QTS or PGCE

[Heidi30]

I am currently working in a secondary school. I was initially hired as support whilst I finish my third year of my degree over two years. My previous roles included training and Childrens residential which I have many qualifications relating to learning and children. I was asked to cover science for several months for lower year sets whilst their teacher was on long term sick (my degree is science). I love the school, my head of department is incredibly supportive and kind, as are SLT. I was going to do my PGCE next September. I have been approached by my head of department who has asked if I would like to gain my QTS through the school and remain employed with them. Is there anything I should be concerned about with this route?

I am aware of the bursaries and pay scales whilst unqualified for both sides.

I would honestly take it. I'm assuming they are part of a teacher training consortium of some degree so will be regulated anyway, and if they are offering you a job afterwards for ECT then it doesn't matter because as long as you have QTS, your work experience will be more important

Take it, if you train through the school (School Direct?) you should get the PGCE & QTS but it sounds like a salaried place. If you apply through the university, you will also get the PGCE & QTS but you will have to pay for it!

If it is a salaried SCITT then you will usually still achieve the PGCE qualification. These places are like hens' teeth, OP. If you love the school then my advice is to bite their hand off.

You could see if the school will let you do a teaching apprenticeship. That takes a year and gives you QTS and a PGCE. The school don’t pay anything as they get the apprenticeship levy from the government. You are permanently employed at the school as an unqualified teacher for the year but then you’d keep your permanent position and just move to the qualified teacher payscale. I’m doing it at the moment and finding it really good.