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Entry Criteria

Minimum degree required

You should be a graduate, preferably with a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2, though we are willing to consider applicants who have a 3rd degree who can demonstrate a real aptitude for teaching, dependent on the subject/specialism. For Secondary trainees, your degree should be in a subject that is closely related to the subject you intend to teach. 

GCSE

All candidates must have at least grade 4 (C) or equivalent for GCSE Maths, English (and for Primary, a Science subject).

A level

3 A’ levels (or equivalent) at C or above would be desirable, but not essential for some subjects/specialisms.

For PE with an EBacc subject, an A'level or equivalent at C or above in the EBacc subject is required. 

Higher degree

A higher degree would be desirable, but not essential.

All our training opportunities are posted on the DfE's Apply service, although please do get in touch if you would like to discuss our training positions further.

Safeguarding is at the forefront of all our selection processes and decision-making. 

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are offered in certain subjects - see https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/subject-knowledge-enhancement-ske-courses for details. These courses are for candidates whose degree included an element of the subject they intend to teach or who have extensive experience in the subject, but a degree in a different subject, as well as for candidates who may have completed their degree over 5 years' ago.  They are designed to enable candidates to develop the level of specialist knowledge required to teach their chosen subject. If this may be of interest, you should apply for a place to train as a teacher first, because having the offer of a training place is a prerequisite for being funded  on a SKE course. 

What We Are Looking For

Potential to teach

We are looking to recruit candidates who have the potential to become outstanding teachers. This will be demonstrated in a number of ways, including:

- Your specialist subject knowledge

- Your ability to communicate with enthusiasm about learning and about your subject/specialism

- Your ability to reflect on experiences of working with children and young people in schools or other settings

- Your knowledge of the school curriculum and current educational issues

- Your commitment to securing relevant experience and knowledge to support your application

Experience

Prior experience in a school is not required, and lack of school experience is not a reason for rejecting an otherwise suitable applicant. 

However, some experience of working with children, for example helping with a sports team, drama group, or youth club, is beneficial.

For Salaried places, some relevant work experience is desirable.  

Personal and Professional Skills and Attributes

Essential requirements:

- Fundamental English and maths skills

- Skills and attributes demonstrating suitability to train to teach

- Ambitious to teach at a good or outstanding level at the end of the training year

- Highly motivated and enthusiastic

- High professional standards

- Understanding of the need to safeguard students

- Understanding of the requirement to uphold public trust in the profession

- Tolerance and respect for others' actions/beliefs; upholding fundamental British values eg mutual respect, democracy

- Aware of need for high expectations of students in terms of behaviour and achievement

- Ability to work effectively and flexibly as a member of a team

- High quality organisational skills

- Ability to motivate students

- Ability to self reflect and set appropriate targets

- Willingness to engage in development activities

- Willingness to play a part in the wider life of a school

- Good personal communication skills

Desirable requirements:

- Potential to write at Masters level

- Ability to teach up to A level in your subject (for Secondary trainees)

How We Select Our Trainees

The Astra SCITT operates three recruitment hubs for primary and secondary recruitment across its network of over 60 schools: 

1. Astra SCITT/Astra Amersham & Marlow Hub - Amersham and surrounding areas, including Marlow and Maidenhead. 

2. Astra Aylesbury Secondary Hub - Aylesbury and surrounding area. 

3. Astra Aylesbury Primary Hub - Aylesbury and surrounding area. 

If you are interested in applying, you should submit your application via DfE Apply to your preferred Astra SCITT Hub. The hub will then coordinate the recruitment process. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview at one of our Hub locations. The application and interview process for each hub is identical and is quality assured by the leadership team at the Astra SCITT.

The interview day will have the following format:

  • A panel interview.
  • A five-minute presentation.
  • Teaching a short lesson (you will be informed in advance about the content and age group).
  • A discussion on the lesson.

You will also be given a written test to assess your understanding of your subject. Interviews usually take place at your prospective placement school.

If you are successful at the interview, you will receive a conditional offer of a place. The conditions will include providing proof that you have met the eligibility conditions for Initial Teacher Training, which includes a criminal record check (DBS) and an occupational health assessment. Other conditions, such as additional subject knowledge enhancement, may also be discussed with you at the interview.

Please note that applicants for salaried positions may be asked to teach a full lesson and/or complete other tasks that the employing school may specify.

Fundamental Maths and English Skills

As providers we are required to ensure that our trainees have the fundamental Maths and English skills needed to gain QTS. We therefore carry out diagnostic assessments for these skills prior to you starting the course, and where trainees might have a development need in either or both areas, you will be expected to work during your course to close this gap. Details of these fundamental proficiencies can be found here

DEI

As an equal opportunities provider, we are committed to diversity amongst our staff and trainees. We therefore encourage and welcome applications from women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, neurodiverse and disabled people and those who are LGBT+, as well as candidates from other groups which are underrepresented in the education sector. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable disabled or neurodiverse candidates (including where a mental health issue is classified as a disability) to demonstrate their suitability for the position to train to teach.