Do I need previous School Experience?

There is no requirement to have previous school experience. However, many applicants wish to gain some insight into teaching before starting the course. Many of our schools are happy to provide the opportunity for applicants to gain experience with them. Please contact us using the form below so that we can help you select and make contact with an appropriate school.

Why should I get experience in a school?

• Get a clearer idea of whether teaching is right for you
• Develop an understanding of different educational settings and contexts
• Begin to understand school systems
• Gather ideas and evidence for interview and application
• Develop contacts who may be useful in your training years and beyond

What qualifications do I need?

Do you have what it takes to train to become a primary teacher? Before you apply, check that you meet the minimum qualifications.

You will need to hold a ‘first’ degree from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification –  A ‘first’ degree is the initial degree you undertook, i.e. BA, BSc, etc. and not a Postgraduate degree, i.e. Masters or PhD and must comprise 300 HE credit points of which 60 must be at level 6 of the QCF.  Applicants with a foundation degree will need to supplement this qualification with at least 60 credits at level 6 (HE level 3) in order to attain an equivalent single qualification first degree from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, any equivalent qualification must be one single qualification, not an aggregation of a number of separate qualifications. If you have any questions about the suitability of your qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A standard equivalent to a Level 4 in GCSE examinations in English, Science and Mathematics.

What if I lack a GCSE that is part of the entry requirements?

You can sit an ‘equivalency’ test. Please check the following links to the providers of these tests.
> Equivalency Testing Brentwood
> A Star Equivalency Islington

Safeguarding & fitness to teach
We will complete Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records and ‘children’s barred list’ checks. All candidates are required to make a fitness to teach declaration to Occupational Health.

What are we looking for in applicants?

It is essential that you can demonstrate good quality of spoken and written standard English. This will be explored through the application and interview process. The below are desirable skills, aptitudes and dispositions.

• Knowledge of the role of the teacher
• Commitment to the profession
• Good communication skills
• Resilience
• Evidence of ‘teachability’ and humility
• Evidence of self-awareness and empathy
• A passion for and genuine interest in children’s learning
• An ability to be reflective
• Evidence of problem-solving skills
• An ability to work well as part of a team