Securing high-quality work experience is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a future career in teaching. Whether you're exploring the profession for the first time or preparing a teacher training application, practical exposure in a classroom environment gives you a clearer understanding of the role and significantly strengthens your CV.
Work experience demonstrates initiative, professionalism and genuine interest in education. It provides talking points in interviews, increases your confidence and helps you develop the core skills required to work successfully with children and young people.
Below are the most effective and realistic ways to gain teaching experience in today’s education sector.
Connect Through Your Personal Network
You may be surprised how many opportunities arise simply by starting a conversation. Family, friends and community contacts may be linked to schools, academies or colleges and can help introduce you to staff who manage placements.
Even brief visits and shadowing experiences can offer a real insight into classroom routines, pastoral roles and workload. A short, polite, professional approach goes a long way.
Contact Local Schools Directly
Most teacher-training providers expect applicants to have completed a minimum period of classroom experience. Many schools welcome prospective teachers for placements, particularly if the support benefits their pupils and day-to-day operations.
When contacting schools:
Introduce yourself professionally
State the age range you’re interested in
Clarify your availability
Highlight relevant skills
Remember that placements take time to organise. Start the process early and be flexible.
Access a School Experience Programme
The Department for Education operates school experience initiatives throughout the UK. These programmes allow aspiring teachers to:
Observe lessons
Speak with teachers and support staff
Understand curriculum and assessment expectations
Experience safeguarding and behaviour policies in practice
This structured approach helps you make informed decisions and provides evidence for training applications.
Attend Teacher Training Events and Taster Opportunities
Universities, multi-academy trusts and training providers regularly host open days, information sessions and subject-specific taster courses. These are valuable for:
Understanding training routes (PGCE, SCITT, apprenticeship pathways)
Meeting programme leaders and mentors
Learning what skills schools look for
Asking questions about funding, workload and expectations
Attending sector events also demonstrates proactive commitment.
Gain Paid Classroom Experience as a Teaching Assistant
Working as a Teaching Assistant is one of the most beneficial and practical routes into teaching. It enables you to:
Support learning directly
Work 1:1, in small groups or whole-class settings
Develop communication and behaviour management skills
Understand EHCPs, SEND provision and inclusion policies
Build transferable experience while earning
This type of hands-on experience is viewed highly by teacher training providers and schools recruiting Early Career Teachers.
Remedy Recruitment Group regularly supports candidates into SEN, mainstream and early years settings across London and the surrounding areas — a valuable first step for future educators.
Record and Reflect on Your Experience
Professional reflection is highly valued in teaching. Keep a record of:
Schools visited
Year groups observed
Strategies you witnessed
Skills and challenges
What inspired you, and what you would approach differently
This helps you articulate your development clearly in interviews and proves you have taken your experience seriously.
Final Thoughts
Gaining work experience in education isn’t just a box to tick, it builds the foundation for a successful and confident start to your teaching career. Be proactive, stay persistent, and approach every opportunity as a chance to grow.
Whether you’re exploring teaching as a future pathway or ready to take your first step into the classroom, the time you invest in real-school experience will set you apart.
If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience through Teaching Assistant or support roles, our specialist education recruitment team can help connect you with schools across London.
