Welcome to the CfBT East Lincolnshire Graduate Teacher Programme

The CfBT East Lincolnshire Designated Recommending Body (DRB) Graduate Teacher Programme provides an employment- based route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for suitably qualified candidates. The General Teaching Council (GTC) awards QTS to those who, having completed a training programme, meet the Standards set by the DfES.

The DRB is part of Lincolnshire School Improvement Service and is committed to improving the teaching and learning in Lincolnshire schools by ensuring a supply of well-trained, committed and enthusiastic teachers. The programme requires graduate trainees to study, complete assignments and teach a reduced timetable in a Lead School. In addition, trainees are expected to work in a second school, usually offering different opportunities to those offered by their Lead School. The period of training in the second school may vary and can take the form of visits, observation or teaching, depending on the needs of the individual.

County schools collaborate with the DRB to provide opportunities for placements and Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs) and Mentors are released to give support and advice to the graduates. A Core Training Programme, which all graduates are expected to attend, uses both county and external consultants to provide quality inputs on a regular basis throughout the year.

Primary trainees may qualify in either the 5-11 age range. Their programme must demonstrate coverage of all ages and Key Stages within the range and they must teach the full range of primary subjects: History or Geography, Physical Education, ICT, Art and Design or Design and Technology, Performing Arts and Religious Education.

Secondary trainees may qualify in the 11-16 age range. Their programme must demonstrate coverage of all ages and Key Stages within the range.

National Skills Tests have been introduced for all trainee teachers including those on the Graduate Teacher Programme. Trainees must take and pass the skills tests in Numeracy, Literacy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) before they can gain QTS. There is no limit on the number of attempts a trainee can make to pass each test. Further information can be found at www.tta.gov.uk/training/skillstests/index.htm

Graduates who are successful in obtaining a place on the programme will receive a salary from their employing school for the period of the training that is at least the equivalent to Point 1 on the Unqualified Teacher Scale.

The length of training depends on the individual’s qualifications, experience and training needs. Inexperienced trainees will require a longer training period possibly lasting up to two years. More experienced trainees may be able to complete more quickly.

Many of our Graduate Trainees obtain a post in their Lead School or their Second Placement School at the end of their training. The East Lincolnshire DRB provides an excellent starting point for those hoping to teach who are enthusiastic about working in Lincolnshire schools.