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Getting on a teacher training course

Getting onto a course

Here are some top tips to help you ensure you get on the course you want.

Research the course options available so that you know which course is best for you. When you decide on one particular option, be very clear about your reasons for making that choice as this will help develop your ‘case’ for getting on to your chosen course.

Research

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Research the course options available so that you know which course is best for you.
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Once you have narrowed down the type of course that suits you and for which you meet the entrance requirements (see Qualifications you need), research the universities and colleges that offer the option and choose those which meet the needs of your personal circumstances.

Checking your qualifications

If you don’t have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your ITT provider. Some providers may also accept skills developed through other related work experience. If in doubt, you should contact your chosen ITT provider to find out their requirements. 

If you’re unsure whether your degree is related to the subject you would like to teach, you can contact the Teaching Information Line (0845 6000 991 for England, 0845 6000 992 for Wales) for specific advice. If you find that your subject knowledge is not of the required standard, you can take subject knowledge booster courses or subject enhancement/extension courses, information about which is available on the TDA website.

Personal qualities and work experience

Show your ITT provider that you are realistic about the challenges of teaching and list the reasons why you would like to become a teacher. Tutors will want to see that you are a person who recognises the challenges of teaching and relishes the prospect of meeting them alongside a commitment to working with children or young people.

Show evidence of your commitment to working with children and education, such as any experience of working with young people. This might include relevant work experience, volunteering within your community, visits to/work in schools, summer projects for children, being a school governor, running or helping out in a youth club or with a group like the Guides or the Scouts.   

Some ITT providers may even require that all their trainees have some previous school-based experience. You will need to check with individual institutions for details of their admissions policy. 

Remember that the qualities that tutors will look for are a commitment to the development of children, an interest in learning, and a high degree of professionalism and responsibility.   Also, personsal qualities to emphasise are an enjoyment, and meeting of, challenges; team-working; and good interpersonal and communication skills.  

If you feel certain that teaching is the career for you but you don’t already have these kind of work experiences, visit the TDA website for details of how you could gain them. Options suggested by the TDA include classroom visits arranged through TDA consultants and three-day taster courses.

Putting your application together

Now that you have all the relevant course knowledge, qualifications and experience, spend time working on your application. Ask for second opinions whenever necessary.  

Find out as much information as you can about the interview format and any related tasks from the ITT course provider.  

When preparing for the interview, review your previous interview experience and think about what your strengths and weaknesses are and how best you can play to your strengths. How can you improve your interview technique and therefore increase your chances of getting on the course?  

During the interview, be very clear why you’ve chosen teaching as a career and why you believe that you would be a good teacher. You will need to demonstrate a real interest in your subject/age phase and a commitment to teaching it, along with good personal, intellectual and communication skills.  

The TDA website offers the opportunity to take part in an interactive interview online, which you might find helpful.

 Download ATL's free publication for students, Into the classroom, for further advice on how to get the most out of your studies.

Useful websites

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