What qualifications do I need to have?
You must have a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English of grade C/new grade 4 or above. Those applying for primary must also have a science grade C/new grade 4 or above. You will also need to have a good honours degree (at least 2:2) before the start of the programme. If you do not have a GCSE qualification you will need to undertake an Equivalency Test.
Will my qualifications gained outside of the UK be valid?
Verification is required for all overseas degree and GCSE equivalent qualifications.
Due to the UK leaving the European Union, the UK NARIC national agency function naric.org.uk is now UK ENIC www.enic.org.uk, managed by Ecctis. All services operate as before. Use the UK ENIC website to apply for a Statement of Comparability.
What qualification will I gain?
On successful completion of our programmes you will be awarded QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). This is the professional qualification for teachers in England and is the qualification that nearly all schools, academies and free schools expect applicants for teaching jobs to have.
For everyone who trains with us there is also the option to add a Masters level PGCE to your programme. You can register for the PGCE element once you have started your QTS programme with us. Face to face sessions for the PGCE take place Canterbury Christ Church University.
What does it cost?
The tuition fees of salaried school direct courses are financed by the schools individually.
Unsalaried courses have tuition fees of £5960.
Loans are available to cover this, details can be found at https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/school-based-school-direct
For 2023 to 2024, bursaries are available as follows:
- £27,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
- £25,000 in geography and languages (including ancient languages)
- £20,000 in biology and design and technology
- £15,000 in English
Applicants may be eligible for a bursary if they have a 1st, 2:1, 2:2, PhD or master’s.
Scholarships are usually available to applicants with a 1st, 2:1, master’s or PhD, though in exceptional circumstances they may be awarded to a graduate with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience.
- £29,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
- £27,000 in French, German and Spanish (no other languages)
Full details are available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt-academic-year-2022-to-2023
I’m not a recent graduate, can I still apply?
School Direct is a training programme for both graduates and career changers. We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds.
I am working as a Teaching Assistant; can I apply for training?
Absolutely, we regularly have trainees who have previously been Teaching Assistants. If there is an opportunity at your current school, we would recommend that you discuss this with your Headteacher in advance of the application.
Where will I be based?
You will be based in a school of your choice and will experience time at a contrasting school giving you access to a range of teaching styles and methodology.
Many Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a teacher are answered on the following site: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/faqs/becoming-a-teacher.aspx