Programme Convenor: Sally Dudley
Welcome to the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) at the University of Sussex
Download the GTP Information Booklet for 2010-2011
Applications for the course beginning September 2010 are due in by February 2010. Please note that we no longer run a Primary GTP course. Details of alternative providers are listed below. The Graduate Teacher Programme Applying for the GTP 2010-2011 and finding a school in which to train Secondary Places 2010-2011 Primary Places East Sussex Local Authority (for those wishing to train in East Sussex Primary Schools only) University of Chichester Surrey Local Authority (Four S) (for those wishing to train in Surrey Primary Schools only) University of Brighton Maths and English Qualifications Registered Teacher Programme Chemistry and Physics Enhancement Courses
The GTP is part of a government initiative to attract career changers into the teaching profession. This programme is aimed at graduates interested in qualifying as teachers through school-based training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). GTP trainees teach in a school for four days a week under the guidance of an experienced school-based tutor, and study at the University of Sussex one day a week. During the one year programme they earn a salary of approx. £14,500. Those successful in gaining a place on the GTP have both experience from their previous working life and from teaching, training or working with children/young people - including time spent with them in a teaching and learning environment. They, therefore, do not require the level of support and input that the PGCE route offers.
All information required to apply is on this site and available to download. The Recruitment, Selection and Admissions Policy sets out the procedures for allocating places to trainees. Prospective candidates and interested schools should review the Applying for the GTP 2010-2011 link on the left of this page along with the other listed documents. All candidates need to find a school willing to train and support them prior to making an application to the University. Guidance can be found in the Finding Schools section of the GTP Information Booklet on this site. Before applying to the University schools must first conduct a formal interview using our Interview Questions for Schools available to School Professional Tutors/SMT only from GTP Admissions Coordinator, Mandy Healy, on ah206@sussex.ac.uk . The interview should include a brief observation of the candidate working with a group/class of pupils. Applications should then be made to the University using the forms on this site. Please send the completed form to Mandy Healy, GTP Admissions Co-ordinator, Programmes Office, Department of Education, School of Education and Social Work, Essex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QQ. If you leave your application until the summer term, it is advisable that you first check that there are still places available on the course before submitting your application form.
Finding a School
An updated list of schools which have indicated a desire to be considered for suitable candidates for the GTP 2010-2011 is available on our website. However, candidates are also advised to contact other schools they wish to work at that may not be on the list. Our catchment area is approx. one hour maximum drive from the University to the school in rush hour traffic. Included within this area are secondary schools in East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove and in the south of Surrey. Regrettably, we are not able to work with Special Schools.
We are able to offer fully-funded places in the 'shortage' subjects: Science, Maths, Music, Modern Languages, ICT* and RE*. We can also offer places in the 'non-shortage' subjects PE*, Drama*, English, History, Media* and Geography (*subject to the recruitment of minimum group sizes). Please note that we are unable to offer any GT Programmes in Art, Business Studies, Economics, Dance, Philosophy, Psychology or any strands of Design Technology. Candidates wishing to apply for these subjects should consider applying for a PGCE where applicable, or trying another GTP provider.
Note: We no longer have Training Grant-only places for candidates already in-post in schools.
As indicated above, we no longer offer a Primary GTP course. The following is a list of alternative local primary GTP providers:
- Sheila Whittle 01273 481408 or sheila.whittle@eastsussex.gov.uk
- Ann Synes on 01243 812077 or a.synes@chi.ac.uk
- Four S GTP Team on 01372 834444 or rare@fours.co.uk
- Lucy Dance on 01273 643320 or l.e.dance@bton.ac.uk
All those entering teacher training must hold a pass at GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English. Candidates without GCSE equivalency seeking a September 2010 entry onto the GTP, should make arrangements to begin studying at GCSE level. GCSE Equivalency tests are available at the University of Brighton. We can not accept the City and Guilds Learn Direct courses as equivalents to GCSE Maths or English for the purposes of entering Initial Teacher Training.
Independent Schools 2010-2011
We are able to offer Key Stage Four/Five training in Modern Languages, English, Science, Maths, PE*, Media*, Geography, ICT*, RE*, History, Music and Drama* for candidates from independent schools (* subject to the recruitment of minimum group sizes). Those eligible for places are experienced teaching post holders without QTS in the secondary, independent sector who have a relevant subject degree, an appropriate timetable and support from their school. It is also possible for those with more limited school experience to undertake the programme if their host school is prepared to support their coursework as a supernumerary with no teaching post responsibility. Under these circumstances, trainees must be paid as an unqualified teacher by the school. There is no government funding for independent schools for the GTP. Please see the relevant section of the GTP Information Booklet above for conditions and course costs. Regrettably, we are not able to offer Key Stage One/Two or Key Stage Two/Three or Key Stage Three/Four training for independent schools.
The University of Sussex does not offer the Registered Teacher Programme (RTP). Those already teaching in a school without a degree should make arrangements to boost previously acquired qualifications to degree level. They can then apply for the GTP if they wish to gain Qualified Teacher Status through the University of Sussex. Please see the relevant section of the GTP Information Booklet for suggested part time routes to gaining a degree.
If you wish to teach Physics or Chemistry but have a degree that is only partially related to the subject, or do not have a degree in the subject but have an 'A' level in either Physics or Chemistry, you may be eligible to apply for a six month Enhancement course. These full time courses run from January to July at the University of Sussex and equip students with sufficient subject knowledge to progress on to the GTP or PGCE the following September. The courses are free and come with a bursary to help support you whilst studying. For further details of eligibility and how to apply, please follow the links to the Enhancement courses at the right of this page.
