Train to Teach: Secondary Entry Requirements

Take a look at our entry requirements to see if you could start your journey to becoming a qualified Secondary teacher in one year! TIE seeks to recruit trainee secondary teachers with the potential to become outstanding. As an Institute of Education, we’re 100% committed to supporting you on that journey.

How do I apply?

You should make your initial application via the DfE website. If you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview with our TIE panel.

What qualifications and experience do I need?

You should have:

• an honours degree of class 2:2 or above. Science candidates must have a degree comprising of at least 50% in your chosen subject specialism*
• GCSEs at grade C / 4 or above in Mathematics and English Language. We do accept GCSE equivalency’s from A Star Equivalency and Equivalency testing.com
• excellent knowledge in your chosen subject
• an appreciation of education-related issues
• Applicants with overseas qualifications are welcome provided your qualifications are equivalent. You would need to check this with UK ENIC. Your UK ENIC should show that your degree is equivalent to an honours degree and to what classification e.g. 2:2. If English is not your first language, a IELTs qualification – we are looking for an overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the subtests for equivalency to GCSE English language. They need to have been taken within the last 2 years.  Unfortunately, we do not offer Visa sponsorship.

*Apart from Science, if your degree is not in your chosen subject, your A level in that subject must be at least a grade C (Maths must be a grade B). You will also be offered a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) depending on the degree course you have take. Further guidance can be offered by contacting contactus@tie.trinitymat.org

Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE)

If you’re concerned about how well you know the subject you want to teach, do not worry – you may be able to do a ‘subject knowledge enhancement’ (SKE) course. When you accept a conditional offer from us, we offer these through TES .

School experience

Although school experience is not an entry requirement, we would advise that this would support your career decision and also give you added knowledge and experience for your interview. Trinity Institute of Education can offer school experience within one of the MAT/Institute schools.

Salaried training

We offer salaried places in maths, physics and chemistry. The applicant must have 3 years’ work experience within their subject area. This could be as a teaching assistant within a school or similar to a job role linked to their specialism e.g. a pharmacist applying for salaried chemistry. The applicant must be a strong practitioner and will be employed by a school for their training year. Unfortunately, we do not offer Visa sponsorship or part time salaried courses. For more information, please get in touch on our contact us page.

What personal qualities do I need for the secondary programme?

Teaching is a demanding career and we’re looking for very special individuals who will thrive on the challenges they meet! You should therefore also be able to demonstrate:

• a passion not only for your subject(s) but also for working with young people
• commitment to a teaching career
• your ability to reflect on previous school experience
• effective communication skills (including written and spoken English)
• excellent interpersonal skills
• leadership potential
• personal initiative
• the ability to relate to and engage with young people
• personal attributes such as flexibility, independence and resilience
• an aptitude for clear explanation
• why teaching is the right career for you
• the ability to work effectively within a group. 

And finally…

Safeguarding young people is of utmost importance. Every teacher training candidate must pass a rigorous Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check which will reveal all convictions and relevant information held by the police. You will also need to provide satisfactory references that evidence your suitability for work with young people.