In order to apply for our Teacher Training programmes, you must have passed English, Maths and Science GCSE/ O Level grade 4 (previously grade C) or above. If you have not got these qualifications, there are two options:

• If you are not confident with your abilities in the subject, you can take classes, at a local AEI (Adult Education Institute) over the course of a year, and then sit a GCSE examination at the end of it. Please bear in mind that, as GCSE results are not announced until the end of August each year, this will preclude you from making an application to us until the following academic year. The UCAS system will not let you make an application to us until you have all your qualifications in place.
• If you are confident that, with current knowledge and/or private revision/tutoring of your own, you would be able to pass a one-off test (an officially recognised exam, prepared and externally assessed by a freelance equivalency testing service), then you can approach this body, with whom we now have an authorised arrangement.

Equivalency Testing (for careers in teaching)
72 Walton Gardens
Hutton
Essex
CM13 1EP

Tel : 01277 203336
E-mail: info@equivalencytesting.com
Web: www.equivalencytesting.com

They offer two options – a 12 week home study course culminating in the test, or a straightforward one-off exam. Please telephone them direct or visit their website for full details. All arrangements for testing are made directly between the applicant and the testing service, not through ourselves.

They say that you will have the results within 48 hours for Maths and Science and within 3/4 days for English, which allows the flexibility to sit these tests right up to a few weeks before application deadline. (NB. The science test needs to be either the combined science test or the single subject higher level Biology).

Please note that passing an equivalency test still will not necessarily guarantee you an interview, but it does mean that you will at least meet the criteria for making an application. Please also realise that the result of this test may be considered by some institutions as non-transferable. It is not the same as a GCSE paper, but is considered equivalent for the purpose of an ITT teacher training application.

Equivalency Testing Agency Qualifications are not acceptable for the apprenticeship route. However, there are other qualifications that the ESFA do deem suitable. If you do not have a UK GCSE in English or Maths, please contact us first to discuss what is acceptable.