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There are three main ways of training to become a teacher. You can either choose a higher education based course with placements in schools, or apply for the Graduate Training Programme (GTP) or school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) which allow you to train as a teacher whilst being employed by a school.

This guide will focus on the Graduate Training Programme or GTP.

For information on the PGCE, click here and for advice on the SCITT click here.

GTP

The GTP allows you to become fully qualified as a teacher, whilst working in a school and training will usually last a year. You will be paid a salary during this time, so it is perfect for on-the-job training.

You can complete the GTP in any eligible school that is prepared to take on an unqualified teacher for the duration of the programme. You will usually need to organise this training programme with the school yourself.

See the TDA website for more information about applying for a GTP course.

You will need to have obtained certain academic qualifications to apply. A GCSE grade C in English and maths is required (and Science if you intend to teach at primary level) and you will also need to have a degree or equivalent.

If you are teaching at secondary school level then your degree qualification should be relevant to the subject that you want to teach.

Training commences by teaching a small amount of the timetable (usually around 30%) and building up to around 90% in the third term. This gives a lot of experience of teaching throughout the year.

GTP places are highly competitive so you’ll benefit from having experience of working in schools or with children before – for this reason they tend to be more popular amongst those who are a little older than the average graduate.

Search for a GTP course here.

Image by Ikhlasul Amal on Flickr