TEACHERS need a whole rainbow of talents - including patience, understanding, good discipline and the ability to create a rapport across the age groups from five to 18. But they must also acquire demanding qualifications.

Would-be teachers need to choose whether they want to teach a range of subjects as a primary school teacher or specialise as a secondary teacher.

Then they can pass through a variety of routes leading to Qualified Teacher Status.

Those who already possess a subject degree can take a one-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Alternatively school-leavers with A-levels can go to a teacher training college for four years.

Despite the recent recruitment crisis, new teachers can look forward to a rewarding career - the starting salary is £17,000 straight out of college, and a good, experienced classroom teacher can earn up to £31,000; a teacher in a senior management role up to £36,800; an advanced skills teacher up to £44,600; and a headteacher up to £78,000.

The Government has put teachers at the heart of the drive to raise standards across the education system, and these days they have much better support in the classroom, with the advent this term of school mentors who take some of the pressure off by teaching and caring for more problematic pupils.