What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Teacher?

Being a teacher is a rewarding career, but it can also be very demanding. For some, teaching and working with students comes naturally, for others, they must work hard to develop the proper skills to teach effectively. As a career teacher, you have the opportunity of shaping the futures of generations and society. 

Perhaps the greatest reward is being able to watch students grow from one level of learning to another level with full understanding. As a teacher, you have the high calling of helping students advance academically while helping them develop socially and developmentally during their time in your class. 

There are many pathways to becoming qualified to teach. Let’s take some time to look at the specific requirements and the A Levels you’ll need for a teaching career.

Essential A Levels for Teachers

Universities have different entry requirements for teachers. Most will require A Level courses or something equivalent. A Level grade requirements include an average BCC grade minimum. 

Here are our recommended A Levels for aspiring teachers.

A Level Maths

Core subjects are great options for teachers, especially those who plan on teaching in elementary grades, where they may need to teach multiple subjects. A Level Maths will ensure the teacher has the skills required for related tasks such as calculating grades. It also covers higher maths, ensuring the teacher is capable of teaching maths in the classroom as needed.

A Level English Language and Literature (Essay Courses)

Any of the A Level English courses will be beneficial for teachers. As a core subject, there may be times when a teacher must teach English to their students. For those planning on focusing on teaching higher grade levels, A Level English provides a foundation of skills and knowledge.

A Level Psychology

No matter what grade level or subject a teacher chooses as part of their educational path, they will work directly with students. A Level Psychology equips the educator with the skills needed to understand how students think, feel, and process information at various stages of their growth. It also helps teachers learn how to communicate effectively, offer emotional support, and build rapport with their students, parents, and other educators.

A Level History

Students will learn local and world history as they progress throughout the grades. A Level History will provide teachers with a strong foundation, equipping them to instruct students at various grade levels.

Optional A Levels for Teachers

A Level Biology

Learning science topics is an essential part of teaching students, especially in the lower grades. A Level biology provides foundational information that is key to understanding key concepts in life sciences.

A Level Physical Education

Understanding how the body works can be helpful for teachers, especially if they take an active, hands-on approach to teaching. It’s helpful for teachers to understand what their students should be capable of based on their age and developmental progress. A Level Physical Education helps teachers, especially if they decide to add coaching or PE to their career path.

A Level Sociology

Taking A Level Sociology provides teachers with information on societal norms and mores. Being armed with this knowledge can be helpful when dealing with classroom issues and communicating with parents about student progress or difficulties. 

Best A Level Combinations for Teaching

The aspiring teacher’s choice of A Level studies may depend on several factors. For instance, elementary teachers will need a broader knowledge base as they may teach various core subjects. Those planning on teaching upper levels will tend to need subject-focused A Level combinations. 

Generally speaking, to build a strong foundation for educators, A Level English, A Level Maths, and A Level Psychology is a great combination covering most of the basics. Another solid combination of A Level classes would include Maths, English, and Biology or Chemistry. This combination includes core subjects taught in primary grades.

Requirements for Top UK Universities

University of Glasgow A Level Requirements 

To enter the education program at the University of Glasgow, students must maintain AAB-BBB in A Level coursework. Additionally, those aspiring to be teaching students at the university must take A Level English and GCSE Mathematics at a Grade B.

University of Cambridge A Level Requirements

Students are expected to hold three A Levels for entry into the program at the University of Cambridge. They must at least average a grade B in the three classes. However, they do not require any specific A Level courses.

University of Sussex A Level Requirements 

The University of Sussex does not list specific requirements for A Level coursework. However, the university’s typical A Level offer is BBB-BBC. 

How to Choose Your A Level Subject for Teaching

What Level You Want to Teach

Choose your A Level subjects based on the level you hope to teach. If you plan on teaching primary students in the lower grades, build yourself a strong foundation with the basics. Language, maths, sciences, and psychology are exceptional choices for building the strongest knowledge base. If your career goals include teaching specific subjects to secondary school students, focus on related subjects.

University Requirements

Most universities have A Level requirements for entry into their teaching programs. But make sure to check with your school choice to see if they do require, or prefer, specific A Level coursework for entry.

Areas of Interest

Teaching can be a fun career, but not if you are stuck teaching a subject you absolutely hate. Choose your A Levels based on your interests. If you want to focus on arts or PE, choose accordingly. If you love maths and hope to teach upper level maths, focus on A Level maths courses.

Alternative Pathways for Aspiring Teachers

Alternate Degree 

You cannot become a teacher without a university degree, but it doesn’t have to be in education. If you have an undergraduate degree in another area, you can become a teacher. Students who take this route hold an undergraduate degree in the subject they hope to teach. If you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you can do postgraduate teacher training to become a teacher. 

Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

If you haven’t earned an undergraduate degree, you could be eligible for a TDA, or teacher degree apprenticeship. This training program offers a new way to become a teacher in the UK. During the TDA, you can work in a school and earn money while working toward your bachelor’s degree and the qualified teacher status, or QTS.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

Even though most universities do not have specific A Level requirements for entry, many of the available courses are beneficial for individuals preparing for a teacher training program. If you don’t want to take the recommended courses, choose those you are the most comfortable with and those that help strengthen your academic skills. Most universities do require some A Level classwork, which makes it easier for you to select the subjects you are most comfortable with.

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Explore Our A Level Revision Resources