--- title: "Career change from teaching: routes, length, cost and pay" description: "Jobs our guides name teaching as a background for, the official routes into them in England, how long they take, what they cost and which pay you to train." url: "https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-teaching" tokens: 4742 --- # Career change from teaching You've taught and you're wondering what else it qualifies you for. Here is what our own guides and the official route data say about leaving teaching. ## The short version Our role guides name teaching as a common background for customer success, occupational therapy and nursing. Occupational therapy and nursing each have a degree apprenticeship that pays you while you train. If you hold a degree, more routes accept one in any subject. ## If you teach without QTS Two official routes are built for people already teaching. They lead to qualified status rather than out of teaching, so they matter most if you teach unqualified. ### [School teacher](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#school-teacher): Assessment only Alongside your job Up to 12 weeks - Entry: A degree and GCSE grade 4 in English and maths (plus science to teach primary). At least 2 years' teaching across 2 or more schools (or 5 in one), already meeting the Teachers' Standards. - Funding: About £1,500 to £4,000, paid by you or your school. - Leads to: QTS Sources: [getintoteaching.education.gov.uk](https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-be-a-teacher/assessment-only-route-to-qts) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-assessment-only-route-to-qts/assessment-only-route-to-qualified-teacher-status-criteria-and-supporting-advice) ### [Further education teacher](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#further-education-teacher): QTLS (Education and Training Foundation) Alongside your job 6 months, about 4 hours a week - Entry: Salaried in FE teaching post-14 groups; a Level 5 teaching qualification; Level 2 English and maths; at least 230 hours' group teaching over 6 months - Funding: £55 application plus £570 formation fee, plus ETF membership. - Leads to: QTLS, recognised as QTS for schools while ETF membership is active The next cohort runs 25 January to 30 June 2027; applications close 10 November 2026. Sources: [etfoundation.co.uk](https://etfoundation.co.uk/membership/status/qualified-teacher-learning-skills-qtls/) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/qualified-teacher-status-qts) ## Jobs people move into from teaching Each of these is a CareerFlip role guide that names a background like yours as a common way in. The quote is the guide's own line. Pay is the spread of salaries in live UK listings, shown only when there are enough of them. ### [Customer Success Manager](https://careerflip.app/explore/customer-success-manager) > People move in from support, account management, sales, consulting, or teaching — anything that builds empathy and communication. > > From the [Customer Success Manager guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/customer-success-manager) UK pay in live listings: **£38k to £52k**, median **£44k** (48 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 2 Nov 2026) ### [Occupational Therapist](https://careerflip.app/explore/occupational-therapist) > People from healthcare, social care, teaching, or psychology backgrounds often find their experience transfers well. > > From the [Occupational Therapist guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/occupational-therapist) UK pay in live listings: **£32k to £48k**, median **£43k** (50 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 9 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 3 routes, 1 paid while you train #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 1 to 2 years - Entry: A degree (subject not stated) - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) [hcpc-uk.org](https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-regulate/the-professions/) #### [Occupational therapist](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#occupational-therapist): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0517. - Leads to: HCPC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0517-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ### [Registered Nurse](https://careerflip.app/explore/registered-nurse) > Many enter through accelerated programmes designed for graduates of other fields, and people from caring, teaching, or service backgrounds often adapt well. > > From the [Registered Nurse guide](https://careerflip.app/explore/registered-nurse) UK pay in live listings: **£40k to £49k**, median **£45k** (34 listings, Adzuna, live job listings, 9 Nov 2026) How to qualify in England: 13 routes, 5 paid while you train #### [Adult nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#adult-nurse): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years (4 for a dual-field degree) - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Adult nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#adult-nurse): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A degree in a relevant subject - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Adult nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#adult-nurse): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0781. - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0781-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Children's nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#children-s-nurse): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years (4 for a dual-field degree) - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Children's nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#children-s-nurse): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A degree in a relevant subject - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Children's nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#children-s-nurse): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0781. - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0781-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Mental health nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#mental-health-nurse): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years (4 for a dual-field degree) - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant and £1,000 extra for this subject (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Mental health nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#mental-health-nurse): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A degree in a relevant subject - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant and £1,000 extra for this subject (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Mental health nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#mental-health-nurse): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0781. - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0781-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Learning disability nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#learning-disability-nurse): Undergraduate degree Student funding 3 years (4 for a dual-field degree) - Entry: Set by each university - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant and £1,000 extra for this subject (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Learning disability nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#learning-disability-nurse): Postgraduate pre-registration (for graduates) Student funding 2 years - Entry: A degree in a relevant subject - Funding: Student Finance, plus a £5,000-a-year NHS Training Grant and £1,000 extra for this subject (2026–27). - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-support-fund-10th-edition-2026-to-2027/nhs-financial-support-for-health-students-10th-edition-nhs-learning-support-fund) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Learning disability nurse](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#learning-disability-nurse): Degree apprenticeship (Level 6) Paid while training 4 years - Entry: Set by the employer and university - Funding: Employed while training. Apprenticeship standard ST0781. - Leads to: NMC registration; NHS Band 5 (Band 5 starts at £32,073) Sources: [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0781-v2-0) [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/studying-nursing) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) #### [Nursing associate](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes#nursing-associate): Apprenticeship (foundation degree, Level 5) Paid while training 2 years - Entry: GCSE 9 to 4 in maths and English, or Functional Skills Level 2; some employers want a Level 3 - Funding: Band 3 while training on an apprenticeship. People who apply straight to a university fund their own training. Apprenticeship standard ST0827. - Leads to: NMC registration as a nursing associate; Band 4. It can shorten a later nursing degree apprenticeship to 2 years. Sources: [healthcareers.nhs.uk](https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/nursing/roles-nursing/nursing-associate) [skillsengland.education.gov.uk](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0827-v2-0) [nhsemployers.org](https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627) ## If you have a degree 9 more official routes accept a degree in any subject, whatever job you do now. They include police degree-holder entry, the SQE for solicitors and postgraduate social work. [See the routes open to any graduate](https://careerflip.app/career-change#any-degree). ## Is it too late to change? You're far from the only one asking. In a 2025 survey, one in three UK workers said they feel they've missed their chance. Age, job security and the cost of retraining were what kept people in jobs they disliked. [Nottingham Trent University, August 2025](https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2025/08/im-too-old-for-that%21-brits-stuck-in-jobs-they-hate-because-they-think-theyve-missed-the-boat) Most routes ask what you've done and what you can learn, not your age. The social work degree apprenticeship has no upper age limit. ICAEW's accountancy route has a mature entry for people aged 25 or over with 7 years' experience. ## Questions ### Does my degree count for routes outside teaching? Yes, for every route that asks for a degree in any subject. Police degree-holder entry, the SQE for solicitors and postgraduate social work are among them. Our career change index lists them all. ### Which of these routes pay you while you train? 6 routes on this page pay a salary while you train. Degree apprenticeship (Level 6): Occupational therapist, Adult nurse, Children's nurse, Mental health nurse, Learning disability nurse. Apprenticeship (foundation degree, Level 5): Nursing associate. ### Is it too late to change career from teaching? You're far from the only one asking. In a 2025 survey, one in three UK workers said they feel they've missed their chance. Age, job security and the cost of retraining were what kept people in jobs they disliked. Most routes ask what you've done and what you can learn, not your age. The social work degree apprenticeship has no upper age limit. ICAEW's accountancy route has a mature entry for people aged 25 or over with 7 years' experience. ## See which of these your CV is closest to CareerFlip reads your whole work history, not just your last job title, and suggests directions you're ready for now, one skill away, or worth 12 to 24 months' preparation. One analysis a month is free. [Start free](https://careerflip.app/auth?src=career-change-teaching&via=md) ## More - [All 92 career change routes in England](https://careerflip.app/career-change-routes) - [Check typical pay for a job title](https://careerflip.app/pay-check) - [Career change from nursing](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-nursing) - [Career change from care work](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-care-work) - [Career change from customer service](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-customer-service) - [Career change from marketing](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-marketing) - [Career change from operations](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-operations) - [Career change from finance](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-finance) - [Career change from software engineering](https://careerflip.app/career-change/from-software-engineering) Routes are from the official body that runs each one, checked 3 November 2026; fees, bursaries and pay change every year, so confirm with the source before you apply. Role quotes are from CareerFlip's guides. This is researched information, not careers advice. [Start free: see where your CV points](https://careerflip.app/auth?src=career-change-teaching&via=md)