Choosing a course
There are hundreds of different initial teacher training (ITT) courses available in the UK. Choosing between them is a challenge in itself, and you should be prepared to put in a lot of research.
Your choice of initial teacher training (ITT) provides the foundation for your future as a teacher. You should consider:
The subject and age group you intend to teach
ITT courses and programmes are organised according to an age group and/or subject. If, for example, you'd like to teach a subject to an advanced level, you may choose to teach at a secondary level, rather than primary.
The kind of ITT you'd like to complete
There are many ways to train as a teacher, designed to support a wide a range of individual circumstances. The courses are designed to be flexible. Choose from:
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School-based training schemes, such as school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT), the graduate teacher programme (GTP) or the registered teacher programme (RTP). These courses are taught on the job with the support of experienced teachers. Lectures or discussions that cover the same material as college-based or university courses may make up part of this programme. Please note that SCITT is funded differently from the GTP and RTP.
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Universities and colleges offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses which include at least 18 weeks spent teaching in schools. Research your course and training provider thoroughly before applying.
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Study online from your own home. Canterbury Christ Church University and the Open University offer online ITT. These courses are suitable for individuals who have employment and/or family commitments.
All trainees will spend time in real classes on your school experience . Find out more about teacher placement during training.
Where you'd like to train
Wherever you want to train, and for whatever reason, you'll find there are ITT providers all over the country for you to choose from.
The institution you'd like to attend
No two courses of initial teacher training are the same - largely because no two ITT providers are the same. Universities, colleges and schools all display varying characteristics, strengths and entry requirements, not to mention course content and structure. Compare training providers.
