Jobs at Harrow's Schools

Schools can offer great opportunities to honours graduates who want to train on-the-job to be primary or high school teachers through a one year graduate teacher programme (GTP).

Usually this is through the Hertfordshire Regional Partnership (HRP), or any other TDA approved Designated Recommending Body (DRB). Most trainees start in September, with usually only a few secondary places in January. Lots of people are interested in this route but there are only a few places offered locally.

The headteacher of each school decides whether their school gets involved with the GTP based on whether it supports their school improvement plan. For latest details visit TDA - Graduate teacher programme. This is known as an employment based route into teaching. Demand considerably exceeds supply; it's very competitive.

To join the GTP you need to:

• Have a minimum of two weeks work experience in a school
• Find a school willing to employ you while training, this is more likely where you have already worked in schools
• Preferably one term's appropriate school experience (paid or unpaid) and knowledge of the national curriculum
• For primary training,  proof of Science GCSE (or equivalency) 
• A UK honours degree (or equivalent) relevant to the national curriculum and GCSE English and Maths grade A-C (or equivalencies) Gain approval from a DRB for the training programme of your choice
  

NOTE:
Typically DRBs prefer the full GCSEs A* - C grade rather than equivalencies. Some may seek grade B's.

For latest news and further details visit the University of Hertfordshire website.

Some other Universities and DRBs eg West London, based at Brunel University, or the Institute of Education, London may be willing to assist Harrow schools. Headteachers will decide which DRB to link with.

Deadlines:
Each DRB sets deadlines.  Check each DRB website for details via the TDA website.

What happens after I apply?
The DRB selects candidates, usually via interviews. The number of GTP places is determined by the Training & Development Agency for Schools (TDA).  The DRBs decide which schools and candidates get places.

What does it cost schools?
A GTP place costs schools between £10k - £25k, depending on the level of mentoring and support given. Some schools may receive a partial grant towards the trainee's salary and DRB fees. Many schools don't get any financial help.

GTP - what will schools expect from you?
Schools you approach will expect you to have considered carefully

• What age range you wish to teach and why
• What subjects and key stages you wish to teach and why
• How is your experience (paid and unpaid) relevant to becoming a teacher in their school
• What and how you intend to teach ie about the national curriculum

It is very important that you are able to answer questions fully.  You should apply for as many posts as you feel are suitable, advertised over a wide geographgical range as possibe.

Please bear in mind that councils experiencing a more difficult recruitment situation may offer more openings for this sort of on-job training. In some cases larger schools can be better placed to manage such training, as they have more staff.

Reminders
Each school decides if it wants, and is able, to be offer and effectively support a GTP.

Criminal Records Bureau, medical clearance, identity checks, employment and character references, proof of eligibility to legally work in the UK, and GTCe registration are all normal school employment requirements of teachers.