Can I train as an early years teacher with a third ?

[12345onceicaughtafishy]

I have an arts degree BA Hons and I achieved a third due to various circumstances at the time ( I did this as a mature student) . Previous to this was awarded two A grade A-levels although both arts subjects ( as a mature student) . I have 8 GCSES A-C, a B in English & English Lit and a C in Maths which I got at school. I then left to do an apprenticeship.

So I assume if I wanted to go into teaching, I would have to start again and do a whole degree ? I would prefer to go into teaching reception age rather than secondary, although I could teach textiles / art / design, but I assume my third would count against me for this. I'm am not completely stupid despite the third.

My sister is a secondary school teacher, but I don't want to talk to her about it as I'm just thinking it through. She loves her job and has been teaching over 10 years.

@quiop can I ask how and when you trained as when I was looking it was 2:2 but things do change and I didn’t look into all the different routes.

I recruit and train School Direct ITT PGCE trainees.

We ask for a minimum 2:2, and prefer a 2:1, but have considered a few candidates with thirds before. Crucially, these are more mature applicants who got their third a number of years ago and have since worked in area that have proved their commitment and abilities for teaching in adult life.

We have to look at academic attainment not just so teachers can cope fully with the curriculum but because ours is a PGCE qulification alongside the QTS, so we need to be sure trainees can engage with academic work at a Masters level.

There are courses that lead only to QTS, however, which might be more appropriate, and a PP has mentioned the EY teacher training.

I recommend you email / ring any providers with courses that interest you BEFORE you apply through UCAS. You can then find out whether they would consider you and won't waste applications on providers that wouldn't. I would chat you through your options even if we wouldn't interview you.

Having said all that, successful experience in school at the phase where you want to teach is going to help your application even if they are open to you applying. So that would be a priority.

It's worth mentioning that applications for teacher training are well up nationally this year (Covid), so it is quite competitive.

I teach secondary science with biology specialism and therefore what the PP above states may then well be true. I was 30 when I did my PGCE and I worked in conservation beforehand so had stayed in my field (pun not intended but has now amused my poor locked down home teaching brain). Part of my role was to give presentations to large audiences about conservation so I already knew I could hold myself quite well. I had also been an instructor for my hobby to supplement my conservation organisation wage which was a pittance but I guess I already knew how to teach to an extent. Also I enquired in person about the PGCE at a careers fair that I was at with the conservation organisation and spoke directly to one of the course directors and so I guess I must have made an impression because it was never an issue.

DS did his PGCE straight upon graduation but had spent every university summer holidays working on summer camps so it was pretty clear it was a vocation for him.

There is s teacher shortage so don't put poster off from applying. You could contact admissions and explain your other grades at A level etc more accurately show your ability level and you had extenuating circumstances which pacted your degree classification. They may ask you to set it out an application form. Before you do this get voluntary primary school experience. You may be able to get Head teacher to endorse your application. I am sure there is a way you can do this OP.

Yes absolutely you need to show that it's a career choice you have thought seriously about and know what you are getting you're in for. Although almost impossible to get hands on experience right now by going into a school it is usually a prerequisite to being accepted on the course. I went and observed for a week in an amazing girls comprehensive in southwest London and had great chars with the staff there in preparation for my application and writing my personal statement