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2. entry requirements

Our expectations of you

We are looking for ambitious trainees who can demonstrate their commitment and desire to become outstanding teachers of the future and who understand the impact a teacher has on the lives of the children they teach. It is a pre-requisite that, as well as having the required academic qualifications, candidates should have the determination, enthusiasm and strength of character necessary to successfully make the transition from trainee to fully qualified, highly skilled classroom professional. In return, we promise to offer you the best professional training available.

Academic entry requirements

  • A Lower second class degree in any subject from a UK University (2:2)*
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in English, maths and science, or equivalent qualification
  • Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered Equivalency tests will be accepted in English, maths or science.

    We do not offer equivalency exams but are able to direct you to providers who we know offer appropriate qualifications which will ensure you begin your teacher training programme with the breadth and depth of subject knowledge to support you on during your teacher training programme.

*Please note that if these are not already held at the point of application, the application form should clearly indicate that these are in the process of being achieved. 

Professional entry requirements

  • 10 days recent and relevant experience in a primary school or early years setting is desirable but not essential.
  • Evidence of a clear understanding of teaching, learning, national frameworks and strong evidence of a commitment to teaching
  • Evidence of good spoken and written English

Pre-programme entry requirements

Following successful interview, a number of checks will be needed to confirm suitability to teach and potential to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the training programme. These will include:

  • Health and Capacity to Teach checks
  • Disclosure and Barring Service checks
  • Police clearance from abroad if the candidate has lived/worked abroad in the last 5 years for 6 months or more
  • Prohibited Teachers Check (UK)
  • Prohibited to teach in EEA In addition, trainees will be required to develop and demonstrate Mathematics and English proficiency prior to and during the programme.

The Selection Process 

Yarrow Schools Alliance considers a robust recruitment process as the first step in ensuring high-calibre teachers enter the profession.

Our varied recruitment activity is deliberately designed to help you demonstrate your passion, knowledge and drive to train to teach in your respective age/sector.

Recruitment activity:

- Application via Department for Education’s Apply platform: This provides us with the initial information to consider your readiness to train to teach and ensure compliance.

- Literacy and Numeracy skills tests: These provide us with a baseline of functional literacy and numeracy to help us plan support if you are successful in joining the programme. You can prepare for these using the practice papers that we send you if you are shortlisted to focus your revision.

- Pupil-focused activity: This helps us to review your engagement and professional relationships with pupils from the age group in which you are applying to train to teach.
 
- Formal interview: Led by two Yarrow Leaders/Partners, this helps us to assess your readiness to train to teach against our values, curriculum and the demands of the programme.

- References: These help us to understand you in different contexts, e.g. work/study and how you have prepared yourself to train to teach.

Apply Here