FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – THE PROGRAMME

I understand that the GTP is an employed programme. Who employs me?

You are employed by your Lead School as an Unqualified Teacher.

Your contract should be from the start of the programme (usually 1 September) for a 12-month period (unusually 31 August).

Once on the programme, what will I get paid?

As an Unqualified Teacher, you should be paid as a minimum on the first point of the Unqualified Teacher payscale - £14,391 from 1 September 2006.

What are the grants that are payable for the GTP?

The Salary Grant is paid to the school as a contribution to the salary costs.

As the Salary Grant is £13,500, there is a cost to the school of about £3,000.

The Training Grant is £2,000, and this is paid to the school by claim, based on the costs of training. Again, this is a contribution to the costs.

What about other grants paid by the TDA?

Golden Hellos and other payments are not paid through the GTP.

The salary payment is roughly equivalent.

How long is the programme?

The programme lasts for one year.

It is possible to complete the programme in less time if you can evidence substantial teaching experience in the subject, Key Stages, age and ability ranges that you are training. Conditions must be met, so do not assume that you can complete early. The programme cannot be completed in less than one term.

Can I do the programme part-time?

It is possible, but not advised.

You must be able to demonstrate good reason for a part-time programme, and be able to demonstrate strength in time management.

You must commit to attending Taught Sessions held by the Consortium,

The minimum part-time programme is 50%.

Do I need two schools?

The application form provides for you to nominate a Lead School, and an alternative school.

As part of the programme, you will need to spend at least 6 weeks in a Second School.

The requirements of this Second School will be generated through an Initial Needs Assessment and Training Plan, once you are on the programme.

I have loads of experience. Why do I need a Second School?

Firstly, we encourage all of our trainees to make the most of their training.

All trainees benefit from a Second School experience, so you will as well.

Secondly, it depends on the nature and quality of your former school experience.

To qualify to reduce the amount of time required in a Second School, the experience must be teaching experience; in the subject / phase of your training; in the Key Stages of your training; at the age and ability range of your training, and for a minimum of one term. It must also be supported by quality evidence similar to that of a training programme. You must be able to show good quality lesson plans, lesson evaluations, lesson observations, references and witness statements.

I've heard of Skills tests. What are they, and can I take them now or avoid taking them?

Skills Tests in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT are a requirement to meet the Qualifying to Teach standards.

They can only be taken by trainees on the programme, not before.

They can only be taken in person at a registered test centre.