Opening routes for careers in teaching

The Open University’s (OU) is here to support multiple stages of a teaching career, from those seeking to enter the profession, to experienced teachers, says Gemma Burnside, Partnerships Manager at the OU in Scotland.

School teachers across Scotland are being supported at every stage of their careers through flexible modules and qualifications provided by The Open University.

From aspiring teachers needing to meet Initial Teacher Education (ITE) entry requirements, to experienced practitioners undertaking Career-long Professional Learning or adding a new subject to their General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) registration, the OU offers a wide range of study options. Many of these are fully funded, helping remove financial barriers to progression.

These opportunities are reflected in the experiences of teachers across the country.

Flexible learning supports career change

George Connor, now a Classical Studies and Latin teacher at Monifieth High School in Angus (pictured right), retrained while continuing to work full-time as an English teacher. He completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Classical Studies with the OU in Scotland, followed by a Master’s degree, allowing him to shift subjects without leaving the classroom.

He has since co-founded Working Classicists, a social enterprise focused on widening access to the subject in state schools, which has published the first Classical Studies textbook for Scottish schools in three decades. His decision to retrain was driven not only by professional ambition, but by concern over access to education.

“It was obvious to me that the issue of declining teacher numbers in state schools risked leaving Classics only to those pupils whose parents could afford to send them to private schools,” George said.

George’s story illustrates a growing reality in Scottish education: teachers and education professionals increasingly need opportunities to develop new expertise, retrain or strengthen qualifications while continuing to work.

The OU’s programmes in Scotland now span multiple stages of a teaching career. Flexible modules in English and Mathematics help students meet the academic requirements needed for Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programmes.

This route is particularly significant for career changers, mature students and those whose earlier qualifications may not meet traditional entry criteria.

Opening doors into teaching

Part-time study is also helping more people into the profession by allowing them to balance learning with work and caring responsibilities.

Plus, through the Part-time Fee Grant and top up funding, individuals with a personal income of £25k or less may be eligible for their module fees to be fully funded.

Émeline Bhandari, completed an OU degree before progressing to a PGDE with an Initial Teacher Education provider, all while raising twin children and changing careers. “The Open University has offered me an opportunity that I thought I would never have” she said.

The OU played such a pivotal role in my teaching journey.” 
Emma McQueen, Teacher 

Professional development within classrooms

For those already teaching, flexible study is increasingly used to build expertise rather than enter the profession.

George’s move from English into Classical Studies is one example, but teachers are also using OU’s wide range of modules to deepen subject knowledge, retrain in high-demand areas and pursue postgraduate qualifications.

Programmes such as the OU’s Scots language teacher training course - accredited by the GTCS - are helping teachers expand their skills and confidence in delivering culturally relevant content.

Focus on inclusion and evolving classroom needs

Importantly, flexible OU study opportunities extend beyond qualified teachers. Childminders, Early Years Practitioners, Pupil Support Assistants and Additional Support Needs assistants are also using part-time learning to build qualifications and advance their careers.

Emma McQueen, who balanced OU study alongside caring responsibilities, later became a teacher and secured a permanent Additional Support Needs role.  “The OU played such a pivotal role in my teaching journey” she said.

Wider impact across education

Alongside formal qualifications, educators are increasingly accessing free learning resources through the OU’s OpenLearn platform, which offers materials for professional development, including content linked to Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, as well as introductory resources for those considering a career in teaching.

This blend of formal qualifications, professional development and accessible resources reflects a shift in how careers in education are evolving. Few teachers now follow a linear path, with many professionals retraining, upskilling or entering teaching later in life.

The Open University is there to support teachers at every step.

29 May 2026