Do I need to have passed the professional skills tests before interview?
You may apply to train with us before you have passed the Professional Skills Tests. If you are offered a place to train with us this offer will be subject to you passing the tests before the course commences. We do however recommend that you along yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test. You will have three attempt to pass but only your first attempt is free. If you don’t pass within three attempts, you will need to wait 24 months before you can book any further tests – this would mean starting the teacher training application process again.
How much experience to I need in schools?
Your application will be significantly strengthened if you have spent some time in school, preferably in the setting in which you are intending to train and within more than one school. This will show that you have done some research into the profession and also provide you with relevant experience that you can refer to on your application. You will also find this experience will be really useful in helping you to prepare for your interview.
You are unlikely to be considered if you do not have any recent relevant experience in schools at all.
Who makes the decision about whether to offer me an interview?
The University of Exeter will assess you application to ensure that you meet the entry requirements for this programme. If your application does not meet their entry requirements we will not be able to offer you an interview.
Where will the interviews be held?
We aim to hold your interview in the school where you intend to be based for you lead school placement so that you have an opportunity to spend time with the teachers you will be working alongside should you be successful in securing a place to train with us. However if this is not possible we will hold the interview at Uffculme School. As part of your interview you will be asked to deliver a short teaching episode and undertake a formal interview that will take approximately 20 minutes.
Who will conduct the interviews?
The interviews will be conducted by Sara Jacobs, Director of the West Country TSA, and normally one or two individuals from the department in which the trainee teacher will be based. This may be the Professional Studies Tutor or the Head of Department in this subject area. Laura Maksymczuk, the administrator for the Teaching School Alliance, will also be available on the day to answer any questions you may have and to check your documents.
What else can I do to strengthen my application?
- Leave plenty of time to arrange appropriate references
- Ensure that you have gained some relevant school experience to strengthen your application
- Proof read your application for spelling and grammar mistakes
- If possible complete your key skills tests prior to interview