QTS Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) offers a route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by working as an unqualified teacher in a school. It is a one-year programme of postgraduate training and having gained QTS a teacher can work in any maintained school in England. The University of Southampton Partnership provides GTP programmes at both secondary and primary age ranges across the state and independent sectors.
The University of Southampton supports the training of around 65 GTP teachers each year. We support GTP teachers in maths, the sciences, ICT, PE, English and primary. We also specialise in supporting teachers who are working in the independent sector (in both primary and secondary) on a self-funded basis.
To apply for the University of Southampton GTP programme, a candidate must establish a relationship with a school that is prepared to employ them as an unqualified teacher. Ideally you should have spent a minimum of three weeks in the employing school, including teaching in a whole class environment.
The programme suits people who want to change to a teaching career but need to continue earning while they train. The training is tailored to suit individual needs. Entry to the GTP is highly competitive, and places go to the best applicants in each of the categories identified above.
Fees and funding
Information on funding is available from the TA. Our quota is for salary funded places; this funding currently meets the cost of most of a GTP teacher’s salary and currently there are no course fees.
The fee for self-funded students (normally those working in the independent sector) is £4,500 (2010-11). The salary, where applicable, for an unqualified teacher varies considerably but as a guideline starts at £15,800.
Other options
For some candidates it might be more appropriate to train as a teacher by following a PGCE course. Certainly, the GTP programme requires candidates to have a very clear understanding for the demands of teaching, and the University will expect applicants to have experience of teaching and learning environments.
Contacts
GTP Admissions tutor: Jan Lewis, phone 01722 710262
Programme tutor: Keith Smith, phone 023 8059 3478
General information: Graduate Teacher Programme
For details of other opportunities, contact the University of Southampton GTP office on 023 8059 7512 or the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.
To Apply
Stage 1- A candidate locates a school (or vice versa) and both parties understand that the programme runs for a year and requires that during this time a candidate is provided with teaching experience and training opportunities.
Stage 2 – September onwards - candidates make an application through the TA application process. Alternatively schools and/or candidates can lodge an electronic expression of interest with the GTP administrator. The expression of interest needs to contain a reference from the school (identifying their experience of the candidate and his/her potential to teach) and a CV from the candidate (to include all academic qualifications and grades and relevant experience of working with schools/children etc). Please note if you contact us directly you will still need to complete the TA application process at a later stage.
Stage 3 – The first round of interviews will take place on the 15th and 16th December 2011 and schools and candidates should attend one of the university's GTP information sessions prior to interview (GTP information session dates: 11th November 2011 6pm to 7pm and the 12th December 2011 6pm to 7pm - 2012 dates to follow). Our aim will also be to visit new schools to the partnership as part of the application process. At the interview decisions will be based on a candidate’s qualifications, presentation, experience and what they have learnt from these experiences. Interviews will be conducted by a specialist in the subject or phase for which QTS is sought. Consideration will also be given to the resources available in the school to support the programme.
Stage 4 - Successful applicants will be asked to complete a transition document (in conjunction with their school) that focuses on the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and preparing for the year ahead. Successful applicants are guaranteed a place on the GTP although some may be asked to complete further preparatory activities.
Accreditation
On successful completion, you will receive QTS for your specialist subject or age group.
Career opportunities
You will have already established a relationship with a school in which you will initially work as an unqualified teacher.
With QTS you will then be able to take up any suitable teaching post in the state sector in England.
A teaching qualification is also an excellent stepping stone to other career opportunities.
Key facts
The GTP programme begins in September each year and tracks the school calendar in relation to term dates and holidays. It normally lasts one year.
You will be paid (as an unqualified teacher) while you study.
If you already have teaching experience, it may be possible to take less time, although this has implications for levels of funding.
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English. For primary teaching you must also have GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in science.
Degree
A UK Bachelor's degree or equivalent. For secondary level, this must relate to the subject in which you wish to specialise.
Locating a teaching post
Candidates looking for posts may:
- Check local papers and the Times Educational Supplement for vacancies
- Write introductory letters to all the appropriate schools in the area
- Contact Local Education Authorities who often advertise teacher vacancies on their website vacancy pages.
Sometimes the University of Southampton will be aware of schools that are looking for a GTP teacher but this is rare. Candidates should realise that the onus is on them to find a school.
Prior experience and status
To apply for the University of Southampton GTP programme, a candidate must:
- establish a relationship with a school that is prepared to employ them as an unqualified teacher
- have experience of working and teaching in schools and have a thorough understanding of what the role of a teacher entails. This experience is usually gained by working in a school(s) as a technician, classroom assistant, volunteer etc.
Selection process:
Intake: approximately 65
Average applicants per place: 6
Average applicants per place: dependent on subject (e.g. 2 for science and 12 for PE)
The 'Apply' section on the Overview tab incorporates the selection process.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
The GTP programme runs for an academic year and requires a teacher to take on a timetable of between 50% and 70%. The partnership also provides a minimum of 60 training days shared between University (18 days) and employing school (42 days). Training days focus on the Standards for the award of QTS and cover areas such as:
- Teaching, planning and evaluation
- Behaviour management
- Literacy
- Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
The University of Southampton Partnership provides GTP teachers with negotiated access to PGCE lectures. It also provides GTP teachers with tutor support from subject or phase specialists in the area in which they seek QTS. The Partnership is able to support the following subjects in state schools:
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Information Technology
- Physical Education
- Primary
Please note that we may be able to offer additional subjects (through negotiation) with independent schools.
Assessment is based chiefly on your on your ability to teach; it also includes one formal assignment and a range of independent study tasks matched to individual need. You will receive thorough preparation for all these, which are designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and learning.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
Teaching on the GTP programme is delivered through a variety of approaches, including lectures, workshops, seminars, fieldwork, discussion alongside reading and writing activities. Collaborative ways of working with other GTP teachers are emphasised. You will have opportunities to learn from practising researchers and expert school based practioners and you will be encouraged to carry out a small-scale investigation of your own. In schools, you will have structured opportunities to observe experienced teachers at work and to discuss professional issues with colleagues, in addition to gaining extensive practical experience in planning, teaching and assessing, alongside managing classes.
The Requirements for Initial Teacher Training state that each trainee teacher must have experience in at least two schools. The University requires that GTP teachers have the equivalent of 3 weeks teaching experience in a second school. In the first instance it is the school's responsibility to find a second school (covering the same age range) for the GTP teacher to work in. The University provides an induction day and a series of training days and the school will need to release the GTP teacher from their teaching commitments on these days.
GTP students in training
A usual teaching commitment for a GTP teacher is:
- a period of induction (duration dependent on experience and knowledge of the school)
- a first term time table of around 50% teaching commitment
- a second term time table of around 60% teaching commitment
- a third term time table of around 70% teaching commitment
