Routes into Teaching
To teach within England and Wales you need to undertake Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Entry Requirements
The basic entry requirements for ITT are as follows:
- GCSE Maths grade C or above (or equivalent)
- GCSE English grade C or above (or equivalent)
- GCSE Science grade C or above (or equivalent)
Science GCSE applicable to Primary courses only
A good degree for post graduate routes into teaching; the grade will be determined by the accredited provider awarding Qualified Teacher Status
Routes
There are a number of different routes into teaching which provide options to suit everyone.
University-Based Routes
(a) Post graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)-if you have a degree then this route maybe suitable. A PGCE course mainly focuses on developing your teaching skills, rather than the subject you intend to teach.
(b) Undergraduate ITT courses-If you do not currently have an undergraduate degree, you can complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Bachelor of Science (BSc) with qualified teacher status (QTS) course. These courses enable you to study for a degree and complete your initial teacher training (ITT) at the same time.
Both postgraduate and undergraduate courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. See www.dfe.gov.uk for further guidance
School-based Routes
(a) School Direct
School Direct is available in primary and secondary schools across England and programmes generally last for one year. Some schools may offer training on a part-time basis; you should contact your chosen school to discuss this. Successful completion of a School Direct course will lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS). School Direct programmes may also include a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
In order to help tailor training to your skills and experience, there are two separate School Direct training options:
· School Direct Training Programme is available to high-quality graduates. You may be eligible for a bursary of up to £20,000 to support you while you train.
· School Direct Training Programme (salaried) is an employment-based route available to high-quality graduates with at least three years’ work experience who will earn a salary whilst they train.
NB. This programme has replaced the Graduate Teacher Programme
For further information regarding funding, bursaries, eligibility and the application process go to www.dfe.gov.uk
If you are interested in training to be a primary teacher focusing on mathematics then School Direct is open to you.
(b) School-centred initial teacher training
· If you're a graduate and want to complete your training in a school environment, consider school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT).
· SCITT programmes are designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges.
· Taught by experienced, practising teachers, and often tailored towards local teaching needs, all SCITT courses lead to qualified teacher status (QTS). Many, though not all, will also award you a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) validated by a higher education institution.
· If you prefer to spend more time training in the classroom, putting theory into practice and gaining confidence through increased contact with the school environment, then a SCITT programme is a good option for you.
· These courses generally last one year full-time and run from September to June
(c) Teach First
· Teach First is a programme designed for graduates with a 2.1 degree or above. It is a 2 year programme; in the first year of teaching you will gain a PGCE and in the second year there will be the opportunity to work towards a Masters qualification.
· The aim is for participants to become outstanding classroom leaders in schools in challenging circumstances.
For information regarding eligibility and the application process go to www.teachfirst.org.uk
On line ITT
OU Web site
Iteach web site
Thinking of teaching as a career change?
Transition to Teaching programme
· The Transition to Teaching programme is designed to support companies who have employees at risk of redundancy. Companies can be supported to meet their bespoke needs – these may include on-site presentations, materials and attendance at events.
· For many high quality professionals who hold (or are predicted) a first class or 2:1 degree, teaching provides a rewarding and challenging career with excellent job prospects. With appropriate training you could transfer your skills, life experiences, technical and sector knowledge into the classroom.
· There are various routes into teaching. Schemes such as School Direct come with an expectation of employment at the end of the 12 months training, and there is also a salaried route especially designed for career changers.
· Companies can take part in the programme for free – to find out more about the support packages available please call the Transition to Teaching helpline on 0800 389 5335 where a dedicated adviser will discuss your company’s individual requirements.
School Experience Programme
· One of the best ways to find out whether a career in teaching is right for you is to spend some time in a classroom and speak to experienced teachers and school staff. The School Experience Programme (SEP) has been developed to allow you to gain classroom experience in secondary schools.
· The duration is flexible (1 to 10 days); this will be agreed between you and your host school.
· A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check may be required. This will be organised by the school and could impact on the length of your placement.
To register and apply to this programme go to www.dfe.gov.uk
Primary Experience Programme
· The Primary Experience Programme (PEP), which is focused solely on male applicants this year, offers the chance to spend 10 days getting first-hand insight into primary school teaching.
· This provides a great opportunity for eligible candidates (with a 2:1 degree or higher), who intend to start initial teacher training (ITT) in 2013, to find out more about the different aspects of the job and gain valuable experience ahead of applying for training.
Speak to a teacher
· Speaking to a serving teacher, who can talk to you honestly and objectively about their experiences of teaching, can help you to make an informed decision about whether teaching is the right career for you.
· They can share their knowledge on topics such as behaviour management, workload management, subject knowledge and the curriculum. You can talk to a teacher by phone or email, and sometimes face-to-face at Teaching Agency events (subject to availability).
Premier Plus Service
· Available to those who want to teach primary or physics, maths, chemistry, MFL, history, English, geography, biology or computer science, hold or are predicted at least a 2:1 degree, and intend to start teacher training in the academic year 2013/14.
· If you are interested in teaching these subjects, you can sign up for free and in addition to the standard programme of support and guidance, all eligible registrants will receive the following exclusive benefits:
o personalised one-to-one advice and guidance on becoming a teacher, including support with your application
o help in securing school experience, including a placement on one of our programmes if there is availability in your subject/local area
o invitations to exclusive events
o regular communications from us with important news, application hints and tips, and updates on funding
o opportunities to speak to a teacher, who can answer your questions about life in the classroom
o your Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) application fee reimbursed if you apply before the end of November
For further information go to www.education.gov.uk