Secondary Route
We offer both salaried and unsalaried courses in Secondary Teacher Training. Most of our courses include a PGCE with Masters level credits (up to 60 credits), but we also offer a few QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) only courses.
We are now recruiting for training posts starting September 2021. To view our courses, please click here.
Unsalaried courses (also known as Tuition fee route)
The unsalaried courses have full access to all DfE bursaries; many of which are substantial. Where bursary levels are high (e.g. £26,000 or above) the unsalaried courses are likely to have similar financial advantages to a salaried course. Unsalaried courses have equal academic and classroom-based foci. ‘Student-facing’ teaching time is limited to 50% of a qualified full-time teacher’s timetable.
Salaried Courses
Salaried courses do not have access to DfE bursaries. You are instead employed and paid by the school; who also fund your university fees. There is a greater expectation for salaried trainees to engage with whole school business and their teaching load is significantly higher – up to 80% of a qualified full-time teacher’s timetable by the end of the year. Most candidates who apply for salaried routes have significant school experience, but it is not essential.
ALL potential candidates will be expected to be in possession of the following:
- A UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification at 2.2 or above in a relevant subject.
- GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics.
- A strong understanding of the subject you wish to teach.
Personal Qualities
Applicants must provide evidence of:
- An interest in working with young people
- High quality communication skills
- Confident numeracy and literacy skills
- Analytical thinking
Personal qualities such as warmth, enthusiasm, self-motivation and resilience
Interview process
Applicants will be invited for interview on the basis of information provided on their application form. All trainees will be interviewed at the lead school – Alexandra Park School.
The interview will typically involve a half-day visit to the school and will include:
- A group interview
- A presentation about the subject you are applying to teach
- A tour of the school
- A numeracy and literacy activity
- A panel interview (which will include at least one subject specialist)
Successful applicants will receive:
- A well-planned induction day to welcome you and help you settle in
- Experienced and approachable subject mentors
- A school centred approach; providing practical, classroom-based training
- Weekly professional studies sessions with your fellow trainees
- An ‘open door’ policy to allow you to observe qualified teachers throughout your placement
- Structured classroom observations to help you to develop your skills
- A phased introduction to small group teaching, team teaching and then whole class teaching to allow you to gradually build your confidence
- Assessment across the academic year against the Teachers’ Standards
- Bespoke weekly targets to ensure all the Teachers’ Standards are met by the end of the course
- Trainee socials and networking events
Job application support and mock interviews