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EduSCOT
Education

How to Become a Secondary School Teacher in Scotland

Teach a specialist subject to S1–S6 pupils in Scotland's local authority secondary schools.

Degree in teaching subject required first

Maths, Physics, Computing are shortage subjects

GTCS registration required

Probationer salary £34,938 (from Aug 2025)

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB at Higher. You also need Maths or Applications of Maths (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • English— minimum grade C (GTCS statutory requirement)

Recommended (not required)

  • Relevant subject Highers— depends on the degree subject you will teach

Route to Qualification

Degree: Relevant honours degree + PGDE Secondary (5 years at university).

1

Honours degree in teaching subject (4 years) + PGDE Secondary (1 year)

5 years total

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Aberdeen
  • University of the West of Scotland
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Dundee

Professional Registration

To practise as a Secondary Teacher in Scotland, you must register with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£34,938

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£41,916–£52,614

5–10 years experience

SNCT probationer teacher salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938. Main grade scale £41,916–£52,614 (from August 2025). Same scale for primary and secondary teachers.

EduSCOT note

Scotland has critical shortages in Maths (75 trainees vs 250 target), Physics (42 vs 131), and Computing (16 vs 52) (SLS Scotland, May 2025). Local authorities offer additional incentives for shortage subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Secondary Teacher in Scotland?▾
To become a Secondary Teacher in Scotland, you typically need Higher English. The typical grade offer is ABBB. You also need Maths or Applications of Maths (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer Relevant honours degree + PGDE Secondary?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Secondary Teacher careers: University of Edinburgh, University of Strathclyde, University of Aberdeen, University of the West of Scotland, University of Stirling, University of Dundee. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Secondary Teacher in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 5 years. After completing the degree, registration with General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Secondary Teacher in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Secondary Teacher in Scotland is typically £34,938. Mid-career salary is typically £41,916–£52,614. SNCT probationer teacher salary from 1 August 2025: £34,938. Main grade scale £41,916–£52,614 (from August 2025). Same scale for primary and secondary teachers.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Secondary Teacher in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Secondary School Teacher in Scotland. The standard route is the Honours degree in teaching subject (4 years) + PGDE Secondary (1 year).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Secondary School Teacher degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying Relevant honours degree + PGDE Secondary at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 5-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.