Have you got the right academic qualifications?
 
1. GCSEs
 
  • GCSE English Language Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
  • GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
  • If you want to teach primary age children you will need to have GCSE science Grade 4 / C or above (or equivalent)
You do not need to obtain these qualifications before you apply but you do need to have gained the appropriate qualifications before you start the course. If you do not have a GCSE in English and Maths or Science then we will accept the results of equivalency tests taken through the Equivalency Testing website . 
(Please note that Level 2 Adult Numeracy and Literacy are not accepted as equivalents)
 
2. Degree
 
A UK first degree (or equivalent)
 

For our Primary SCITT and Primary School Direct courses you will need an Honours Degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points) 

For Secondary SCITT and Secondary School Direct courses a First degree, normally 2.2 or better (or equiv. 360 CAT points)

If your qualifications were not gained in the UK, you can visit the National Academic Register Centre (NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are considered to be equivalent to UK GCSEs and degrees.
 
Please note that the onus is on you to prove that your qualifications are equivalent and you must include a NARIC statement with your application verifying this.
 
Excellent subject knowledge is an important element of being a qualified teacher therefore:
  • We expect applicants to Secondary SCITT courses to have knowledge of the subject they wish to teach 
  • If you wish to teach primary age children and have yet to start your degree, whilst a specialist subject is not required, consider taking one in Education, Early Childhood Studies, or a National Curriculum core subject – English, Mathematics or Science
We also expect good and accurate use of spoken and written English.
 
3. Fundamental Skills in Literacy and Numeracy
 
As an ITT provider, we have to assess your competency in these areas.
 
Your invitation to a Task day will inform you of the arrangements we have made to assess the level of literacy and numeracy skills and also if needed, we will provide guidance about how they can be improved.
 
4. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
 
The Disclosure and Barring Service has taken the place of the CRB check and it is a condition of all ITT courses that trainees must have a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before commencing training.
 
In the case of School Direct Salaried, the employing school will arrange this with trainees.
 
For those on student based courses, arrangements for completing DBS check applications will be explained as part of the selection and induction process.
 

If you have spent more than three months overseas in the past five years you will need to obtain a certificate of good conduct from each country you have resided in. Details of how to obtain this can be found here: Overseas checks

 
5. Before you Apply
 
You may find it helpful to gain school experience in order to prepare for your application and/or interview to one of our programmes.
 
Please note that any experience of working with children in a voluntary context or in any out of school activities e.g. sports coaching or clubs etc can also be very valuable.
 
The Department of Education's website will also provide you with more information and guidance about how to write an application and you can also find more information about the different phases e.g. primary or secondary that are of interest to you.