Making an application – Key points to consider

Applications for the Graduate Teacher Programme (Primary & Secondary) far outweigh the number of funded places available (this is not the case for the Registered Teacher and Overseas Trained Teacher Programmes). Selection is a competitive process, involving the assessment of the applicant’s potential to meet the Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status and further assessing it in relation to that of other applicants. The consequence is that many applicants are disapointed. To enhance your prospects of selection and ensure your application is of the highest quality it is important to understand what B-NETT is looking for in an applicant.

What is B-NETT looking for in an applicant?

Employment-based Teacher Training suits mature, intelligent, highly motivated, independent and well qualified trainees; who are flexible, adaptable, can think for themselves, reflect and improve on their work and practice; and who also need to earn a living while they train.

We are looking for applicants who are suited to the teaching profession both personally and academically who might not otherwise be able to train.

Successful applicants

  • Meet the entry requirements
  • Have made and are able to articulate a reasoned and informed decision to become a teacher
  • Have an appropriate knowledge of the relevant subject/curriculum areas to enable them to train in the age and abilty range for which they are applying (also see Qualifcations and Experience, question 1).
  • Have a clear understanding of the skills and attributes necessary to become a good teacher
  • Have a good understanding of what teachers do
  • Have recent experience in a school or schools appropriate to the age ranges they wish to teach(also see Qualifcations and Experience, question 3).
  • Often have experience of working (in a voluntary or paid capacity) with children
  • May have experience of training others or leading initiatives
  • Submit a high quality application

    • For further guidance see Qualifcations and experience, question 2.

    Equality and Diversity
    We actively welcome applications from mature students, valuing their experience of life and of the workplace. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in teaching, notably black and minority ethnic trainees and disabled trainees. Male teachers are also in short supply, particularly in Primary schools and Early Years settings.

    Background Checks
    All applicants are subject to a number of checks by B-NETT and partner schools designed to maintain the integrity of the teaching profession. These will usually include:
    Identity confirmation;
    Professional and character references;
    Previous employment history;
    General Teaching Council for England (GTC) suitabilty check;
    Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check;
    Fitness to Teach check.

    Interview
    If your application is selected you will be interviewed before you can be offered a place. The interview will involve B-NETT tutors and school teachers. It is your opportunity to expand on your experience and the reasons for wanting to become a teacher.