The School Direct (tuition fee) course is 37 weeks in length. The CTTC curriculum combines practical teaching with professional training that has been designed to give Trainee Teachers the necessary learning opportunities and support to enable them to demonstrate that they are meeting the Teachers’ Standards for Qualified Teaching Status by the end of the course. There are in-built assessment structures which help Trainees to audit their knowledge and understanding as well as support to help remedy individual areas for development. Trainees are asked to select one of three distinct pathways to follow.

  • Ages 3-7:    Prepares Trainees to teach in both EYFS and Key Stage 1
  • Ages 5-11:  Prepares Trainees to teach in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
  • Ages 7-11:  Prepares Trainees to teach in both Upper and Lower Key Stage 2

During the first half of the Autumn term the Trainee gains experience of their Host Placement Class whilst also spending time in other classes and age groups within this setting. In the second half of the Autumn Term, the Trainee will be expected to teach a sequence of whole class lessons across the broad primary curriculum. After some preparation and planning time at the start of the Spring Term, the Trainee Teacher will undertake a six week block practice in their Twin Placement School teaching 50% of the timetable before returning to their host placement school after the February half term. In the Summer Term the Trainee will build up to teaching 80% of the timetable for the final six weeks of the programme.

The Trainee Teacher will receive support, challenge and guidance from a Mentor, Training Manager, Lead Practitioners and the Course Director. The Training Manager is the Trainee’s line manager and oversees them throughout the year and quality assures the mentor guidance. The Mentor, who is an experienced member of the school teaching team, works closely with the Trainee on development of all areas of teaching and learning. There is a close working relationship between all those involved in delivering training.

The School Direct (salaried) course is structured in exactly the same way. However, you will have had more experience of teaching before starting the course and will be receiving a salary from your host school. Therefore, you will be expected to teach a greater proportion of the timetable from the very start. We do offer the salaried route, however it is very important for you to secure an employing school prior to making your UCAS application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GCSEs and Degree Level do I need?

For primary teaching, you will need GCSE English, Maths and Science and grade C/4 or above along with an honours degree (or equivalent).  If you took your qualifications outside the UK, you will need to provide us with a statement of comparability via ENIC https://www.enic.org.uk/  or the Department for Education https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-teach-in-england-as-an-international-student 

How do I apply for a salaried placement?

If you are currently working within a school, you should approach your headteacher and ask if they would be happy to fund you through the year. If they are, we would ask them to provide us with confirmation that you have a contract of employment and also ask them sign a partnership agreement. This would be done at the time of any offer of a place. 

If you do not currently work within a school or your current school can’t put you through training, you would need to find a school to employ you. However, due to the financial implications most schools are simply unable to offer these placements.

What other finance is available? I’m currently earning a salary and can’t be without an income.

Student Finance may be able to offer you a tuition loan covering your course fees if you are eligible. They may also offer a means-tested maintenance loan which is based on your household income. You will not make any repayments until you are earning £25,000+ and then it will be incremental levels.  Please contact Student Finance directly for further infomation via this link https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Do I get a choice of school placement?

We try our hardest to fit in with your preferences and also try to place you as near to your home as possible, however, we are reliant on offers from schools and therefore are unable to make guarantees.

If you currently work within a school and they are happy to work with us, we can place you there.

For further information or to discuss your options, please contact us on 01206 364728 or via enquiries@colchesterttc.org.uk