Teacher Training FAQs
Applying
How do I apply for teacher training?
Applications are made through the Department for Education’s Apply for teacher training service. You will need to provide information about your qualifications, work experience and reasons for wanting to become a teacher.
Can I apply for more than one teacher training course?
Yes. You can apply for up to four teacher training courses through your application.
What happens after I submit my application?
We will review your application against the entry requirements for your chosen course. If your application is successful at this stage, you will be invited to the next stage of our selection process.
Will I need to attend an interview?
Yes. Applicants who progress through the initial application stage will be invited to take part in our selection process before an offer can be made.
Qualifications and eligibility
Do I need a degree to train as a teacher?
Yes. You will need a degree or equivalent qualification at a minimum of 2:2, to undertake postgraduate teacher training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Does my degree have to be in the subject I want to teach?
Not necessarily. We will consider your degree, other qualifications and relevant subject knowledge when assessing your application. Some applicants may benefit from additional subject knowledge development before beginning their training.
I have international qualifications. Can I apply?
Yes, applicants with international qualifications can apply. Your qualifications will need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant UK entry requirements, and you may be asked to obtain a Statement of Comparability for qualifications completed outside the UK.
What if I am still completing my degree?
You can apply while completing your degree, but you will need to successfully complete the required qualification before beginning your teacher training.
Choosing your training route
What teacher training routes are available?
There are different routes into teaching, including tuition-fee funded and salaried teacher training.
At North West London TSH, we only offer tuition-fee funded routes.
What is the difference between the salaried and tuition-fee route?
On a tuition-fee funded route, you pay a tuition fee for your teacher training and may be eligible for Student Finance and, depending on your subject, additional financial support.
On a salaried route, you are employed by a school while completing your teacher training. Availability is dependent on suitable salaried vacancies and placement opportunities.
Can I train part-time?
Part-time teacher training options may be available. Part-time training takes place over a longer period than the standard full-time programme.
QTS and PGCE
What qualification will I receive?
Our QTS with PGCE teacher training routes allow successful trainees to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) alongside a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
What is QTS?
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional status required for teachers in maintained schools in England. You will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards as part of your teacher training.
What is a PGCE?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is an academic qualification completed alongside your practical teacher training.
Is the PGCE separate from the teacher training programme?
No. The PGCE is integrated into the teacher training programme and includes academic study and written assignments alongside your school-based training.
Fees and financial support
Do I have to pay tuition fees?
If you undertake a tuition-fee funded route, you will be responsible for a tuition fee. Eligible trainees may be able to access Student Finance to help cover the cost.
Can I get Student Finance?
Eligible trainees on tuition-fee funded teacher training courses may be able to apply for tuition fee and maintenance support through Student Finance.
Your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.
Are bursaries available for teacher training?
Bursaries are available for some subjects. The subjects eligible for a bursary and the amount available can change between recruitment years.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available in some subjects and are normally administered by the relevant professional body. Eligibility requirements vary by subject.
Can I receive both a bursary and a scholarship?
No. You cannot receive both a teacher training bursary and scholarship for the same course.
The training programme
How long does teacher training take?
Full-time postgraduate teacher training normally takes one academic year.
Part-time routes take longer and allow the programme to be completed over an extended period.
Will I spend time in schools?
Yes. School-based training is a significant part of the programme. You will gain practical classroom experience alongside your professional and academic training.
Will I train in more than one school?
Yes. Teacher training includes experience in different school settings to ensure you gain a breadth of experience.
Will I actually teach classes?
Yes. Your classroom responsibility will increase gradually as you develop your knowledge, confidence and teaching practice.
You will be supported throughout the programme rather than being expected to take on a full teaching timetable immediately.
Is the training face-to-face or online?
The programme includes a combination of school-based experience, professional training, independent study and training sessions. Some elements may be delivered face-to-face and others virtually.
Where will my school placement be?
Placements are arranged as part of the teacher training programme. We work with schools across our partnership area and will consider the requirements of the course when arranging placements.
Before applying
Do I need previous classroom experience?
Previous school experience can be useful in helping you understand the profession and deciding whether teaching is right for you. However, applicants should not assume that extensive classroom experience is required before making an application unless this is specified for their chosen course.
Can I apply if I currently work in a school?
Yes. People already working in schools, including teaching assistants and other school staff, can apply for teacher training.
Your individual circumstances and the most suitable training route can be discussed as part of the application process.
Can my current school support me through teacher training?
Potentially. If you already work in a school that would like to support your teacher training, please let us know when you enquire or apply so that the available options can be explored.
Which subjects can I train to teach?
Teacher training is available across a range of primary and secondary subjects. All of the subjects that are currently open can be seen on our DfE apply page.
Can international applicants apply?
International applicants can apply for teacher training, but there may be additional requirements relating to qualifications, immigration status, course eligibility and funding.
Applicants should check their individual circumstances before making financial or employment arrangements.
When does the course start?
Our teacher training programmes normally begin at the start of the academic year. Your exact start date and induction arrangements will be confirmed before you begin the programme.
Who can I contact if I’m not sure whether I’m eligible?
If you are unsure about your qualifications, eligibility, funding options or which teacher training route would suit you, please contact the ITT team at itt@northwestlondontsh.org.uk . We can advise you based on your individual circumstances.
