This page hopes to answer some common questions raised
by applicants wishing to apply to join the GTP programme in Newham to gain Qualified Teacher Status(QTS)
Q. How can I get my English/ Maths/Science GCSEs? A. GCSE Equivalency tests are offered for individuals who have not reached the standard grade in their previous schooling. Universities or
employment based initial teacher training (EBITT) providers have to verify that applicants have reached the standard of grade C or above
at GCSE in English, Maths or Science. Providers will consider the possible
equivalence of any qualifications you may have or may offer you an equivalence test.
Each provider makes its own decisions about the qualifications they can accept,
so contact your chosen provider before applying.
If the provider does not offer an equivalency test go to www.equivalencytesting.com for a list of equivalency testing providers.
SCITTELS and Cumbria recommend using A Star Teachers agency for equivalency testing.
For information on their equivalency testing Please email:
Check with individual providers prior to arranging an equivalency test to ensure they accept the equivalency
qualification. Or contact your local further education college or adult education provider for information about
GCSE courses.
Note the Training and Development Agency (TDA) does not accept level 2 qualifications in
Adult Literaacy and Numeracy as equivalent GCSE qualifications
Q. How do I top up my degree, it is not recognised as a UK degree? A. If your degree is not equivalent to a UK degree then you have the following options:
Topping up your qualification to a degree at a UK university. This would involve the university assessing
your qualification and awarding you with a number of credits towards a degree. You would then be advised about
the units/modules that you need to complete in order to achieve your degree. For further information about
topping up a qualification to a degree contact your local university.
The Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) allows non-graduates with some
experience of higher education to complete their degree and qualify as a teacher at the same time.
It provides a blend of work-based teacher training and academic study. On the RTP, trainees will be
employed by a school as an unqualified teacher, earn a salary, complete a degree and work towards
qualified teacher status (QTS) all at the same time.
Q. I have GCSEs of grade C and above in Maths, English and ICT,
do I still need to take the QTS skills tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT? A. Yes, the tests have been designed to ensure all teachers are competent in
numeracy, literacy and ICT, regardless of their specialism.
The tests do not replace the GCSE grade C or above entry requirements.
The tests cover the core skills that teachers need to fulfill their wider
professional role in schools. Test questions in all three skills areas have been written using
real data and information which teachers are likely to use. They have been extensively trialed
and piloted by trainee teachers and teachers.
The tests are computerised and can be taken at any of approximately 50 test
centres throughout England. You will need to obtain a pass mark of at least 60 per cent for each skills test.
Please note: the requirement to take the QTS skills tests is only applicable to candidates undertaking their
initial teacher training (ITT) in England. Once you have enrolled on an ITT course you will be given a skills
test number by your ITT provider. All three skills tests must be successfully completed before QTS can be awarded.
Click here for further information about the skills tests:
http://tda/skillstests/about.aspxBack to Top
Q. How do I check if my qualifications are equivalent to UK qualifications? A. Contact UK NARIC, tel: 0870 9904088, website: http://www.naric.org.uk
for a letter of comparability. NARIC will charge a fee for this service.
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Q. I would like to apply for a teacher training course but I need to improve my
written English. What courses are available? A. There are a number of courses available to help you
improve your reading, writing and spoken English. Courses range
from 2 weeks up to 9 months. Courses are provided by universities, colleges
and other independent providers. Do ensure that you research the courses carefully,
as providers have different entry requirements. Also check that the course you choose
is accredited by the British Council.
The following are links to Academic English Courses:
Q. What funding is available for me? A. Graduate teachers receive a salary from their school, which is at least the
minimum point on the unqualified teacher pay scale. Depending on the
trainee’s responsibilities, experience the school may pay more.
Q. How do I find a school to employ me? A. Initially you may have to find work as a teaching assistant,
learning mentor or technician. Vacancies are advertised on our website,
www.newham.gov.uk,
and in the Newham Recorder on Wednesdays. Some teacher supply agencies also take teaching
assistants; please see the back pages of the Times Education Supplement jobs section on
Fridays for advertisements.
Although SCITTELS will endeavour to find a primary school for successful applicants who do not have a
school to support them, applicants are strongly advised to find their own Newham school prior to applying.
Most schools prefer to already know candidates before agreeing to support them. This is usually
via previous employment or longstanding volunteer relationships.
Secondary applicants are advised to contact heads of department or GTP co-ordinators by letter
with a brief CV, offering to assist in lessons or teach on a voluntary basis, as well as asking to be considered for the GTP. Emails and phone messages may not be viewed as favourably as a posted letter, and candidates should never visit schools without prior arrangement. Candidates should discuss the preferred training provider with the employing school.
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Q. How can I arrange voluntary work in a school? A. Most of our schools are happy to consider regular volunteers; although they may require
that you commit to regular days or times.
Volunteering through organisations such as Volunteer Reading Help or Newham Education
Business Partnership www.nebp.org.uk and
www.timebank.org.uk, can be a useful introduction
to volunteering in schools. This will not be enough on its own, but could be a useful way of
gaining experience if you are working full-time as it requires only a few hours a week,
for example at lunchtimes. Other ideas for volunteering in schools can be found at
www.do-it.org.uk.
The student Associates Scheme is designed for students who are interested in gaining
classroom experience while completing their studies.
The scheme enables students to develop new skills whilst working alongside experienced teachers,
and to discover what teaching is really like.
The scheme is open to students registered on relevant HND, foundation degree, undergraduate
degree and postgraduate programmes subject to certain conditions.
There is a tax-free bursary of around £40 for every day spent in school during the scheme.
Q. I trained as an overseas teacher, am I eligible for the GTP? A. As the GTP is for initial teacher training only, if your teaching qualification
is recognised by UK NARIC as a comparable teaching qualification then you are not eligible for the GTP.
If your teaching qualification is not recognised as being comparable then you might be eligible for the GTP.
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