What is the Graduate Teacher Programme?
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) offers you a way to qualify as a teacher while you work. With Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can work as a qualified teacher in any maintained school in England. The GTP is normally one year. If you already have considerable teaching experience, it may be possible to take less time.
Can I go on the programme?
If you have previously failed QTS, your application will not be considered. You will be asked to undertake an Advanced Disclosure with the Criminal Record Bureau when you are allocated a school.
The programme suits people with some experience who want to change to a teaching career and need to continue earning while they train. The training is tailored to suit individual needs. GTP trainees are highly motivated individuals who are able to take responsibility for their own learning and the training requires a high level of independent study in additional to work carried out in school. Entry to the GTP is highly competitive with places going to the best applications in each of the TDA’s priority categories which are:
- Secondary shortage subjects – mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, technology (both ICT and design and technology) and English;
- high quality primary applications;
- applications in any subject or phase that make the teaching force more representative of society, for example increasing men in primary teaching, teachers from minority ethnic groups and teachers with disabilities;
- high quality secondary applications in any subject;
- applications to train people currently working as teaching assistants.
What qualifications do I need?
- A first degree or equivalent; and
- GCSE grade C or or equivalent in Mathematics and English. For Primary teaching you will need the same qualifications plus science at Grade C or equivalent.
Candidates with qualifications gained overseas must check their equivalency with UK NARIC and obtain equivalency certificates.
When attending interview you will be asked to provide your original examination certificates. Your application will not be considered if you cannot produce these certificates.
What does the programme involve?
The GTP is for highly motivated and organised individuals who can develop their own training structure alongside an agreed development plan. Once you are accepted onto the programme, we will discuss with you your individual training needs to achieve the standards of QTS. From this discussion a Development Plan will be agreed. The Development Plan could include guidance on classroom techniques; ways of preparing lessons; observing role models; discussing books and papers you have read; attending short courses or conferences; and practising your IT skills. Training will be mainly school based with opportunities for off-site group sessions. You will be supported by a School Based Tutor and experienced teachers monitor and assess your progress. You will need to have experience in at least two schools and across two Key Stages before you are awarded QTS.
Will I be paid?
You will be employed by the Lead School as an Unqualified Teacher at an appropriate rate. Point 1 on the Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale is presently £15,133 (September 2008).
Where can I find out more?
For more information about the Graduate Teacher Programme, you can contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools:
GRTP Advice Line
Training and Development Agency
Freepost ANG 2037
Chelmsford
CM1 1ZT
Telephone: 01245 45 44 44 Fax: 01245 45 43 37
Email: grtp@tdainfo.co.uk
or
Liz Warham
Recruitment Manager
Cheshire County Council
Kingsley Centre
Middle Lane
Kingsley
Nr Frodsham
WA6 6TZ
Telephone: 01244 977950 Fax: 01928 787808
Overseas Trained Teachers
The Teacher Development Agency offers advice and guidance to overseas trained teachers regarding the OTTP via the OTT Advice Line:
OTT Advice Line
Training and Development Agency for Schools
Freepost ANG 2037
Chelmsford
CM1 1ZY
Telephone 0845 6000 991
Email: ott@tdainfo.co.uk
Having read this information, if you feel that this programme is not suitable for you at the moment, the TDA will also provide you with information and guidance about other routes into teaching.
For information on teaching in England, call the Teaching Information Line on:
0845 6000 991 or visit the Teacher Training Agency’s website
Please email for information on teaching in Wales
We wish you every success with your application and your career in teaching.
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