Advice from our 25/26 trainees
"Don't be afraid to ask questions... Remember that you are a trainee and not the finished article"
“Build strong relationships with both the staff and the children, stay organised, and don't be afraid to ask for support”
"Be open to learning and trust that your confidence will grow"
"Don't put pressure on yourself to get everything perfect from the get go, because some of your best learning will come from the lessons that don't go to plan”
"Take on board the advice and feedback you receive, even when it challenges you, as this is often where the most valuable growth happens”
"What surprised me most was how encouraging and approachable everyone is, which has really helped build my confidence"
Frequently Asked Questions about Teacher Training
Please reach us at tela@thomasestley.org.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
All applications for initial teacher training have to be made via Apply.GOV.UK
Please click the link for our courses.
Search our postcode LE9 6PT and select primary or secondary subject specialism
To apply for our Initial Teacher Training programme, you will typically need:
- An honours degree (or a degree currently being studied and on track for completion) at 2:2 classification or above.
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, or an accepted equivalent qualification.
- GCSE Science at Grade C/4 or above, or an accepted equivalent qualification, for applicants applying to Primary Teacher Training.
- Applicants with qualifications gained outside the UK will be required to provide evidence that their qualifications are equivalent to the UK requirements.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry criteria, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise further.
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is a mandatory requirement for all trainees undertaking our Initial Teacher Training programme. As part of the enrolment process, all successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check. We will organise and support this process prior to the start of the course to ensure all safeguarding requirements are met before training begins.
Yes, for our Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training programme, you must either:
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) worth 360 credits, or
- Be currently studying towards a degree that will be completed before the start of the course.
Primary Teacher Training
For Primary Teacher Training, applicants will need:
- A degree in any subject with a 2:2 classification or above (or a predicted 2:2 or above).
Secondary Teacher Training
For Secondary Teacher Training, applicants will need:
- A degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or a predicted 2:2 or above), ideally in a subject closely related to the subject they wish to teach; or
- Strong subject knowledge demonstrated through post-16 qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent qualifications, in the subject they intend to teach.
If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your individual circumstances.
We do not accept the following qualifications as GCSE equivalents - they do not provide the same breadth and depth of subject knowledge:
- Access to HE courses – Key Skills/ Functional skill components
- Level 2 Key Skills or Functional Skills
- Level 2 Certificates in Adult Literacy and Numeracy
- Individual modules from any foundation degree
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you're unsure whether your qualifications meet the requirements, we encourage you to seek guidance.
Yes. We accept approved equivalency tests as alternatives to GCSE qualifications in Mathematics, English and Science for entry onto our Initial Teacher Training programme.
All required equivalency tests must be completed and passed before the start of the course.
We currently recognise equivalency tests provided by:
- Equivalency Testing
- A Star Equivalency
Please note that we do not accept equivalency tests from all providers. We strongly recommend checking with us before enrolling on an equivalency course to ensure that it meets our entry requirements.
Successful completion of the programme leads to:
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
✅ A Master's level Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) awarded by Sheffield Hallam University
A Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course is designed to help prospective teachers develop or strengthen their subject knowledge before starting teacher training. SKE courses can help address any gaps in knowledge and ensure that you are well prepared to teach your chosen subject.
SKE courses are available for a range of secondary subjects where additional subject knowledge may be beneficial.
For the most up-to-date information about available SKE courses and eligibility, please click here.
The need for an SKE course is assessed as part of the interview and application process, and we will advise you if one is required before you begin your teacher training programme.
YES - You are entitled to exactly the same bursaries or scholarships with school centered routes as you are with any other training route (subject to meeting the bursary/ scholarship criteria).
Click here for the most up to date bursary information
* Bursaries are updated annually by the government *
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