MERSEYSIDE AND CHESHIRE GTP CONSORTIUM - DESIGNATED RECOMMENDING BODY

What is a Designated Recommending Body?

Designated Recommending Bodies (DRBs) are new organisations set up to deliver the GTP in England. DRBs are given an annual allocation of GTP places by the Teacher Training Agency (TTA). The DRB takes responsibility for designing and delivering your training programme. Most DRBs are partnerships of bodies such as schools, local education authorities (LAs) and accredited initial teacher training (ITT) providers.

The Merseyside and Cheshire GTP Consortium is a DRB partnership between Liverpool Hope and Liverpool John Moores Universities, the LEAs of Cheshire, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, the Liverpool City of Learning and several schools from the Merseyside and Cheshire area.

Can I go on the programme?

To apply for the programme, you must have at least 6 months experience of working in a school or youth setting. If you have previously failed QTS, your application will not be considered. You will be asked to undertake an Advanced Disclosure with the Criminal Records Bureau when you are allocated a school.

The programme suits people who want to change to a teaching career and need to continue earning while they train. The training is tailored to suit individual needs. Entry to the GTP is highly competitive with places going to the best applications in each of the TTA's priority categories which are:

• secondary shortage subjects - mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, technology (both ICT and design and technology), Religious Education 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;
• applications to train people currently working as teaching assistants

What qualifications do I need?

• A first degree or equivalent; and
• GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English. For primary, if you were born on or after 1 September 1979 you must have GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in science.

When making your application, you will be asked to provide your original examination certificates. Your application will not be considered if you cannot produce these certificates.

Will I be paid?

The school will pay your salary at the rate for either a qualified or unqualified teacher. The TTA may pay a grant of up to £13,000 to the school towards the employment costs as well as a grant of up to £4,000 a year to cover the cost of your training. The TTA makes some places available with the £4,000 training grant only, where the school is able to pay the full cost of your salary.

What goes into a training plan?

We will discuss with you the training you need to achieve the standards for QTS. Each training activity meets one or more of the QTS requirements. Examples could include guidance on classroom techniques; ways of preparing lessons; observing role models; discussing books and papers you have read; attending short courses or conferences; and practicing your IT skills. Experienced teachers monitor, assess and record all your achievements. You will have experience in at least two schools before you are awarded QTS.

How can I be sure of quality training?

Working with your schools, we will provide the support and facilities you need. Your schools will provide you with a mentor. You will be continuously assessed throughout the programme against the standards for the award of QTS. You will be expected to keep a portfolio of your own and your pupils' best work. In the final stages of the programme, an independent external assessor will watch you at work, inspect your portfolio and talk to you and your mentor.

What happens at the end of training?

If the external assessor is satisfied, he or she will tell us and we can recommend you to the Secretary of State for Qualified Teacher Status. You also have to pass computerised skills tests in literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT). Like any other newly qualified teacher, you will be given a Career Entry Profile, which will help your school plan your induction training.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about the Wirral GTP Consortium, you can contact the Recruitment Strategy Manager Mark Lally on 0151 666 4242.

Frequently Asked Questions - Applications
Frequently Asked Questions - Overseas Trained Teachers
Frequently Asked Questions - The Programme

For more information about the Graduate Teacher Programme and details of other consortia, you can contact the TDA:

Teaching Information Line 0800 6000 991
Website: www.canteach.gov.uk

We wish you every success with your application and your career in teaching.

OTHER DESIGNATED RECOMMENDING BODIES

For Information about Wirral GTP Consortium please go to www.canteach.gov.uk and look on the GRTP pages. There are a number of DRBs for the North West area and you may wish to consider approaching them for a GTP placement or you can apply directly to the Teacher Training Agency who retain a small allocation of placements.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Teaching Assistants without a first degree may be considering a career in teaching. Liverpool John Moores University have developed a website enabling Teaching Assistants to submit details of current qualifications with guidance available on the appropriate routes. www.routesintoteaching.co.uk

OVERSEAS TRAINED TEACHERS

Overseas Trained Teachers may want to gain Qualified Teacher Status. For further information please visit the TDA website.