There are two routes into the teaching profession and at Charters we support both. We have many years’ experience of supporting trainee teachers with talented mentors and a supportive Leadership team. When opportunities have arisen, trainees have continued at Charters after their Initial Teacher Training, completing their NQT year here and then developing their careers further.

The basic entry qualification is a good degree (Class 2 Div 2 or better) in your subject and GCSE (grade C or above) in English and Maths.

The PGCE route is run in conjunction with the University of Reading. For the GTP option, there are schemes run by the University and by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM). Whichever route you choose, places are always limited, so early application is recommended.

Post Graduate Certificate in Education – PGCE

This is a one year course run by the University of Reading with formal sessions in educational practice and subject material suitable for 11 -18 year olds. Charters accepts placements organised by the University for initial and block experience in a wide variety of subjects. Charters has accepted school visits from prospective PGCE students, wishing to have some exposure to secondary school life before embarking on the course.

You may receive a bursary; however PGCE courses will charge tuition fees.

For further information about the PGCE, see the University web site:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-secondaryPGCE.aspx

Graduate Teacher Programme - GTP

This is a one year course, and is primarily based in school. Whether you opt for the scheme from the University of Reading or RBWM, there are some common points to note:

• Under current arrangements, you will receive a salary, at unqualified teacher rates, during your GTP year
• During the year you will spend 4 weeks at a different school to give you a range of experience
• You will have the support and guidance of an experienced school-based mentor

The University of Reading: is open to applications from mid-October the year prior to starting at a school in September. The University requires you to have a placement school agreed before you submit your application.

For further information about the GTP, see the University web site :
http://www.reading.ac.uk/education/pg-taught/ioe-graduateteachingprogramme.aspx

RBWM : Applications open from the beginning of December to the end of January prior to starting in September. You can have a placement school agreed prior to your application or sort this out later in the process. Funding can be either via the Borough or, in exceptional circumstances, directly from the School.

For further information, see the RBWM web site:
http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_graduate_teacher_programme.htm

If you choose to apply for a GTP, you must register and then make an application via the TDA website initially - http://www.tda.gov.uk/.