Qualifications Required

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Degree

In order to train as a teacher with us you must have an honours degree (class 2:2 or above) (or equivalent) before your training can start. Of course, this means that if you expect to graduate next summer, then you can apply and if successful then you will be given a conditional offer (subject to you gaining a degree class 2:2 or above). If you already have a degree, and perhaps you have been occupied doing other things for a number of years, then we should also be very pleased indeed to receive an application from you. Excellent subject knowledge is an important component of being a qualified teacher and therefore we expect applicants to have at least 50% of their degree in their chosen specialist subject. We have this requirement because otherwise the subject knowledge demands of the course are overwhelming for trainees. If you are unsure about the suitability of your degree then please contact us. The degree subject is less important for primary candidates who will teach the full range of subjects across the primary curriculum.

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GCSE Qualifications

In order to train as a teacher with us you will need a GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in English and Maths before the start of the course.  For Primary you will also need a GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above in Science.  We accept equivalency tests from the following organisation www.equivalencytesting.com

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If your degree or GCSE qualifications were obtained overseas then you will need to provide a NARIC certificate of comparability.  Please see the NARIC website for further information on obtaining certificates at www.naric.org.uk

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Skills Tests

Professional Skills Tests have now been replaced with provider-led tests for all new entrants into Teacher Training. Primary applicants carry out a spelling, punctuation and grammar test, plus an end of KS2 maths paper. Secondary applicants are required to take assessments in English and maths. These take place prior to the start of the course. Should you not pass these assessments on the first attempt, we will recommend resources to support you.

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Experience

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School Experience

School experience is no longer a statutory requirement to apply for ITT, as we are looking for the potential to train to teach. However, we always recommend wherever possible that you gain some school experience in order to give you insight into the profession. Gaining opportunities to for in-school experience will build your enthusiasm for teaching. If you have applied to us and are interviewed, we would be happy to arrange an in school experience for you. Contact us on 01206 364728 or enquiries@colchesterttc.org.uk

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Other Relevant Experience

We also recognise that other applicants will have other relevant experience which they bring to teaching and the school environment. Other relevant experience falls into broadly 3 types:

• Experience working with young people e.g. both paid and voluntary work

• Experience using subject knowledge e.g. employment in your specialist field

• Experience working with people e.g. managing people in the work place, voluntary work with adults

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Personal Qualities

It is essential for applicants to have excellent personal attributes, which will enable them to relate to young people and communicate effectively. Ideally, an understanding of what makes effective teaching and learning in the primary phase will also be of benefit.

Qualities sought include:

• Commitment to the safeguarding of young people

• Enthusiasm and commitment to continuing professional development

• A willingness to train, listen to advice and learn from mistakes

• Ability to cope with difficult and challenging situations

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Well organised and hardworking

• Sense of humour

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Other requirements

Offers of a training place are subject to pre-course screening checks and all applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

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