Becoming a teacher FAQs

Q: Is there further help and advice about the GTP, RTP and OTTP programmes?
Q: What if I don't have the required qualifications?
Q: What if my degree doesn't relate to the subject I want to teach?
Q: What sort of starting salary can I expect?
Q: What is a golden hello?
Q: What is a state-maintained school?
Q: What countries are in the European Economic Area (EEA)?
Q: Does achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) guarantee that I will get a teaching job?
Q: How do I find a teaching post?
Q: Will I have to pass skills tests to achieve qualified teacher status ( QTS) in Wales?
Q: Can I do the Graduate Teacher Programme ( GTP) while working as a teaching assistant?
Q: If I achieve QTS in Wales, can I teach in England?
Q: Can I begin induction if I have not yet passed the QTS skills tests?
Q: Is there a time limit by which I need to start the induction period after achieving QTS?
Q: Where can I complete my induction period?
Q: Can part-time positions or supply positions count towards induction?
Q: Can different terms of the induction period be completed in different schools?
Q: Is there further help and advice about the GTP, RTP and OTTP programmes?
A:

Yes, you can call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 (0845 6000 992 for Welsh speakers).

Q: What if I don't have the required qualifications?
A: 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 IT provider. Some providers may also accept skills developed through other, related work experience. If in doubt, you should contact your chosen IT provider to find out what their requirements are.

 

Q: What if my degree doesn't relate to the subject I want to teach?
A: If you don't think your degree is relevant to any subject in the curriculum, contact your local ITT providers for advice. For more information on teaching or teacher training contact the teaching information line on 0845 6000 991.
Q: What sort of starting salary can I expect?
A: From September 2008 newly qualified teachers (NQTs) will start on a minimum annual salary of £20,627 (£25,000 in inner London).
Q: What is a golden hello?
A:

Eligible secondary school teachers in England who began a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) or school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) programme in maths or science from September 2006 can receive a golden hello payment of £5,000. Teachers of D&T, ICT, modern languages, English, RE and music can receive a golden hello of £2,500. This payment, which is taxable, is made to those teachers whose main teaching focus is on the subjects specified. It requires successful completion of the induction year and is paid at the start of the second year of teaching. There are similar arrangements in Wales.

Funding arrangements from 1 August 2008

For trainees starting primary postgraduate ITT courses after 1 August 2008 the bursary will be reduced from £6,000 to £4,000.

For trainees starting secondary postgraduate English, dance and drama ITT courses after 1 August 2008, the bursary will be reduced from £9,000 to £6,000. Trainees on these courses will not be eligible to receive a golden hello.

Q: What is a state-maintained school?
A: State-maintained schools are otherwise known as publicly funded schools and attended by over 90 per cent of pupils. Parents do not pay any fees.
Q: What countries are in the European Economic Area (EEA)?
A: The European Economic area consists of all members of the European Community (EC) plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Q: Does achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) guarantee that I will get a teaching job?
A: No. Schools recruit their staff on an individual basis, according to their specific recruitment needs, just like any other employer.
Q: How do I find a teaching post?
A: There are numerous ways in which you can find your first and subsequent teaching posts, including local and national press, the internet and your local education authority.
Q: Will I have to pass skills tests to achieve qualified teacher status ( QTS) in Wales?
A: No, the literacy, numeracy and IT skills tests are not a requirement for achieving QTS in Wales. You are also not required to take the skills tests if you gain QTS in Wales and subsequently wish to teach in England.
Q: Can I do the Graduate Teacher Programme ( GTP) while working as a teaching assistant?
A:

If your school can place you in a teaching post instead, you may be able to train through the GTP. Otherwise, you could follow a part time course at university or college while continuing with your original job.

Q: If I achieve QTS in Wales, can I teach in England?
A: Yes. There is mutual recognition of QTS between Wales and England. The QTS gained in Wales is fully recognised in England and beyond. Similarly, if you gain QTS in England, this will allow you to teach in Wales. Similarly, if you gain QTS via an employment-based training scheme it is recognised in both countries.
Q: Can I begin induction if I have not yet passed the QTS skills tests?
A:

No, induction begins once a newly qualified teacher (NQT) takes up their first post after qualified teacher status (QTS) has been awarded. In England, QTS is not awarded unless trainee teachers have successfully completed all aspects of initial teacher training, including passing the skills tests.

Q: Is there a time limit by which I need to start the induction period after achieving QTS?
A: No. There can also be gaps between the three terms that make up your induction period once started, but the induction programme should normally be completed within five years.
Q: Where can I complete my induction period?
A: State-maintained schools and non-maintained special schools are able to offer the induction programme. Sixth form colleges and some maintained nursery schools and Independent schools can also offer the induction programme but there are certain requirements which must be met before the programme can go ahead. Visit www.tda.gov.uk/induction for more information.
Q: Can part-time positions or supply positions count towards induction?
A: If an NQT takes up a part-time position they can still undertake induction and any appointment that lasts for a term or more will count towards the induction period. The length of the induction period overall will be calculated pro-rata. For example, if an NQT were to work for the whole of their induction period on a half-time contract, their induction period would last for six school terms.

If a supply position meets induction standards and is contracted to last for a term or longer, then induction should go ahead. The types of supply positions which can offer induction are therefore maternity leave cover and long-term sick leave cover.
Q: Can different terms of the induction period be completed in different schools?
A: Yes. NQTs can move schools after the first or second term and complete their induction in a different school.