The trainee is employed as an unqualified teacher and follows an individual programme leading to qualified teacher status (QTS). At the same time the trainee completes a degree. Once awarded QTS, the trainee can work as a qualified teacher in any maintained school in England.

The RTP suits mature people who want to continue earning while they train. The training is tailored to the trainee’s individual needs. The RTP is a challenging route. It takes effort and commitment to work and train in a school and study for a degree at the same time.

Key features of the registered teacher programme:

• Trainees must have completed two years of higher education (or equivalent) and hold GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English. For primary and key stage 2/3 teaching, candidates also need GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in science
• Trainees must be employed as an unqualified teacher
• The school pays a salary at the rate for either a qualified or unqualified teacher. The TDA pays a grant of up to £9,100 to cover training costs across the two years
• The programme normally takes two years. If the trainee already has teaching experience, it may be possible to take less time – the minimum is one year
• Trainees must fulfil the Home Office’s requirements for a work permit (applicable if you are not a national of the European Economic Area)
  

The RTP is delivered by employment based initial teacher training providers (EBITTs) in England. EBITTs are usually partnerships of initial teacher training (ITT) providers, schools and local authorities. You should apply directly to your local EBITT provider for an RTP place.

Find contact details for your nearest EBITT provider

You can also download information for candidates and a handbook via the links on the right-hand side.

For further information on teaching in England or Wales, contact the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.