Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP)
The Graduate Teacher Programme is an employment-based training programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
GTP is a well established route into teaching, alongside other routes such as the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). For general details about the GTP, other courses and other providers, visit the Training and Development Agency website.
GTP in East Sussex
East Sussex and the University of Sussex Consortium run a primary GTP training course, and is accredited as an Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provider. The information here focuses mainly on this primary programme – links to information on becoming a secondary school teacher are at the bottom of this page.
Training as a primary teacher
The East Sussex GTP is aimed at graduates who want to enter primary teaching and would like to train while working in an East Sussex school. To get a place on the programme, you will need previous experience working or volunteering in a primary classroom in a UK state school.
We’re keen to increase the number of trained teachers in East Sussex, particularly in the central and eastern areas of the county and along the coast. There are usually more teaching vacancies in Key Stage 2.
Entry requirements for the East Sussex Primary GTP
Our course is aimed at graduates or those with equivalent qualifications who:
- have attained the equivalent to GCSE grade C in English and mathematics and science
- hold a UK bachelor's degree or equivalent, minimum 2:2 grade. Applicants with a lower graded degree or equivalent need to provide evidence of additional study or professional qualification
- have never been excluded from working with children.
If you have other qualifications, please contact a university to check whether the qualification is sufficient to enrol on a GTP or PGCE course – Open University contact details.
If you obtained your degree overseas, find out if it is an equivalent qualification by contacting the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
Other entry criteria
As well as the qualifications above, you must also have:
- previous work and life experience, including solid work experience with children in a UK state primary school (such as classroom assistant or voluntary helper)
- prior experience, knowledge and understanding of primary core and foundation subjects
- ability to use your initiative and commitment to your personal development
- eligibility to live and work in the UK.
What you will do during the year
Your training year includes:
- working alongside experienced members of staff, gradually taking on more teaching responsibility as your level of competence and confidence increases
- attending weekly lectures in Eastbourne and partnership schools in the county
- 6–8 weeks in another class to gain experience of a different age group
- 6–8 weeks placement in a second school.
You will be continuously assessed throughout the programme by:
- regular teaching observations
- written course assignments
- individual and group presentations
- files of evidence which you build up throughout the year
- final assessment visit at the end of the year.
To be awarded Qualified Teacher Status you will also need to pass the national Skills Tests in numeracy, literacy and ICT before completing the course.
How the training is funded
The school and the training provider receive grants towards your salary and training costs, so you don’t have to pay for the training yourself.
During your training year, you are employed as an unqualified teacher and are paid at the lowest point on the unqualified teachers’ pay scale (£14,751 per annum from September 2007).
How to apply
You will need to complete an application form and supporting statement.
If you have been working as a classroom assistant or voluntary helper at a school that is willing to support you through the programme, you should indicate this on your application form. Applicants are strongly advised to try to find a school that is able to offer a placement through the programme.
In some instances we are able to find a school placement for a trainee. This must be in an East Sussex LA maintained school.
Contact us
To request an application form or find out more about our programme, please give your address to our Schools Workforce Recruitment Team.
What happens after you submit your application
Submitting an application is not a guarantee of funding or a place on the course. If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a competitive interview.
Offers of a place on the programme will be subject to:
- satisfactory references and pre-employment checks
- the agreement of a school willing to support you during the year.
- Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced clearance.
Training as a secondary teacher
If you are interested in training as a secondary teacher, you can get information about local secondary GTP and PGCE training programmes from:
