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TL;DR: Up to 40% of all education roles in schools and nurseries can be filled by individuals without a QTS or Level 3 qualification. But to land one, you’ll need to know where to start and what steps to take.
If you’ve ever wondered how to work in schools and nurseries without a qualification, you’re not alone.
Many people assume you need formal training or specific certificates like QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or a Level 3 Nursery Qualification to step into a classroom or early years setting — but you actually don’t.
There are plenty of unqualified teaching and nursery roles where your experience, attitude, and flexibility matter far more than your qualifications.
Whether you’re exploring non-QTS teaching jobs in the UK, thinking about a career shift, or looking for flexible work that fits around your life, there are real, rewarding options available to you.
There’s a growing demand in the UK for staff who can support learning and development, even without formal teaching credentials. These roles focus more on your ability to build relationships with children, follow instructions, and work as part of a team.
Common classroom or nursery roles with no formal training required:
As long as you have three months of tangible experience (volunteering counts) and a professional who can give you a reference, you’re able to go for these roles.
It’s a myth that you must hold a QTS certificate or nursery qualification to work in education. While some roles — like being a permanent class teacher — do require credentials, many support and assistant roles don’t.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Many schools and nurseries value experience over qualifications, especially when they’re short-staffed or looking for adaptable educators who can work at short notice.
Yes. The Enhanced DBS helps ensure someone is safe to work with children.
And you will only be able to get one working with a school, nursery, or supply provider.
This applies to all types of teaching jobs with or without QTS or a L3 nursery qualification, and ensures the safety and safeguarding of the children you’ll be supporting.
For anyone asking, “Can I teach without QTS?”, working with a supply provider is often your best way in. You’ll get:
At Humly, you’ll be able to set your preferences, availability, and school types through our app. You’ll see every available opportunity and are empowered to book the roles you want, on your terms.
Working in schools and nurseries isn’t just for those with formal qualifications.
In fact, how to work in schools and nurseries without a qualification is simpler than you might think: it’s about showing up with the right mindset, building trust, being dependable, and open to learning.
Whether you’re starting a new chapter, seeking part-time work, or testing the waters in education, there’s a place for you.
You can absolutely find non-qualified teaching jobs in the UK, gain experience, and even work your way toward a qualification if that’s your goal.
You can work as a Teaching Assistant, Cover Supervisor, Nursery Assistant, or in lunchtime/playground supervision. These support roles in UK schools and nurseries focus more on experience, personality, and DBS clearance than on formal training.
Yes. You’ll need a minimum of three months’ experience working with children or young people — but they don’t have to be formal classroom hours. Coaching, mentoring, and youth work can all count. You just need a professional who can reference your experience.
Yes. A DBS check for teaching roles is mandatory in all UK settings. It ensures you’re cleared to work with children and vulnerable individuals.
If you enjoy working in education and want to progress, many schools and nurseries offer pathways to help you advance. Higher level qualifications, such as QTS, require degrees from a university.
