Diversification is one of the key terms in the new discourse of teache
r training in England and Wales. Increasing the range of routes opens
up choice to those seeking qualified teacher status and can be seen as
part of the government's commitment to the market. It can also be see
n as a pragmatic response to problems of teacher shortage. This paper
examines the backgrounds and experiences of mature students on two dif
ferent routes of initial reacher training, and explores the relationsh
ip between diversification of provision and subsequent levels of teach
er supply.