Which subjects and phases are available?

We offer the tuition fee, salaried and apprenticeship routes in both primary and secondary phases.

Tell me more about the training

Training is largely delivered in our bespoke training Centre located in Norman Way, Colchester, or, for Ipswich-based trainees, at Halifax Primary School.

Before the start of the academic year in which they will be training, all trainees complete two Induction Days in July. This is an opportunity for trainees to become familiar with the CTTC team and their fellow trainees, allows pre-course tasks to be set and for a general introduction to both the profession and key aspects of teaching.

In September of the training year, trainees attend an Induction Week in Centre. In this week, trainees are introduced further to the teaching profession, including lesson planning session and guidance for observing lessons, complete statutory safeguarding the Prevent training, receive information about joining a trade union and receive an introduction about diversity and resilience within the classroom.

On Wednesday mornings, secondary trainees attend the Centre for general professional studies. Each week the trainee curriculum covers a different aspect of teaching. Sessions are delivered by a variety of individuals, including the course Directors, experienced, practising teachers or representatives from high-quality outside agencies or organisations.

On a Wednesday afternoon, secondary trainees attend Subject Studies. Subject Studies takes place at various local secondary schools. Subject Studies session are delivered by the Lead Subject Mentor and Assistant Lead Subject Mentor. The Subject Studies sessions allow trainees to contextualise the general professional studies to the specific needs and requirements of their subject and allows subject-specific content to be delivered.

On Thursday, primary trainees attend the Centre for general professional studies. Each week the trainee curriculum covers a different aspect of teaching. Trainees receive training in each of the subjects delivered within the primary phase. In the autumn term, trainees receive a comprehensive and thorough grounding in core subjects of maths, science, and English (phonics, reading and writing). From the spring term trainees receive training in the primary foundation subjects.

Trainees completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) have Academic Days, Study Days, and one-to-one Academic Tutorials throughout the year to support with the completion of the academic qualification.

Assessment Only route

The Assessment Only (AO) route is a route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) that does not require individuals to complete teacher training.

To be considered suitable for the AO route, a candidate should have extensive teaching experience in at least two schools and across two consecutive key stages in either the primary or secondary phase, giving them the opportunity to gather significant evidence to show that they meet the Teachers’ Standards. The evidence must show that they are able to plan, assess and teach to a good standard in their chosen subject or age range/phase and demonstrate that they have had full responsibility for the classroom. This teaching experience will need to have been gained across two consecutive age phases.

Anyone teaching in a school that follows the English National Curriculum can apply for the AO route. CTTC will assess a candidate’s teaching by reviewing a portfolio of evidence and observing them teach at their current or placement school.

Our AO route to QTS is available in primary schools, special schools, PRUs and all main secondary subjects in state funded, free schools, academies, and independent schools.

All potential AO candidates are reminded of our shared commitment to safeguard children in schools. All candidates undergo rigorous background checks, and we expect candidates to fully engage with and adhere to the safeguarding procedures and policies within their placement school, including the Prevent duty.

Finance for the AO route (All fees are subject to VAT where applicable):

• If the application for the AO route is accepted, the candidate will be invited to proceed to the Initial Needs Assessment (INA). A non-returnable fee of £750 is payable before this can take place to cover the cost of the interview, lesson observation, interview with line manager, selection panel and general administration.
• Once accepted onto the AO route, there is then a further non-returnable fee of £750 for the Final Assessment visit and a final fee of £1500 for the Quality Assurance visit and Awarding of QTS.

The Apprenticeship route

Funded through a school’s Apprenticeship Levy, this route is an alternative route into teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The trainee does not pay tuition fees on this route and the route gives the trainee the opportunity to earn while they learn.

Apprentices are employed by their school for the whole academic year, allowing them to be immersed in school life and get a practical experience of teaching in the classroom from day one.

The apprenticeship route is offered at primary and secondary level. Trainees applying for the apprenticeship route need to have extensive experience of working in a school and need to have received a firm offer of employment from a school. CTTC are unable to arrange direct employment with schools and recommends applicants without an offer of employment apply for the tuition fee route.