Teaching in Wales : Entry requirements

Many of the entry requirements for England apply in Wales, but the following are specific differences in initial teacher training (ITT) at university schools of education in Wales:

• The curriculum specialism option is intended to help students develop the knowledge and skills to take on a 'responsibility' role in a National Curriculum subject or other area of curricular responsibility in a primary school at both Key Stage 1 and 2. Students will therefore need a degree, or an A level at grade C or equivalent in the subjects offered.
• If you wish to teach in the secondary sector but do not have enough subject knowledge to teach the area you are interested in, you might consider a 'Prepare to Teach' taster course offering the opportunity to sample teaching whilst identifying any gaps in your subject knowledge. The courses offered are for mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, design and technology and Welsh. Contact individual course providers to check availability.
• Partnership schools involved in ITT may be located across a wide geographical area in order for trainees to gain experience of both rural and urban schools.

If you are undertaking teacher training in Wales, you are not required to sit skills tests in order to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS) or to complete your induction year. This applies even if you go on to teach outside Wales. Contact your chosen ITT provider for more information.

ITT courses are offered in HE institutions across Wales. Details are available from the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) .  

Teacher Training & Education in Wales  and Welsh Assembly Government - Education and Skills  are good sources of general information for teaching in Wales.

Language requirements

You do not have to be a Welsh speaker to undertake initial teacher training (ITT) in Wales, as there are both English and Welsh-speaking schools in Wales. However, in a Welsh-speaking school, the ability to teach through the medium of Welsh will normally be necessary. Also, if you are studying on a PGCE primary course in Wales, it is highly likely that you will be required to learn Welsh to at least a basic level, as Welsh is a core subject throughout school to Key Stage 4.

At many institutions offering secondary courses, you will probably be offered the opportunity to learn Welsh. You may, of course, also choose to undertake your ITT course through the medium of Welsh.