What sort of school can take part?
All maintained schools, non-maintained special schools, city technology colleges, city colleges for the technology of the arts and city academies are eligible for employment based teacher training programmes (EBTTs).
What is the role of the school in the GTP?
The school, in partnership with the employment based initial teacher training (EBITT provider), may be responsible for:
- recruiting and employing the trainee
- accounting to the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and EBITT provider for funding received
- supervising and supporting the trainee – mentoring, monitoring and preparing the trainee for final assessment
- enabling the trainee to teach their chosen subjects and age group to the right level, and
- providing a range of learning experiences, such as observation of role models, regular appraisal, review and discussion, and local teacher networks.
The quality of training supplied by the school is fundamental. The headteacher and governors must be committed to providing a sound, well-organised experience for the trainee.
How do schools become involved in the GTP?
Schools apply for the GTP by contacting an EBITT provider. Follow the link on the right-hand side to find contact details for your nearest EBITT provider.
What qualifications do trainees need?
GTP trainees need to meet the same entry standards as people on other courses of initial teacher training (ITT). They must have a first degree (or equivalent). All candidates must hold GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English. For primary and key stage 2/3 teaching, trainees must have GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in science.
What are the GTP priority categories?
All GTP salary grant places are allocated using priority funding categories. EBITT providers look more favourably on applications from the following categories:
- secondary shortage subjects – mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, technology (both ICT and design and technology) and English
- high-quality primary applications
- applications in any subject or phase that make the teaching force more representative of society, for example, increasing men in primary teaching, teachers from minority ethnic groups and teachers with disabilities
- high-quality secondary applications in any subject, and
- applications to train people currently working as teaching assistants.
Who pays for the training?
For GTP salary grant places, the TDA will provide a grant of up to £14,000 towards the trainee’s salary costs. The salary grant is paid direct to EBITT providers. The school can pay the rate for either qualified or unqualified teachers – it is up to the governing body to decide. Community schools can ask their local authority for advice on their policy.
For training grant only places, the TDA provides a grant of up to £4,920 a year to the EBITT provider for the cost of training. If the training is shorter, the grant will be proportionately less, and if the training is on a part-time basis over a longer period the grant will be paid in smaller instalments over a longer period.
Self-funded programmes
Funded places on the GTP are limited so EBITTs cannot guarantee places. However, they can approve a satisfactory training programme without funding where a school is willing to cover the full cost. The TDA will pay for the final QTS assessment. Schools and local authorities may wish to consider this where there is no alternative route but should consider the other options above first. Self-funded applications can be submitted at any time.
Independent schools
Independent schools are not eligible for a salary or training grant but can apply to EBITTs for the GTP. The cost of QTS assessment will normally be covered by the TDA.
Finding suitable trainees
Schools can advertise a vacancy as suitable for a trainee while working in partnership with an EBITT provider to build up a local pool of potential trainees. GTP trainees are normally supernumerary.
