Entry Requirements

We are looking for trainees with the potential to become a great teacher, who can demonstrate an enthusiasm for working with children and young people.  However, there are a set of entry requirements set out by the Department for Education that all Initial Teacher Training providers must adhere to:

Entry requirements:

• right to work in the UK

• intellectual and academic capability to undertake an Initial Teacher Training course and meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of their training

• an undergraduate degree or equivalent

• a standard equivalent to a grade C/4 in the GCSE examinations in English language and mathematics.  We consider candidates with pending GCSEs and those who need to take a GCSE equivalency test

• additionally, you will be required to complete an Occupational Health referral, DBS check and children’s barred list check to ensure your suitability to teach

Additionally for primary programmes:

• a standard equivalent to a grade C/4 in the GCSE examinations in science
• completed Childcare disqualification disclosure form

Additionally for secondary programmes:

• in the absence of a directly related subject degree, an applicant must have an A-level, or equivalent at Grade C/4 or above, that relates to their chosen subject, or
• extensive relevant work experience in the subject/field that is corroborated by a letter of recommendation from a supervisor

GCSE equivalencies

GCSE Equivalency Tests are intended for applicants who cannot evidence they have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C / 4 or above in the GCSE English, maths and science examinations.

The equivalency exam result is used as an alternative to completing a GCSE for the purpose of meeting the entry requirements of post graduate courses including teacher training and nursing programmes. It is not a GCSE qualification.

For more information or to check that any equivalency you are planning to complete will be acceptable to Exchange Teacher Training, please contact info@exchangepartnership.org.uk.

Overseas qualifications

If you studied outside the UK, check the UK ENIC, operated and managed by Ecctis Limited website to find out whether your qualifications are of an equivalent level to UK GCSEs, A-levels, and an undergraduate degree.

If you have non-UK qualifications, you will need a Statement of Comparability. This can take some time, so we would advise you to start the process before you submit your application for initial teacher training.

Subject Knowledge Enhancements

If your degree subject doesn't link closely to your chosen teaching subject, you may still be able to apply for a postgraduate teacher training programme by undertaking a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course. We may ask you to take an SKE course as a condition of your offer if we feel you have the right qualities to become a teacher but need more subject knowledge first.

 The Exchange Partnership offers SKE courses in English, Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry across 8-28 weeks. Find out more here: Subject Knowledge Enhancements - The Exchange Partnership. We can also support you to find an SKE in other secondary subjects delivered by other organisations.