Graduate Teacher Programme

All candidates must have:

• achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in mathematics
• achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in English
• achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in a science subject for primary only
• a degree of a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification

In addition, all those applying for teacher training must:

• Show that they can communicate effectively in both spoken and written English
• If accepted, obtain the required CRB clearances
• Meet the requirements for ‘physical and mental fitness to teach’
• If any of your qualifications were obtained overseas, you must contact NARIC and obtain a statement confirming the equivalency of the qualification(s).

Other eligibility criteria:

• If you are already a qualified teacher trained overseas, you are NOT eligible for the Graduate Teacher Programme. You should visit the Overseas Trained Teacher (OTT) pages on the ·Training & Development Agency website to obtain further information about the OTT programme.
• As this is an employment-based route, all candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. A student visa is not sufficient.

School-based and other relevant experience:

• During school visits you should gain some understanding of educational issues and look at National Curriculum and other appropriate documents.
• Your application will be strengthened if you also have other experience of working with children for example as a youth worker, Brownies, sports coaching.
• The GTP is specifically designed for mature career changers. Although there is no longer a minimum age-limit, providers do look for a range of appropriate prior experience.

The main differences between the PGCE and GTP

• The PGCE is a University-based course. The GTP is an employment-based route.
• PGCE students undertake fixed-length, structured teaching experiences interspersed with college-based sessions. GTP is based mainly in one school, with release for training courses. Both PGCE students and GTP trainees will spend a substantial period of their training working in school.
• The PGCE carries an academic award as well as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The GTP awards QTS only. NB the GTP is not automatically recognised in Scotland and may not be automatically recognised in some overseas countries.
• GTP trainees are paid a salary. PGCE students receive a tax-free bursary. However, there is also a ‘Golden Hello’ for PGCE students training in secondary shortage subjects once the NQT induction year is completed (see the TDA website for information about funding). PGCE students pay tuition fees.
• There is one application process and deadline for PGCE candidates through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)
• GTP candidates must apply direct to an Accredited Provider, each of whom may have different application deadlines.

All candidates must have:

• If any of your qualifications are other than the standard GCSE or O levels, we recommend that you contact the University of Reading to obtain advice on equivalence prior to application. Please note that a Level 2 qualification in Numeracy does not meet the GCSE Grade C in mathematics requirement for teacher training as this qualification does not cover the breadth of syllabus required. The qualification must be in mathematics rather than numeracy.

School-based and other relevant experience:

• The University of Reading expects all trainees to have gained a minimum of 5 days school-based experience within the last two years with pupils in the age-range for which they wish to train prior to application as a paid teaching assistant, a regular volunteer or parent helper or through specially arranged observation visits. Many schools are happy to offer observation experience to those enquiring about a career in teaching. The school may require you to obtain police clearance beforehand.
• During school visits you should gain some understanding of educational issues and look at National Curriculum and other appropriate documents.

What subjects does The University of Reading cover?

• Primary: Primary trainees may opt to train for two consecutive age-ranges from the following: 3 - 5, 5 - 7, 7 - 9, 9 -11  Think carefully before you make your choice and talk about it with headteachers if possible.
• Secondary: Art & Design, Design & Technology, Drama, English, History, ICT, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German Spanish), Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, Science.

Do I have to find a school prior to application?

Yes. We will assist successful candidates in finding a suitable school placement. If a candidate already has a school wishing to train them, the school should contact the University of Reading to enquire about school nomination procedures.

Will I be expected to start teaching straight away?

No. It is a gradual, staged process in most cases. You will be given an opportunity to observe good practice and working with groups before taking some full class responsibility. However, it is likely that you will have a greater level of whole class teaching responsibility early on in your training on the GTP than you might on the PGCE. All University Of Reading trainees are expected to be supernumerary.

Can I train part-time?

No, the University Of Reading does not offer this option.

When are the entry points?

• For Secondary, there is only one entry point, in September of each year.
• For Primary, there are two entry points, in September and January of each year.

How much will I get paid?

A trainee must be paid by schools on the unqualified teaching scale. Current lowest salary level is around £15,500.

Can I train in a Special School?

Yes, it is possible to train in a special school. However, you will be required to spend at least 50 days working in a mainstream school and we usually expect those wishing to train in a special school to have substantial prior experience of working with children with special needs. We expect applicants wishing to train in a special school to have gained at least a few days observation experience in mainstream prior to application.

Can I train in an Independent School?

Yes, it is possible to train in an Independent School. However, there are no government grants available to those training in the Independent sector. The school will be required to pay your salary (on the teaching scale) and a fee to the University for your training and must release you for all required training activities. You will be required to undertake your 20 days second school placement in a state school. We expect applicants wishing to train in the Independent sector to have gained at least a few days observation experience in the state sector prior to application.

How much time will I spend away from my main placement school?

Secondary:

• Subject courses every Monday from September to February plus a few Wednesdays and Fridays at the start of the year
• At least 20 days teaching experience in a second school
• Up to 5 days observing in other school settings
• All secondary training sessions are held at the University of Reading

Primary:

• Three Orientation Days at the start of the programme
• Several Professional Studies days during the year
• 12 days Core Curriculum Courses (Terms One and Two)
• 5 days Foundation Subjects course (Term Two)
• At least 20 days teaching experience in a second school.
• Up to 5 days observing in other school settings.
• Primary training sessions are held at the University of Reading and (for Hampshire-based trainees) at venues in Hampshire.  Hampshire-based trainees will be required to travel to the University of Reading for at least 12 training days.

Are there any exams?

• All those qualifying to teach must take computer-based Skills Tests in Numeracy, Literacy and ICT.
• Your progress towards QTS is assessed on a regular basis by School Mentor and a Personal Tutor and QTS is awarded following a Final Assessment meeting.