Entry Criteria

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. 

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.  

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)

Candidates should apply via DfE Apply to their preferred Astra SCITT Hub, which will then coordinate the recruitment process. The selection process is the same for each Hub, and is quality assured by the SCITT.

If your application is shortlisted:

• You will be invited to a Stage 1 interview which will consist of a panel interview, delivery of a short presentation, and subject specific tests.
• If successful at Stage 1, you will be invited to attend a Stage 2 interview, which will take place at your prospective main placement school and include a school tour, being observed leading part of a lesson (you will be told in advance about the content of the lesson you will need to plan, and the age group you will be teaching) and concluding with a discussion on the lesson.
• Stages 1 and 2 may also be combined with all of the above elements taking place at your prospective main placement school. If you are successful at the interview, a conditional offer of a place will be made. The conditions will include provision of proof that you have met the eligibility conditions for Initial Teacher Training, including a criminal record check (DBS) and an occupational health assessment. Further conditions, for example additional subject knowledge enhancement, may be discussed with you at interview.

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

Trainees are required to have fundamental Maths and English skills. At Astra, we will assess these skills prior to the start of the course using online tests, and any trainees who need further development will be expected to work through a development programme whilst on the course. Some information about what these skills are can be found here. 

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.