FAQs
When does the course start?
Our next cohort of trainees will start in school around 1st September 2023 - depending on individual schools' term dates - and will finish on 30th June 2024. All trainees will also be asked to attend three days of induction training on 5th, 6th and 7th July prior to starting on the course.
What do I do if I’m missing one of the requirements?
Don’t worry, there are several ways we can help you….
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Replacement Certificates
If you are offered a place to train, we will need to see your GCSE certtificates before you can start the course. There is some helpful advice about applying for replacements here: www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate
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International Qualifications
If you have an international qualification, you can obtain a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC, the National Recognition Information Centre, which is managed by www.ecctis.com
UK ENIC can be accessed directly here: www.enic.org.uk
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Equivalency Testing
If you do not have GCSE Maths and English in Grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above, you can take an equivalency test instead. We can recommend the following organisations: www.equivalencytesting.com and www.astarequivelency.co.uk.
In place of a GCSE in English, Mid Essex ITT will also accept an IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System, Academic Test) with an overall score of 6.5. IELTS Academic is an internationally-recognised system for demonstrating fluency in English (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
What is Subject Knowledge Enhancement?
If you want to teach a subject, but you are not sure if your subject knowledge is up to scratch, we can point you in the direction of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. A SKE will allow you to build up or refresh your existing knowledge. You can only register for a SKE course once you have accepted a place on a teacher training course and we have made it a condition of your offer.
Depending on which subject you will be studying, you might be paid £175 a week to undertake a SKE. Funded subjects are: Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Maths and MFL.
You have a choice in which SKE provider you choose to study with and, once you have chosen, we will help you complete the application process. Many of our candidates sign up for the SKE courses offered by the TES Institute and you can view a full list for all subjects here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-knowledge-enhancement-course-directory/subject-knowledge-enhancement-ske-course-directory#providers-and-courses
Click here for the most up-to-date Government information about SKEs.
Click here to apply.
Please note:
- Geography is no longer a supported DfE-funded course.
- PE with Ebacc is still an option as an eight-week SKE. All places for ITT and EBacc will need to be agreed in advance with DfE ITT allocations.
- MFL language trainees can take a second SKE course of eight weeks in their main language and a longer course up to 28 weeks in the other language.
- Part-time courses are available for eight and 12-week courses. Bursary payments (in funded subjects) will reflect the fortnightly submissions rather than weekly as £87.50 a week.
If you want to teach Design & Technology, you can access an unfunded SKE here: https://gorsescitt.org.uk/ske/
Click here for the most up-to-date Government information about SKEs.
What is the School Experience Programme?
Prior experience in a school is not required. However, we recommend spending time in a school to help you decide that teacher training is right for you. It will give you the opportunity to watch some lessons and will also provide you with some examples to talk about at interview. The School Experience Programme (SEP) is run by the Department of Education and offers places to those wishing to commence initial teacher training (ITT) in a secondary school subject. Click here to register for the School Experience Programme.
What qualification will I get at the end of the course?
If you successfully complete the course, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Fee-paying trainees also work towards a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. This is accredited by the University of Greenwich.
How does the part-time course work?
Our part-time courses are available in all subjects. You will need to complete the equivalent of two days per week in school (organised to suit you and your other commitments) and you will need to attend the weekly Thursday core and subject training sessions too. By choosing this route, you will receive QTS and a PGCE after completing your second year. Tuition fees will be £6,000 per year and you will still be eligible for the bursaries and scholarships on offer to full-time trainees. If you are interested in finding out more, please email the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 01376 556 398.
Read more about the part-time course here.
Where can I get information about training to teach in England if I am a non-UK citizen?
Click on this link to get further information about this: www.gov.uk
How do I go about looking for a job as a teacher in Essex?
If you are looking for a teaching position in the local area, Essex County Council have a fantastic Schools Jobs website you can visit. You can also search for jobs as a TA, LSA, Learning Mentor or support staff roles.
What if I need further information or would like to make an appeal or a complaint?
Mid Essex ITT holds a number of different policies in its Partnership Agreement, which is signed by the Headteachers all of its partnership schools. These include:
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Race Equality Policy
- Safer Recruitment Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
- Trainee Grievance Procedure
If you would like to receive a copy of any of the policies, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Complaints can also be made to the following organisations: Bridge Academy Trust and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education