Entry requirements
You must have a good degree; upper second classification or above and be a graduate of a recognized UK higher education institution OR have a qualification from outside the UK that is an equivalent level OR have a qualification that gives graduate status. 50% of your studies should be in the subject area you wish to teach. For the School Direct Salaried Training Programme you must have had at least three years relevant employment.
1. Choose your subject
Working with partners we offer School Direct Training and Salaried places in primary and the following secondary subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Design and Technology, English, Geography, PE and Religious Education.
2. GCSEs
You must have achieved a Grade C or above or the equivalent in English language and mathematics. Primary applicants must also have achieved a Grade C or above in Science.
Equivalency tests
These can be accessed either through the University of Brighton or Equivalency Testing.
Please note that qualifications in Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy are not regarded as equivalent to GCSE.
3. Professional Skills tests
You will need to pass the Professional Skills tests prior to commencing School Direct.
Find out more about the Professional Skills tests.
4. Proficiency in English
You must be able to read and understand English to a high standard. Those applicants for whom English is not their first language, we require the following evidence of proficiency:
- IELTS: minimum overall score 7.0 (with score no lower than 6.0 for writing and 6.5 for reading)
- TOEFL: 650 in the paper-based test, 280 in the computerised test and 114 in the internet-based test
- Cambridge Certificate in the Proficiency of English: Grade A or B
5. Medical fitness
There are fitness requirements set by the Department for Education for applicants to teacher training programmes. You must obtain occupational health clearance which costs approximately £45.
6. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
If you are successful in your application to School Direct, you have to apply via the university for an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the CRB.
How to apply
School Direct application system opened on the Department for Educations website in early November 2012. You are able to search for places and apply directly to the lead school. All schools are required to advertise their places through this application system.
1. Register with TA
You can register online with the Teaching Agency and you will receive a registration number.
Find out how to register online with the Teaching Agency.
2. Choose your school
The University of Brighton is working with a variety of schools/school groups that offer School Direct. Once you have chosen your school that you wish to train to teach with, you are advised to check the schools website for details on individual selection processes.
3. Complete the application form on the Department for Education's website
You are advised to tailor your application to the individual school. You are also advised to submit no more than three individual applications in the first instance. All schools are regulated to recruit to their School Direct places through this application process.
4. Submit the application form
Complete and submit your application form electronically via the Department of Education's website.
5. Selection for interview
You will normally be interviewed in your selected school by senior members of staff and university tutors. The interview process will include a written task, a non-cognitive assessment and (normally) individual/group assessments.
Fees
School Direct
School Direct Training is funded by tuition fees (£9000) that are paid by the trainee. You may also be eligible to receive a bursary from the Teaching Agency (TA).
Find out more about bursaries on the Teaching Agency (TA) website.
Scholarships may be available for applicants who wish to teach priority subjects, and are awarded by the relevant Subject Associations, through a competitive application process.
Find out more about bursary and scholarship eligibility on the DfE website.
School Direct Salaried Training
The school will pay you an unqualified teachers salary.
Further information
Please contact Lucy Dance by email l.e.dance@brighton.ac.uk or phone 01273 643320.
