Find the answers to the common concerns and questions raised by returning teachers.
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I have been out of teaching for many years. Am I too old to return to the classroom?
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No. There is no age limit for returning teachers, and many head teachers value the life experience that older members of staff bring.
Equalities legislation protects individuals against age discrimination in employment, therefore nobody can be turned down on the grounds of age alone.
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What qualifications do I need to return to teaching?
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In order to teach within a state-maintained school in England you must hold qualified teacher status (QTS) that is recognised in England.
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Will there be any help for other teachers who are not maths, chemistry or physics trained?
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Yes. Teachers who do not have an initial teacher training (ITT) specialism in maths, chemistry or physics may be eligible for the post-ITT subject knowledge enhancement courses
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Do I need to undertake training in order to return to teaching?
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No. There is no statutory requirement to complete training before you return to teaching and thousands of teachers successfully return to the profession each year without undertaking any formal training.
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What support is available to help me return to teaching and how can I access it?
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Our website contains useful information about how you can plan your return to the teaching profession. You can also call 0800 085 0971 to speak to one of our advisers.
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Why have Return to Teaching courses ceased?
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Return to Teaching courses previously provided by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) have now ceased. These courses provided a general reintroduction to teaching for qualified teachers who had not taught in a maintained sector school for over 12 months. These courses have ceased as our current priority is to support the introduction of the English Baccalaureate by ensuring that secondary schools have enough specialist science teachers to meet their needs. Returners have an important part to play and many need specialist subject knowledge-based training to help them make a successful return to the classroom.
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