recruitment@croydon.gov.uk.

For more information, read the teach in schools leaflet (PDF, 220KB).

Teacher training courses

You can find courses at Croydon College, London South Bank University and John Ruskin College.

Croydon College

• Teacher training at Croydon College

London South Bank University

• L5 Certificate in Education in Further Education and Skills sector
• L6 Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Further Education and Skills sector
• L7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Further Education and Skills sector

John Ruskin College

• Teaching at John Ruskin College