Guide for Potential Trainees

What is the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)?

The Graduate Teacher Programme offers you a way of qualifying as a teacher while you work. With Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can work as a qualified teacher in any maintained school in England. The programme suits people who want to change to a teaching career and need to continue earning while they work. It is tailored to suit individual needs. Entry to the GTP is highly competitive with places going to the best applications in each of the TDA’s priority categories - secondary shortage subjects (maths, science, MFLs, technology, drama, music, religious studies and English). 

How long is the programme?

Our Graduate Teacher Programme is for one year. 

What qualifications do you need?

GTP trainees need to meet the same entry standards as people on other courses of Initial Teacher Training.

• For the GTP, you must already have a degree or the equivalent.
• You must also hold GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English.

How do I apply for the GTP?

Recommending Bodies (RBs) deliver the GTP in England. They are given an allocation of places by the TDA. To apply for the programme, you must contact a RB. The RB takes responsibility for designing and delivering your training programme.

RBs recruit candidates in their local areas. They conduct interviews as part of their selection process. You will be asked to provide detailed information about your past experience and education. The RB will talk with you about what you can already do and further training you would need in order to meet the standards required for QTS. The RB may be able to assist you in finding a post in a school. The RB will complete an initial training needs assessment, when your colleagues at school and other advisers may observe you teach and discuss your strengths and weaknesses with you.

Competition for the GTP is strong and places are limited and you cannot be guaranteed a place. The quality of the school, the trainee and the training plan are all factors in offering places. Places are offered to the strongest of candidates, schools and training programmes.

Will I be paid?

For the GTP, the TDA pays a grant of up to £14,000 to the school towards your employment costs. The school meets the on-costs.

What goes into a training plan?

Your RB will discuss with you the training you need to achieve the standards for QTS. Each training activity meets one or more of the QTS requirements. Examples could include guidance on classroom techniques; ways of preparing lessons; role models; discussing books and papers you have read; attending short courses or conferences; and practising your ICT skills. Experienced teachers monitor, assess and record all your achievements. You must have experience in at least two schools to be awarded QTS.

How can you be sure of quality training?

The RB will provide the support and facilities you need. You will be continuously assessed throughout the programme against the standards for the award of QTS. You will keep a portfolio of your own and your pupils’ best work. 

What happens at the end of training?

The RB can recommend you to the Secretary of State for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. You also have to pass computerised skills tests in literacy, numeracy, and information communication technology (ICT). Like any other newly qualified teacher, you will be given a Career Entry Profile to help your school plan your induction training.

Where can you find out more?

TDA website
Teaching Information Line 0845 6000 991

(adapted from Guide for Potential Trainees- TDA)

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