Essential:
- A degree, completed before the training starts.
- A GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths (formerly grade C), or equivalent.
- A GCSE grade 4 or above in English (formerly grade C), or equivalent.
- For primary (3-11), a GCSE grade 4 or above in Science (formerly grade C), or equivalent.
- If your degree or GCSE equivalent qualifications were obtained overseas a certificate of comparability will need to be obtained.
Fully funded Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are available in a number of subjects to top up your subject knowledge before you start your teacher training, if required. A SKE course could be required because you have:
- Finished your degree more than 5 years ago
- A different but related degree in the subject you want to teach
- An A Level but not a degree in the subject you want to teach
- An unrelated degree but relevant professional experience
- Studied for a language degree, but need to improve knowledge either in a main language or a second language
Personal qualities
It is very important that teachers have a very good understanding of their specialist subject and relevant experience, but it is just as important that teachers have personal attributes that will help them to relate to young people and enable them to communicate effectively. We look for candidates who are:
- Enthusiastic about teaching and working with young people
- Ability to relate well to others and young people
- A willingness to be trained, to listen to good advice and learn from mistakes
- Ability to cope with difficult and stressful situations and on these occasions be able to maintain calmness and a good sense of perspective
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Well organised and hard working
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Range of personal interests
- School experience and other relevant experience
School experience is not a statutory requirement to apply for Initial Teacher Training as we are looking for the potential to train to teach.
However, if candidates are able to gain some school experience prior to application or starting training, it does provide a valuable insight into the profession and build your enthusiasm for teaching.
We would be happy to arrange an experience in school for candidates prior to application or following the offer of a training place. Applicants may also have other relevant experience they bring to teaching and the school environment. This could be working with young people in voluntary positions, such as in a church youth group or at a Brownies unit. It could also include having specialist subject knowledge from employment in a specialist field.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The Disclosure and Barring Service is a condition of all ITT programmes.
Trainees must have a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before commencing training.
Arrangements for completing DBS check applications will be explained as part of the selection and induction process.