Why become a chemistry teacher?

Chemistry is a fascinating subject that shapes our understanding of the world, and teaching it offers a truly rewarding career. Here’s why it could be the perfect path for you:

  • Inspire a love for science: Spark curiosity and excitement in your students as they uncover the wonders of chemistry through your engaging lessons.

  • Make a real impact: Equip young minds with the knowledge to understand and influence the world around them, from ground-breaking medicines to innovative materials.

  • Bring learning to life: Chemistry is hands-on! Create dynamic lab experiments that turn theory into real-world understanding, fueling a passion for discovery.

Become a chemistry teacher

 


"Teaching science isn’t just about sharing facts; it’s about sparking wonder, lighting curiosity, and shaping the next generation of problem-solvers. Every lesson is a chance to change how a young mind sees the world."

Holly Kirkbride | Biology and Chemistry Subject Lead

Which teacher training route is right for me?

We offer two routes to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):

  • The Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship – ideal for those already working in schools
  • Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT) – ideal for those not currently working in a school (applications closed for September 2026)

Whichever route you choose, you’ll receive expert support, school-based training and a nationally recognised qualification. Not sure which route is right for you? There is more guidance below:

 

Chemistry teacher training comparison table

Use the table below to compare the key features of our Fee-Funded Initial Teacher Training and Teacher Apprenticeship programmes at a glance.

📱 On mobile? Swipe sideways to see the full table →

  Initial Teacher Training Teacher Apprenticeship
🎓 Awards Qualified Teacher Status  Qualified Teacher Status + Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship
💰 Funding £9,790 - funded via student loan or self-funded £0 – funded by Apprenticeship Levy
💼 Salary Unsalaried
£29k Bursary available (subject to eligibility)		 Salaried (unqualified teacher scale)
🧭 Placement School 30-week placement + 6-week contrasting placement in local schools  30 weeks employed in current school + 6-week contrasting placement in local school
📅 Start date Currently closed for applications September 2026
🗓️ Programme length 11 months 10 months + Assessment
🎯 Ideal for Those not yet employed in a school Those already working in a school
📚 Study style 4 days in school, 1 day training 4 days in school, 1 day training
📍 Qualification requirements Bachelor's degree + GCSEs (English + maths) Bachelor's degree + GCSEs (English + maths)
🏠 Residency requirements Applicants must be UK residents with the right to work and study in the UK. International applicants must additionally hold a valid visa covering the duration of the programme Applicants must have been a UK resident for 3+ years. International applicants must additionally hold a valid visa covering the duration of the programme

 

  How will I train to become a chemistry teacher?


Our curriculum is designed to build your skills and confidence progressively, blending theory with hands-on classroom experience.

You’ll complete two school placements across the year, supported by a personal mentor and subject specialists throughout your journey.

Your training will include:

  • 10 Core Training Days – online or Face-to-Face, carefully designed to teach the core body of skills that define great teaching. 
  • 4 Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) Weeks – see expert teaching in action and apply new strategies in your own lessons.
  • 10 subject specific training sessions - led by your subject lead and will equip you with the skills required to teach chemistry across the 11-16 age phase. 

Core learning areas:

  • Behaviour Support & Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Delivery
  • Teacher Development

By the end of your programme, you’ll be ready to teach up to 80% of a full timetable and demonstrate the skills required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).


Upon completion of your practical training, you will...

  • Present your portfolio and demonstrate your readiness to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
  • (For Apprenticeship route only) complete your Apprenticeship Assessment, which includes a lesson observation and a professional discussion with an external examiner—giving you the opportunity to achieve a distinction-level award.

Hear what our student teachers have to say...

 

Why choose Best Practice Network for your teacher training? 

  • Ofsted outstanding: provider of the DfE’s full teacher progression pathway, supporting student teachers from entry into teaching through to executive leadership.
  • 20+ years of experience: Delivering teacher training and professional qualifications for teachers, school leaders, support staff and early years professionals.
  • Subject & phase specific groups: As a leading national provider our enrolment enables student teachers to train alongside peers specific to their phase, subject and specialism.
  • Local placement: Our network of 500+ schools provides our student teachers local access to in-school placements.
  • Supporting wellbeing: Our pathway is QTS-only helping support student teacher capacity and wellbeing on their journey into teaching.
  • Award-winning: Best Practice Network has been named Education Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year for the past two years.
  • 90% of our 2024/25 graduate teachers have secured employment for September



Meet the team!