Routes

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The OAKS fully understands that every trainee’s journey to becoming a teacher is different, therefore we offer a wide range of teaching routes, which follow the following accredited routes:

  • PGCE
  • School Direct, non-salaried
  • School Direct, salaried
  • Assessment Only (AO)

Our PGCE and School Direct routes into teaching follow the same structure as each other, both having two outcome awards allowing trainees to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) from The OAKS and a PGCE academic award which is awarded by Keele University.

We currently offer secondary programmes in:

  • Art and design
  • Biology
  • Business studies
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • Design and technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Languages
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • PE
  • Physics
  • RE
  • Social sciences

Prerequisites to achieving a conditional offer include the following:

  • Achievement of at least a 2:2, or preferably a 2:1, honours degree (or recognised equivalent) in the subject you wish to teach, or a minimum of 40% of your degree should be within your subject specialism
  • Passes at GCSE in English language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above (or recognised equivalent)

Successful applicants will also have the following conditions:

  • A medical report which is deemed satisfactory
  • A completed DBS enhanced disclosure which is deemed satisfactory by The OAKS
  • A successful completion of The OAKS internal tests in literacy and numeracy
  • A successful completion of a minimum of 10 days teaching experience in a secondary school or college during the last two years. This could be either before or after selection (undertaking this before the selection process commences will strengthen your application).

Selection is based on a successful interview. This is normally conducted in a school where you will be interviewed by school-based and OAKS staff. The interview will also normally include an activity that involves working with learners in an educational setting.

With our School Direct salaried route, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a salary and train to become a qualified teacher – learning from experienced teachers. This course is available at the request of our partnership, and individual programmes are designed to facilitate the best outcome for both the school and the trainee.

Trainees on salaried programmes are recruited and employed directly by schools, and may continue teaching in their school following training. You’ll be paid and taxed as an unqualified teacher. The salary awarded will differ between schools; you should check the salary with the school before you apply for our salaried route. As with our other courses, this route will award you with QTS and the option to enrol on to the PGCE academic award.

If you’re an experienced teacher with a degree, you can achieve qualified teacher status without having to do any further training. Assessment only allows you to demonstrate that you already meet all of the standards for QTS. To be accepted on to this route, you would need to have had at least two years’ experience of teaching within a UK school of the appropriate age range, be in full-time employment in a UK school and have the agreement of the school you are employed at that they will be responsible for your training.

That does not mean that the school has to fund you through the programme, at a cost of £3,450; the school is actually the body responsible for your training, with The OAKS acting as a quality assurance body for the award of qualified teacher status.

You would also need to have:

  • GCSE English language and mathematics at C grade or above, or equivalent
  • At least a 2:2 degree from a UK university, or have had any degree from a university outside the UK NARIC verified
  • A second teaching placement in another school. This could be either a block placement of between three and four weeks or a one day per week placement over a full term
  • All the above must have been achieved/completed before you can start the AO assessment period

Please also refer to our Assessment Only booklet for additional information.

Primary education

Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher Education

The OAKS also works with Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher Education. This Ofsted outstanding primary SCITT also works in conjunction with Keele University.

If you are interested in primary teaching, please visit the Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher Education website.