Which route you take depends on where you are now, where you want to go and what is actually available.

Your previous learning and experience can help you gain qualifications. Course providers and assessors can often give you 'credit' for skills and knowledge you have demonstrated either through doing a job or piece of work, or on another learning programme.

If you'd like to work in a school or are currently working in a school and would like to develop your skills, you could look into some of the Awards and Certificates available under the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

If you're just starting out, you may be interested in working in a school as an apprentice.

If you're already working in a school and would like to do some continuing professional development, you could take a look at what's available on the TDT Advisor website - find out more here.

If your aim is to gain a higher education qualification, for example a certificate of higher education, diploma, foundation degree or full degree, but you’re not quite sure you are ready, an Open University Access module could the ideal way to prepare. The Open University does not have any entry requirements and you may even be able to study for free. To find out more go to the Open University website.