Department of Education - School Direct Training Programme

What you get

The ‘School Direct’ training programme is a school-based route into the teaching profession in England. You will undertake your training in real schools whilst studying at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). The programme lasts approximately 12 months and leads to ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ (QTS), the qualification you need to teach in England. At some locations, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is also offered. There is no standard scholarship amount. The financial support you receive depends on which of the two pathways you choose.

• Tuition-fee route: You will need to pay the course fees yourself (9,250 GBP, approximately 10,800 EUR), but you can finance these with a tuition fee loan. You may also be eligible for a loan to cover your living costs. In high-demand degree programmes, you may be able to receive a tax-free grant of up to around 30,000 GBP (approximately 35,000 EUR), which you will never have to repay.
• Salaried route: The school will employ you as a trainee teacher and pay you a salary whilst you are training, whilst the Department for Education covers your training costs. You do not pay any tuition fees, but you are not eligible to apply for a student grant.

The programme is organised by the UK Department for Education and run by a partnership comprising a lead school, other schools and MMU.

Who can apply

• Degree: You must already hold a university degree, as this is a postgraduate course for those wishing to become teachers.
• Subject: Open to a wide range of subjects at primary and secondary level. The highest tax-free scholarships are awarded for subjects where there is a shortage of teachers, such as chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics. Popular subjects such as primary school teaching or PE do not usually qualify for a scholarship.
• Where you study: You will undertake your work placement at partner schools in and around Greater Manchester and attend lectures at MMU.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Work experience (salaried route only): This degree programme is primarily aimed at career changers with 3 or more years’ relevant professional experience, for example in the fields of finance, engineering or manufacturing. The fee-paying programme is open to all university graduates.

How to apply

Applications for the ‘MMU Lead Partner Pathway’ are made directly to a lead recruitment school, such as Teach Manchester, Oakwood Academy or the Education Learning Trust. This school will conduct an interview with you and, if you are accepted, place you at two of its partner schools for the training year. Applications for other ‘School Direct’ places are made via the national application system for teacher training.

How realistic are your chances?

Your prospects depend heavily on your subject area. In subjects facing a shortage of teachers – such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science – there is an acute shortage of teachers, and the highest scholarships are awarded, meaning that a well-qualified applicant is in a strong position in these fields. Popular subjects such as primary school teaching attract far more applicants and do not offer scholarships, meaning competition is fiercer in these fields. If you are aiming for permanent staff status, several years’ relevant professional experience will significantly improve your chances.