Become an English teacher in FE
Become an English teacher in FE
When you teach English in FE, you can make a real difference to your students’ futures. Further Education English students are typically A-Level students aged 16-18. You will be building on what they've learned in their GCSEs and preparing them for university or the workplace.
FE colleges also support learners in retaking their exams. Colleges also deliver literacy training for those who require it while they pursue other courses.
Good English skills are vital for students. Without English qualifications, they may struggle to gain employment, start an apprenticeship, or get into university. This is a core gateway qualification that can help to unlock education or employment opportunities. Teaching functional skills in FE, like English and literacy, is a hugely rewarding career with excellent stability and benefits. Here we’ll explore the roles available and the qualifications you need to get started.
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English and communications subjects you could teach
Excellent communication skills are at the top of every employer’s wish list. If you have a degree in English or a background in journalism or communications, you are an ideal candidate for teaching English in FE.
FE English qualifications help students to articulate their ideas, improve their reading and writing, and develop the language skills they need to succeed in work, study, and everyday life.
Roles teaching English in FE include:
- Teaching GCSE and A-level English language and literature
- Teaching functional English in FE
- Teaching ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
What qualifications do you need to teach English in FE?
Most FE colleges require those teaching academic subjects like GCSEs and A-levels to have a degree (Level 6) in a relevant subject.
To work as a fully qualified academic FE teacher, you’ll also need to complete a PGCE post-16 education or a similar teaching qualification. Some FE colleges may hire you based on your industry experience and support you while you complete your teaching qualification on the job.
If your degree isn’t in the specific subject you want to teach, or if you’d like to refresh your knowledge, you may be able to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course to help you get up to scratch.
Claim a tax-free bursary of up to £10,000 while you train
English skills are essential to our workforce and the wider economy, which is why the government offers financial support to people training to teach these subjects in FE.
The government offers tax-free bursaries of up to £10,000 bursary for people training to become FE English teachers (capped at 100 places).
Beyond these incentives, a career teaching in FE offers a stable and competitive salary and a fulfilling career.