This document outlines the various routes to becoming a qualified teacher in the UK, including a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and School Direct programs. It describes the PGCE as a full-time, year-long program split between school and university placements. School Direct programs offer either training similar to a PGCE or a salaried employment route for career-changers. The benefits of School Direct cited are the early school experience and ability to embed oneself in a school community. Requirements, the application process, funding options, and subject enhancement courses are also summarized.

1. Routes to Qualified
Teacher Status
A teacher education partnership between
primary and secondary schools in Sussex
and the University of Sussex

2. Routes into Teaching for
Graduates
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate in
Education (90 M level credits)
• full time comprehensive training divided between
school & university resulting in academic &
professional qualifications.

3. School Direct Routes
School Direct (training)
School based training often includes a PGCE with
full time comprehensive training divided between
school & university resulting in academic &
professional qualifications (up to 90 M level credits).
Candidates pay a tuition fee (via Student Loan
Company) and may be eligible for bursaries,
scholarships and student finance.
This route can be similar to other PG routes such as
a mainstream PGCE course.

4. School Direct Routes
School Direct (salaried)
Employment based – training full-time in a school with
some training at the University.
Directed at career changers with an expectation of at
least three years’ prior work experience
Trainee receives a salary (approximately £16K)
Can be employed by the school for a full academic
year
QTS only – although a PGCE is possible in some
cases.
This route is similar to an older route known as GTP

5. Benefits for prospective
teachers
“School Direct offers the
experience of a school
from the start, making
teaching a far less
daunting prospect.”
“You are able to embed yourself into the
school more than you would on a traditional
placement, and therefore build stronger
relationships with pupils and teachers that
will help to improve your teaching.”
“This sense of belonging is something which underpins the School
Direct experience. As a School Direct trainee I have access to the full
spectrum of school life. At a basic level, this means that I attend
meetings, assist with a form, perform duties, and teach classes. On a
training level, however, this means that I have access to a whole
range of opportunities for professional development which I can use
to enhance my training experience and my future employability.”

6. Our partnership offers …

7. Entry Requirements
• UK university UG degree or recognised equivalent.
• Grade C or above in GCSE English Language and
Mathematics or equivalent.
• School experience, enthusiasm, knowledge,
resilience
• You will be required to complete a Disclosure and
Barring Service clearance application form to verify
your suitability to work with young people.
• You will be required to take the numeracy and
literacy professional skills tests prior to applying.
• Health Check – fitness to teach

8. How to Apply
• Do your research – route, school and
provider
• Apply via ucas online (ucas.com)
• Complete an application form and identify
referees
• Apply 1 – From November - Three Choices
simultaneous
• Apply 2 – From January – remaining places
sequentially
• Face to face interview(s) and tasks
• Conditional offers

9. Hints & Tips ...
• Enthusiasm for subject – beyond degree.
• Experience with children, schools,
teaching e.g. working in a school,
observation, Taster course.
• Awareness of current educational
issues (especially National Curriculum)
• Strong organisational and communication
skills
• Imagination and a sense of humour

11. Subject Knowledge
Enhancement Courses
• If subject degree focus does not match a course
we/others provide enhancement courses in
(Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and MFL).
• Courses can run from 4 weeks to 6 months.
Courses can attract a bursary of approximately
£200 a week (tax free)

12. Funding – 2013/14
(2014/15 TBC)
2013/14 bursaries, scholarships and school direct (salaried) funding
Physics,
Modern
Primary
Other priority
Computer
chemistry,
languages
maths
secondary
science
1
2
maths
specialist
and primary
st
Bursary - 1
£20,000
£20,000
£11,000
£9000
£9000
Bursary - 2.1
£15,000
£15,000
£6000
£4000
£4000
Bursary - 2.2
£12,000
£12,000
£0
£0
£0
Scholarship
See note
N/A
N/A
N/A
See note
below
below
25% premium paid on the above bursaries/scholarships to school direct
FSM premium
trainees whose training is based in a school where more than 35% of pupils
are eligible for free school meals
School direct
£19,000
£19,000
£16,000
£14,000
£14,000
3
(salaried) –
contribution paid
to school/ITT
provider
10% addition paid on the above funding for school direct (salaried)
School direct
trainees whose training is based
(salaried) FSM
Other priority secondary: English, Geography, History, Computerin a school where more than 35% of
Science, Greek, Latin, music, biology, PE
pupils are eligible for free school meals
premium

13. What makes
Sussex Distinctive?
• A Historic Partnership - over 40 years University &
Schools working as a Consortium – everyone is
supportive and experienced.
• For those who see teaching as a vocation and
want to make a difference to children’s lives.
• On-going professional development opportunities
and contact after your training – most trainees go
on to work with us as NQTs, complete their MEd
and return as mentors supporting others.
• High success rates in graduation, quality and
employment

14. Where to find out more:
DfE information see routes into teaching –
www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Getting school experience –
www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/school-expe
How to apply via UCAS www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/teacher-training
Information on the Professional Skills Tests –
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininga
nddevelopment/professional
Further information on ITE at Sussex
www.sussex.ac.uk/education/ite