Teacher Training Tips from our COhort of trainees

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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

We recommend applying as early as possible. Applications typically open in October for courses starting the following academic year. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred subject and training route.

Courses close when we have reached capacity on the number of trainees.  

Our tuition fees are set annually and are in line with postgraduate teacher training courses across England. If you are eligible, you can apply for a Student Finance tuition fee loan to cover the cost of your training. If you are not eligible for Student Finance or want pay tuition fees privately, we can invoice you directly and discuss an agreed payment plan.

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 *

Some trainees undertake part-time work alongside their training. However, Initial Teacher Training is a full-time and demanding programme, so any additional employment should be carefully managed to ensure you can fully engage with your studies and school placements.

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

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) are two different qualifications that are achieved together during our teacher training course.

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is the professional qualification that allows you to teach in state-maintained schools in England. It demonstrates that you have met the Teachers’ Standards and have the skills, knowledge and experience required to teach.

A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is an academic qualification awarded by on our course by Sheffield Hallam University. It is studied at Master's level and focuses on educational theory, research and professional practice.

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.

Absolutely. Many of our trainees are career changers or mature students bringing valuable life and professional experience to the classroom. We welcome applications from candidates of all ages and backgrounds.

Yes.  We welcome applications from students who are currently completing their degree, provided the degree will be successfully completed before the teacher training course 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.

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).

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.

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.

Yes. You can apply for teacher training before you have completed your GCSE Mathematics, English Language or (for Primary applicants) Science qualifications. However, all required qualifications or approved equivalency tests must be completed and passed before the start of the course.

We currently recognise equivalency tests from the following providers:

• Equivalency Testing
• A Star Equivalency

Please note that we do not accept equivalency tests from all providers. We strongly recommend that you contact us before enrolling on an equivalency course to ensure that your chosen qualification meets our entry requirements. If you are unsure whether your qualifications or equivalency tests are acceptable, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise you.

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.

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.

Interviews are designed to assess your suitability and potential to become a teacher.  

Our interview process is designed to help us get to know you and to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your potential to become an outstanding teacher.

See our interview section