You need to have a degree to train to teach in England. If you don’t, you can study for one at a university and complete your teacher training at the same time. This is a great option if you’re set on a career in teaching after you’ve graduated.

The courses are typically:

- 4 Year course (Special Educational Needs Specialism with QTS)

- 3 Year course (Primary Teaching 5-11 years with QTS)

- 3 Year course (Early Years 3-7 years with QTS)

Applications for undergraduate teacher training courses work in the same way as other degree courses by applying through UCAS. www.ucas.com

Do you already have a degree?

Teaching is a post-graduate profession, therefore you will need to secure your degree first before applying. You can apply whilst in the final year of your studies and your degree doesn’t necessarily need to be in the subject you intend to teach [if applying for secondary].

First, choose the age of the children you want to teach.

Most providers offer courses in these 4 age ranges.

Most teacher training programmes last for 1 academic year and lead to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). Again, with most providers, you will also have the option to complete a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and this is done simultaneously.

If you want to work in schools in the UK, whether that be academies or maintained, then you will need QTS. Most schools do not insist on a PGCE but the PGCE is favoured abroad so if you plan on travelling then opt for the PGCE too.

If you know you want to teach in the post 16 sector, you only really need a PGCE but it's always worth getting QTS as it makes you more employable and gives you more options.

In order to apply for teacher training, you need to do so on the DfE Apply system:

Once you get on the system, you’ll notice that there are a variety of options:

Please click the link to go to the website.

School-centred initial teacher training (SCITT)

SCITT programmes are designed and delivered by groups of neighbouring schools and colleges as a local solution to teacher recruitment. They provide a full range of primary, middle years and secondary options. Often their training programmes are tailored towards teaching in the local area. They provide practical, hands-on teacher training programmes, taught by experienced teachers. You’ll usually have two very contrasting placements. Training programmes generally last for one academic year full-time, running from September to July. Most involve one day of professional studies where you will follow that SCITT's curriculum. Your local SCITT is the Fylde Coast SCITT, an Ofsted Outstanding provider who can guarantee school placements close to home.

For detailed information about the Fylde Coast SCITT programmes please visit the website:

https://fyldecoastscitt.co.uk/

OTHER OPTIONS...

School Direct

With School Direct, you are selected for training by a school or group of schools in partnership with a university or SCITT. Most have a university which accredits the QTS and PGCE element so it may involve some travel/attendance at the university involved. Be sure to check this before you apply.

Core/HEI

This route is predominantly university-based and may be part of a 4 year degree leading to QTS and PGCE at the end.

Teach First

This is another popular route into teaching and it is quite different from the others, as you would be employed as a teacher in a school straight away.

Earn a competitive salary from day one

You’ll earn from the outset – no fees, no debt. During their first year of the Training Programme, Teach First trainees will be at point two on the unqualified teacher scale if teaching secondary, and point one if teaching primary/ early years. This will then rise in year two to a minimum of point one on the classroom teacher scale. You’ll also receive corporate coaching worth an estimated £900 and a fully-funded teaching qualification.

Gain internationally recognised qualifications

Completing this programme will earn you a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (PGDE), worth double the credits of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You’ll also have the option of completing a master’s degree part-time over a third year.

Because they’re recognised across the world, your qualifications will allow you to teach abroad, too.

As soon as the school year kicks off in September you’ll be in the classroom. Not just observing lessons. Actually teaching them. You’ll be helping pupils from the poorest backgrounds reach their full potential. It’s far from your average day job – expect surprises, challenges and an unmatched sense of fulfilment. You should also expect to travel as you're not guaranteed a school close to where you live but Teach First do help with relocation packages.

Access to rapid career progression opportunities

After completing the Training Programme (and when you’re ready), Teach First help you to step up and lead change at school.

During your training you’ll get the chance to take on work placements with businesses and organisations that support Teach First, opening the door to even more opportunities. You'll also build a solid list of skills in the classroom, setting you up to impress any employer.

You’ll have a mentor in school you can turn to whenever you need. You'll also have a university tutor to assess your progress. A dedicated Teach First expert will oversee all your training and help with any issues inside or outside the classroom.

For more information, contact aly.spencer@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

Final trifold leaflet.pdf

APPRENTICESHIP ROUTES

Apprenticeship options - UPDATED 2024*

When can I apply for a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

Subject to final approval, schools will be able to start recruiting apprentices from autumn 2024, with the first trainees beginning the programme in 2025.

How do I apply for a Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

We expect applications to open from autumn 2024 for training to start in autumn 2025.

Who is eligible and what qualifications do I need?

The TDA will be available both to those beginning their careers and those currently in employment who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, including teaching assistants and career changers.

Candidates won’t need to already have a degree.

Further information on eligibility criteria will be provided at a later date.

How is this different to other teaching qualifications?

Currently, except for fee-funded undergraduate initial teacher training, all routes into teaching require trainees to already have a degree or undertake full time, fee-funded study.

The TDA will be an exciting and unique route into teaching that builds on the existing Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) and will be the only route that provides a salary as well as the training to get both a degree and QTS.

For more information : https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/04/teacher-degree-apprenticeships-how-they-work-and-when-to-apply

Post Graduate

https://www.ucas.com/teaching-option/postgraduate-teaching-apprenticeship

Similar to School Direct (salaried) programmes, Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships are a new, nationally-recognised, work-based route into teaching. In addition to working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on successful completion of the course, apprentices will also complete an end point assessment (EPA) after the summer to consolidate learning from initial teacher training.

Entry requirements

You must have achieved the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship programmes:

You'll need to hold a degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
You’ll need to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
If you intend to train to teach pupils aged three to 11 (early years and primary), you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C/4, or above, in a GCSE science subject examinations

How to prepare for your interview

If you're preparing for your interview for a teaching course.

Check the information provided from the University when you were invited to interview what do you need to take with you? What type of interviews will you be undertaking? 1 to 1/ group/ presentation?
Be on time! Make sure you know where you need to be and how to get there with plenty of time to spare.
Bring all documentation they have asked you to take with you.
Dress appropriately - remember, this is an interview for a professional course.
Re-read your application form and personal statement as they will ask you to elaborate on it.
Be clear about why you want to be a primary school teacher- why you have chosen this field of teaching; what do you know about the role and responsibilities of a teacher.
Be ready to answer questions about the profession – brief yourself on current issues. Check current News related to the profession you are hoping to go into.
Be ready to answer questions about the course
Be ready to answer questions about the University – have you been to an Open Day; why do you want to study here; how will you fit in?
Be yourself! Be confident ! Good luck!

Ensure you know about the national curriculum:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum

Interview Questions

They will be looking for the following :

a commitment to and enthusiasm for working with children,
strong verbal and written communication skills,
the personal attributes and values required to train as a teacher,
the ability to reflect on experiences and the learning taken from these.

Questions could include:

Why you want to be a teacher
Why you have chosen to apply to the University
What you have gained from your in-school experience
The importance of a teacher’s role
Your strengths, skills and interests and how these will help you develop into an excellent teacher
Current issues in Primary education

Useful Links

http://www.applytouni.com/applying/applying-advice/university-interviews/pgce-university-interview-questions/

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/teacher-training/apply-and-track/ucas-teacher-training-preparing-interviews

https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/ivteaching.htm#Practice

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/current-educational-issues

Current Issues in Education

Useful publications include:

The Guardian Educational Supplement (published on Tuesday)
The Independent Educational Supplement (published on Thursday)
The TES magazine (published on Friday)

Appropriate websites include:

The BBC Education website
Department for Education (DfE)

Safeguarding Childhood trauma Inclusion Equality & Diversity

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/teacher-training-and-education/current-educational-issues

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education

https://www.cem.org/blog/6-elements-of-great-teaching

https://www.tes.com/en-gb/for-schools

https://www.tes.com/institute/blog/article/important-update-professional-skills-tests

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum

Group Task

Many primary teaching courses will ask you to bring an item you can use within education, linking this to a particular year group.

For example ( University of Cumbria)

Group Task

This task is designed to evaluate your creativity, time keeping and ability to remain calm and enthusiastic. Please bring an interesting resource that could be used in the classroom to support learning.

In a group setting you will have 2 minutes to explain:

Why you chose the resource
Your chosen age range
How your resource could be used to engage children and support learning

You can be as creative as you like with the resource but we do ask that it doesn’t take too much time to set up, does not require water and/or electricity and is easily transportable.

Following your explanation, the other candidates in your group will be encouraged to discuss the resource with you so be prepared to answer further questions. Perhaps you could prepare for this by anticipating the kinds of questions they might ask.

Ideas could be:

Books- such as Little Red Riding Hood (link to role-play)
Interactive books which use puppets/ stick on words/ colours etc
Bottle tops with letters/ numbers to use within English/ Maths lessons
Colour coded pegs for different letters - for example highlighting the vowels

Of course this list is just to give you ideas - using your creativity and understanding of the age group is really important!

Possible questions you may be asked in your group session.

Here are some examples but please be aware they may ask you others as well.

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/media/wwwnclacuk/careersservice/files/Teacher%20training%20interview%20questions.pdf

What is a reflective/reflexive practitioner?

Questions you may be asked at an interview are likely to be based on: Career motivation Self-awareness Academic record Relevant work experience Training route Educational issues In the classroom

Career motivation

You will need to be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation for teaching. The interview panel will be looking for a genuine interest in working with young people and helping them to reach their potential. Think carefully about why you want to be a teacher. Common questions Why do you want to be a teacher? When did you begin to think about becoming a teacher? What sort of schools would you like to work in? Why? What other careers have you considered? Why have you chosen this particular age range to teach? What, in particular, appeals to you about teaching in a primary/secondary school? Who was your favourite teacher? Why?

Self-awareness

Think carefully about the skills and personal qualities that make a good teacher. You can research these by reading occupational profiles or by speaking to teachers. You may also be able to reflect on the teaching skills and attributes that you observed during your classroom experience. Before your interview, spend some time thinking of specific examples from your education, work experience and extra-curricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills. Also consider what aspects of teaching you think you will find most challenging and rewarding and what you can offer as a teacher. Common questions Why would you make a good teacher? What weaknesses will you need to work on to make a successful teacher? Are there any special skills that you could offer to the teaching profession? What qualities do you think a successful teacher should have? Do you have any hobbies or interests that could be useful for extra-curricular activities? What would you find most difficult in teaching and how would you deal with it?

Academic record

Being able to demonstrate your enthusiasm for teaching your subject/s is essential at interview. Look back through your degree and think about how this has equipped you to teach the National Curriculum for your chosen Key Stage/s. Apart from subject knowledge, your degree will have also provided you with a range of skills as outlined in Prospects: Options with your subject. Common questions How does your degree relate to the National Curriculum requirements? Why did you choose your degree subject? Which module was the most inspiring? How did you feel your degree has prepared you for teaching? Are there any areas in the National Curriculum that you feel you have any weaknesses in? How could you make your degree subject interesting to children? What are the most important skills you developed/want to develop whilst studying for your degree?

Relevant work experience

Review your classroom experience and reflect on your observations. Think about the good and not so good aspects of what you observed. You can also use examples from other relevant experience but the majority of your answers should be from your classroom experience. Common questions Can you tell us about any classroom experience you have had? Give an example of a good lesson you observed during a school visit? What did you notice about the way it was run? Give an example of a bad lesson you observed during a school visit? Why was it bad? Give an example of a time when you helped a child in the classroom. Why was it memorable? What experience do you have of working with children?

Training route

Training providers will be interested in why you have chosen a particular training route. You will need to demonstrate a good understanding of what the training route involves and challenges you might face. Common questions All routes: Why did you apply for this training route? Which other training routes did you consider? How did you prepare for this interview? What aspects of the training are you most looking forward to? Why? Teacher training is very demanding. How will you cope with the workload? What aspect of starting your training concerns you the most? What would you do if you didn’t get on with your school mentor?

Educational issues

Make sure you keep up to date with current educational issues. Think about which issues particularly interest you and why. You won’t be expected to have an in-depth knowledge but you should have a good general awareness. The Times Educational Supplement, The Guardian and the BBC are good sources for education news. Common questions Comment on an educational issue that interests you. What makes a good school? In your opinion, what is the most challenging aspect of teaching today? What are the most important issues facing schools today? What do you know about different learning styles? How do children learn? What makes a good lesson?

In the classroom

Classroom management is an important aspect of teaching and teacher training. Questions will often be designed to gain an insight into your teaching principles, as well as your reflections of the good, and less good, examples you observed during your work experience. Common questions How would you build effective working relationships in your classroom? How would you deal with a disruptive child in your class? How would you deal with a child who is being bullied? How would you stop a high ability child from getting bored when taught in a mixed ability class? How is good classroom management achieved? How would you ensure, that children whose first language is not English, feel included? How would you motivate an unmotivated pupil? What makes a successful lesson?

IDEAS for interview

Useful websites

https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources

http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk

https://abbotsphonics.wordpress.com/blending-sounds/

Work placement

A good way to demonstrate your commitment and decide if teaching is right for you is by gaining experience in a variety of schools

Completing voluntary placements in schools will work to your advantage - particularly when applying for school-led positions. If you're already working in a school, you could be at the top of the list if any training opportunities arise.

For our community - Volunteering MattersVolunteering Matters is the leading UK volunteering charity engaging more than 20,000 volunteers each year through over 100 programmes.

Teaching requirements for work experience