Teaching is without doubt one of the most rewarding professions. It offers constant intellectual challenge and stimulation, good career prospects and, above all, the opportunity to make a difference.

Study this subject here:

University of Limerick - Department of Education and Professional Studies

The government has put teachers at the heart of the drive to raise standards across the education system. Now teachers in particular will play a crucial role. The country’s economic and cultural future depends on high academic standards being achieved in our schools, and teachers help us make this happen.

How Can I Train to be a Teacher?

For state-maintained schools, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) can be acquired by completing a course of initial teacher training (ITT). The main graduate route involves taking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course. If you are a mature entrant, you can also train on the job via the Graduate Teacher Programme.

Full-time PGCE courses last one academic year. Part-time and distance learning courses are normally two years. Primary trainees spend at least 18 weeks on school placements, secondary trainee placements last at least 24 weeks. Training is provided by higher education institutions and their local schools.

Schools accredited to offer postgraduate ITT are known as school-centred initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers. Training takes place almost entirely within schools. Schools, or a consortium which may include several schools, local education authorities (LEAs) and higher education institutions (HEIs), design the training programme. Lasting for a year, most lead to a PGCE accredited by a HEI.

One year PGCE courses are designed for people with sufficient subject knowledge at degree level, as there is little time to cover new areas. If your degree does not provide sufficient subject knowledge, the two-year PGCE (Conversion Course) offers this. It might be suitable, for example, for an architect graduate wishing to train as a design and technology teacher. Conversion courses are normally available in shortage secondary subjects only.

Employment-based Routes

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) gives trainee teachers the opportunity to follow a personal training programme to bring them to QTS standard.

You will work and train at a school which will devise your training plan. You can earn from £14,040 for the year, which is paid for by the school. Candidates secure employment themselves, but guidance is available from LEAs and HEIs.

What are the Entry Requirements for an ITT Course?

A recognised degree from a UK institution or equivalent, or qualified teacher status from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA). Your degree must provide the necessary foundation for work as a teacher in the phase(s) and subject(s) you wish to teach.

Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English. Primary entrants born after 30 August 1979 also need C or above in single/combined science subject. Many providers expect all entrants to meet the science GCSE requirement. For trainees without this, providers are allowed to set their own approved equivalence tests.

Teachers from other countries must check their qualifications with the Department for Education and Employment, but will need additional training to become UK qualified, possible through the GTP. There are also flexible, modular courses that can be taken.

What are the Other Selection Requirements?

• Assessment is based on personal, intellectual and presentational qualities.

• Evidence of relevant experience with children is normally required.

• Suitability for teaching and experience should not only be displayed on your application form, but at also at a group or personal interview.

• Only high-calibre entrants are selected for ITT courses. Intakes are monitored and are subject to OFSTED inspection. Providers will not admit people who are not suited, even where there is an applicant shortage.

• Class of degree, references, attendance and state of health may also be taken into account.

• All trainees must pass skills tests in numeracy, literacy and information & communications before they will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

 

How Can I Apply?

The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) processes applications and allows you to choose up to four providers, in order of preference. If you are unsuccessful with your first choice your application is passed on to your second choice, and so on. If you fail to secure a place, you can reapply to other providers with vacancies.

The closing date for primary applications through GTTR will be in December.

Applications submitted after this date will only be considered if places are still available. Competition for primary places is strong, so get your application in on time. There is no closing date for secondary applications, but subjects such as history and PE are very popular and places fill up early. Some providers handle applications direct. Most are listed in the GTTR handbook. Contact providers direct for application details.

The TDA's web-site at www.tda.gov.uk has a unique course search database facility that lists all ITT courses in England and Wales. Called Performance Profiles, it provides updated information on ITT providers and allows the potential entrant to the teaching profession to select the training and provider that meet their expectations and needs.

What are the Funding Arrangements?

Eligible trainees completing PGCE courses in England are entitled to receive a tax-free training bursary of £6,000-9,000. The precise amount depends on the subject and course start date. Similar training bursaries are available in Wales, where eligible trainees receive £6,000-£7,000, depending on their subject.

"Golden Hellos"

Students can sometimes be entitled to additional money after completion of their PGCE. For full details visit the TDA website's "Golden Hellos page"

What are the Job Prospects?

Most PGCE students find jobs by the start of the academic year following qualification. Job prospects vary between subjects and phases (primary and secondary), and between different parts of the UK. As with other professions, your chances are as strong as your application and how you perform at interview. Staring salaries for newly qualified teachers through to experienced head teachers. These will help teachers perform effectively in particular roles, and plan their professional development.

Further Information

If you would like more information on teaching as a profession, please call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 (for English speakers) or 0845 6000 992 (for Welsh speakers) or visit www.tda.gov.uk

 

Author:
Training and Development Agency for Schools
Graduate Teacher Training in the UK