Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Graduate Teacher programme - frequently asked questions

How many GTP training places are available? Do I have a good chance of securing one?

We have places in three categories: (1)  Secondary shortage subjects -  Design Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, ICT, Religious Education and Science;  (2)  High quality primary applications;  (3)  High quality secondary applicants in any subject.

Do I have to arrange my own school placement?

You do not have to arrange your school placement.  This process is completed by Stockton-on-Tees and the Partnership schools.  This is to ensure that we continue to deliver a high quality programme. 

I don't have a GCSE Maths/English, but I am going to take it soon, can I still apply for GTP?

You must have secured a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English before your application will be considered. Primary applicants must also have Science GCSE grade C or above. 

I have a degree in Maths, but I don't have GCSE Maths. Will I need to take GCSE Maths?

All GTP applicants must have GCSE Maths or equivalent. Whilst an A-Level in Maths would be acceptable, a degree would not because it is too specialised.

My initial degree is from an overseas university, am I eligible?

Possibly. You will need to approach UK NARIC (tel: 0870 330 7033) or if phoning from overseas (+44 1242 258631) to secure a certificate of confirmation of equivalence. UK NARIC is the National Agency for providing information and advice about qualifications and skills from outside the UK. Some public libraries offer access to the NARIC data base at no cost. You will be asked to produce this if you are invited for the stage 3 process, if it is not attached to your application. Further advice and guidance can be sought from the Training and Development Agency at http://www.tda.gov.uk or telephone 0845 6000 991.

Can I complete the GPT on a part-time basis?

No, the Stockton-on-Tees Graduate Teaching programme is a full time course which runs alongside the academic year. 

How many hours will I have to study?

As a trainee following a professional training programme you must expect to be on the school site in the same way as all teachers (approximately 8am to 5pm).  You will play a full part in the work, life and community of the school, you cannot expect to leave school when the children do!

There may be variations during the year, you will be expected to attend the cycle of meetings and central training as part of your commitment.

How much will I get paid?

You will be paid at point one of the unqualified teacher scale, with a salary of approximately £15k.  This will be paid in twelve equal monthly instalments, subject to tax, national insurance and pension deductions. 

I am desperate to get a place in teaching and have applied for/will apply to several providers - will this cause a problem?

You can apply to several providers, however, once you have accepted a training place with a school you must withdraw from other applications.

What is a state-maintained school?

State-maintained schools are also known as publicly funded schools and attended by over 90 per cent of pupils. Parents do not pay any fees.

What if my degree doesn't relate to the subject I want to teach?

If you don't think your degree is relevant to any subject in the curriculum, contact your ITT provider for advice. For more information about teaching or teacher training contact the teaching information line on 0845 6000 991. 

Can I apply if I am still studying at the closing date for applications?

No, you must have already studied and received your mark before applying for a place on the GTP.

Does achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) guarantee that I will get a teaching job?

No, schools recruit their own staff on an individual basis, according to their specific recruitment needs. 

How do I find a teaching post?

There are numerous ways in which you can find your first and subsequent teaching posts, including local and national press, the internet and the local education authority. 

Can I complete the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) while working as a teaching assistant?

If your school can place you in a teaching post instead, you may be able to train through the GTP. Otherwise, you could follow a part-time course at university or college while continuing with your original job. 

What should I include in my personal statement on the teacher training application form?

We want to know why you think you will enjoy teaching and the subject you have chosen.  Emphasise the relevance of your previous studies, career and experiences to the subject and/or age group you have chosen for teacher training. Give examples to illustrate each point, including examples from your school experience and from any other experience you may have of working with children. 

Do I need classroom experience before I apply?

Yes, you need classroom experience, either voluntary or paid, to support your application. School experience will also give you the opportunity to see inside a modern classroom and observe lessons. You will find out how teaching has changed since you were at school and this may help you decide whether teaching is for you.  We recommend that all applicants undertake at least five days of school experience.

How should I arrange school experience prior to interview?

All applicants must obtain some school experience prior to application. You should make your own arrangements to visit a maintained school, preferably in your local authority. You should arrange with the Headteacher to spend some time in classes of the appropriate age range. While you are in school, you should observe teaching and learning within your subject or phase. It would be beneficial to have a discussion with the Head of Department or Key Stage Leader. We recommend that all applicants undertake at least five days of school experience, preferably more.  The aims of this experience are to confirm your decision, to update your understanding of educational practice (e.g. literacy and numeracy strategies), to inform the interview and selection process and to support future learning. 

What are employment based ITT (EBITT) providers?

In England, EBITT providers are partnerships of bodies such as schools, LEAs and accredited ITT providers empowered to design and deliver individual programmes of teacher training to individuals wishing to become a qualified teacher via the GTP, Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) and overseas trained teacher programme ( OTTP).

Can I tailor the GTP to my needs?

Once on the programme your training will be tailored to your own individual needs and lead to qualified teacher status. 

Do I receive payment for attending the Introductory Week?

Unfortunately Stockton-on-Tees GTP cannot funds trainees to attend the Introductory Week. 

What is the average age for people taking part in the GTP course? I am 22 and concerned this may be considered too young as I have read that it is mostly people looking to change careers who decide to go down this route?

There is no specific age range for GTP applicants. If you have all the relevant qualifications and experience, then your application will be considered equally alongside all the others.

I am completing my GTP application and under 'other relevant qualifications' I was considering putting down a play work and first aid course I completed but they have expired, do you think I should bother?

You still have the skills from those experiences so they would be worth mentioning if you have room. 

Whilst at school doing work experience (aged 15) I worked as a teaching assistant, would this count as 'teaching experience'?

This has relevance to your application as it demonstrates a long-time interest in teaching.

I completed a degree in psychology and law, when doing the course breakdown (as requested on the GTP application form), would I just put 70% psychology and 30% law or does it need to be broken down even more, i.e. 10% cognitive psychology etc?

Think about the course you are applying for and break down your degree content to reflect those parts that are relevant to your chosen course.

If I complete my GTP at a special needs school will this hinder me (or possibly be an advantage) when looking for work in mainstream schools?

During interview schools will be looking to appoint the person best qualified and experienced for the post. Your GTP school will need to provide the experience for you to achieve QTS and this is based on the mainstream curriculum so you should be in a position to convince a mainstream school that you can apply your skills in their school.

Will I receive any payment whilst I train on the GTP?

You will receive financial support from your school.  This will be the minimum point on the unqualified teacher pay scale (approx £15,000 per annum).