UCAS Points for Teaching 2026

Quick answer: Most UK teaching degrees ask for 96–120 UCAS points in 2026 — roughly CCC to BBB at A-level. Many universities also require GCSE grade 4/C in English, maths and (for primary) science. Always check each course, as exact grades often matter more.

So if you want to train as a teacher, you are aiming for a fairly approachable points range. The good news is that teaching is one of the more accessible routes into a profession — there is real room across the 96 to 120 band, and plenty of universities sit comfortably in the middle of it. Let's break down exactly what you need.

How many UCAS points do you need for a teaching degree?

The honest number is 96 to 120 UCAS points for most undergraduate teaching degrees in 2026 — that covers BA Primary, BA Secondary, BEd and the undergraduate routes that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Where you land in that band depends on the university and how popular the course is.

Most applicants will be looking at somewhere around 104 to 112 points as a realistic target. Highly sought-after primary courses, or universities with strong reputations, can push to 120 or even 128. If your predicted points are in this range, you are in a strong position. If you want the full picture across every subject, see how many UCAS points you need for the wider context.

Typical UCAS points ranges for teaching courses

Here is exactly how the common teaching point totals map onto A-level grades, so you can see where you stand at a glance.

Remember each A-level grade is worth a clear, fixed number of points: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24 and E = 16. That's why CCC lands on exactly 96 and BBB on exactly 120. If you are sitting on 96 UCAS points you already meet a real set of teaching courses, and reaching 120 UCAS points opens up almost the whole field.

Turning your grades into points for teaching

You do not need A-levels to train as a teacher — universities accept a wide spread of Level 3 qualifications for initial teacher training. The Tariff lets you add them all up into one total. Here are some worked examples that meet common teaching offers:

• A-levels: BBC = 112 points, BBB = 120 points. Use the A-level UCAS points calculator to total your own predicted grades.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM = 112 points and MMM = 96 points — both meet many teaching offers. See BTEC UCAS points for the full grade table.
• Scottish Highers: five Highers at AABBB = 147 points, well above the range. Check Scottish Highers for how your combination converts.
• International Baccalaureate: strong HL grades quickly clear 100+ points; an IB total often sits well within reach.
• Mixed qualifications: you can combine an A-level, a BTEC and an EPQ in one total — for example BBC plus an EPQ at grade B adds 12 points, lifting 112 to 124.

The key is to add up only your Level 3 qualifications. Once you have your total, compare it against the 96–120 range above.

Points aren't everything: GCSEs and grade requirements for teaching

This is the part it pays to read carefully. Teaching is one of the subjects where specific grades matter as much as your points total, and where GCSEs are a firm requirement on top of the Tariff.

• GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above are required for all QTS routes in England — non-negotiable.
• GCSE science at grade 4 (C) is also required if you want to teach primary or train for ages 3–11.
• Some universities quote a specific A-level or subject grade rather than a points total, especially for secondary subjects — for example a B in your teaching subject.
• A few institutions do not use the Tariff at all and assess your grades directly.

It is worth saying clearly: GCSEs earn zero UCAS points — they are Level 2 qualifications and the Tariff only counts Level 3. But for teaching they are still essential entry requirements. For more on that, see do GCSEs count for UCAS points. And because some universities skip the Tariff, it's smart to know whether all universities use UCAS points before you rely on a points total alone.

What to do if you don't have enough points for teaching

If your total falls short, you have real options — and none of them mean giving up on teaching. With results day on 13 August 2026, here is where to look:

• Clearing: plenty of teaching courses appear in Clearing each August, and some accept lower points than their main offer.
• Retakes: resitting one or two exams can lift your total by a full grade band — 96 to 112, for instance.
• Boost your total: adding an EPQ (up to 28 points at A*) or another Level 3 qualification can close a gap.
• Reverse search: see exactly what you can study with your points right now, including related education and early-years routes.

For a calm, step-by-step plan, read our guide on what to do when you have not enough UCAS points. Falling a little short is common, and there is almost always a route forward.

Calculate your exact UCAS points

Helpful resources for trainee teachers

*Supplementary — may include partner links.*

Frequently asked questions

How many UCAS points do you need to be a teacher? Most undergraduate teaching degrees in 2026 ask for 96–120 UCAS points, roughly CCC to BBB at A-level. Entry-level courses may accept 96, while popular universities can ask for 120 or more.

Do teaching degrees use UCAS points or specific grades? Both. Many universities set a points total like 112, but they also require specific GCSE grades — usually grade 4/C in English and maths, plus science for primary teaching. Always check the exact course page.

What A-level grades do I need for a teaching degree? Typically CCC (96 points) to BBB (120 points). Competitive secondary courses in shortage subjects may flex, while sought-after primary courses can ask for ABB (128). Your subject relevance can matter too.

Can I get into teaching with BTEC qualifications? Yes. A BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM gives 112 points and MMM gives 96 points, which meets many teaching offers. Check that your university accepts BTEC for ITT and look at any GCSE requirements.

What GCSEs do I need to train as a teacher in England? You need at least grade 4 (C) in English and maths. To teach primary or train for ages 3–11, you also need grade 4 (C) in a science. These are non-negotiable for QTS routes.