Q2A

Got an enquiry ........

Hi,
In 2007 I obtained my BSc Psychology degree; gaining a 2:1. I wish to teach Food
Technology. I understand that I must complete an ITT course (i believe this may be a
PGCE or on the job training?). I am interested in the on-the-job-training route (GTP/ RTP),
rather than studying a PGCE, as I must earn an income. However I am unsure as to
whether entry to the GTP/RTP requires me to hold a degree that is related to the subject
that I wish to study, i.e. Food Tech?

Also, does the GTP/RTP route entitle you to the same monetry benefits as a PGCE route
i.e. bursary/golden hellos?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Best regards,
LSF

This is our reply.......

Hi LSF, thanks for contacting q2a.

In order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) you are correct in your assertion of the two
main routes available. These are a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or work
based training through the Graduate Training Programme (GTP).

Before directly addressing the specific questions you have raised, here is some
information about GTP.
The Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) is a teacher training programme designed for
graduates. On the GTP you can attain the same qualified teacher status (QTS) often
awarded alongside a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), while training and
working in a paid teaching role. This vocational programme is ideal if you want to change
your career and become a teacher, but need to earn an income while you train.

The GTP normally takes one school year, working full-time, to complete. In some cases,
depending on previous teaching experience, this period may be shorter. Once you are on
the GTP, the programme can be tailored to meet your individual training needs as you
work towards qualified teacher status.

Who is eligible for the GTP?

To apply for a place on the GTP you must have both of the following qualifications:

# a UK bachelor's degree or equivalent
# GCSE grade C (or standard equivalent) in mathematics and English

If you intend to teach primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), you must also have a standard
equivalent to a grade C in a science GCSE.

You can complete the GTP in any eligible school in England that is prepared to employ an
unqualified teacher for the duration of the programme. Independent schools can also be
involved, but these applications have to be self-funded. Pupil referral units cannot employ
GTP trainees, nor have any involvement with the training.

You ask us whether the degree you hold needs be related to the subject you intend to
teach. For secondary school training, the degree must be relevant to the subject choice. A
minimum of 50% of the content of the degree needs to be directly related to the subject
you wish to teach. There are exceptions one of which is ICT where other qualifications and
experience may be taken into account. So unfortunately it appears as though your
ambition to teach Food Technology with your current degree may be difficult to achieve.
Perhaps it would be best to seek advice regarding the subjects you would be able to teach
at secondary level with a Psychology degree. The TDA website (www.tda.gov.uk) provides
information on this and related issues.

The golden hello is a one-off taxable incentive to encourage postgraduates to enter the
teaching profession and teach priority secondary subjects in maintained schools. It
appears as though you may still be eligible to receive this payment. For more information
check out;
www.tda.gov.uk/training-provider/itt/funding-allocations/golden-hello.aspx?
keywords=golden+hellos

However because you receive a salary when on the GTP programme you will not be
eligible to receive a bursary, as this is to provide financial support to students who are
taking a non employment route into teaching such as the PGCE.

Finally for further information about the GTP or alternative routes into teaching, please
contact the Teaching Information Line on 0800 389 2500.

We hope this reply is helpful, and we wish you the best of luck obtaining a suitable place
on teacher training in the near future.

Best wishes q2a.

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