School Direct Course
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking the first steps to your new teaching career can be exciting but possibly a little daunting. Below we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions that our prospective candidates ask about the two courses we offer. Please do not hesitate to contact Nicola Anderson – The School Direct Co-ordinator (nicola.anderson@moorsideprimary.net)– Who is always happy to help with any further queries you may have or if you would like to have a chat about the courses we offer.
1 - Which Universities’ do you run your courses with?
University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University
2 - What qualifications do I need to apply?
• For the University of Manchester, the qualifications you require are as follows:
A degree of 2:2 classification
x2 A-Levels at grade C or above
x6 GCSE’s grade C or above (including Maths, English and Science)
• For Manchester Metropolitan University, the qualifications you require are as follows:
A degree of 2:2 classification or above
GCSE’s in Maths, English and Science at grade C or above
3 - What is the qualification you receive at the end of the course?
PGCE with QTS
A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with qualified teacher status (QTS) allows you to teach in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It’s also recognised internationally.
Many PGCE courses include credits that count toward a Master’s degree.
Course length:1 year
4 - Do I need to have School Experience to apply?
School experience is not essential to be able to apply for either of our courses.
5 - How do I apply for the School Direct Course?
Applications are completed via the Apply website, which can be found at: https://www.apply-for-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/candidate/account once all parties are happy that the candidates meet the criteria required (qualifications for example) the candidate is then invited for an interview at the lead school of the Salford Alliance of Learning Schools which is Moorside Community Primary School.
6 - Are there any other requirements that the School direct candidates must meet to be accepted onto the course?
Offers will be subject to a successful interview, conditional of DBS (a Disclosure and Barring Service check) and references.
7 - What can I do if I don’t have the required GCSE grades?
The University of Manchester require all candidates to have the GCSE grades and will accept no equivalencies. Short courses can be looked into in order to achieve the GCSE’s required.
Manchester Metropolitan University will accept the candidate to complete an equivalency test for GCSE science only, the university requires each candidate to have GCSE’s in Maths and English – again short courses can be looked into in order to achieve these before enrolling onto the course.
8 - Can I apply for the course before I have received the appropriate grades?
You can apply via the government Apply website (link is above) and if successful at interview the offer will be conditional until any skills tests / equivalency tests are carried out. If the candidate is waiting for their degree grade, again they can apply and the offer will remain conditional until the degree grade is given.
9 - What do you look for in a trainee?
Salford Alliance of Learning Schools are looking for passionate, well-motivated candidates who are looking to inspire a new generation of children in our community through their exceptional teaching. We are looking for candidates who are personable, friendly, have a strong work ethic, have a positive outlook and can communicate well and show confidence within a classroom environment.
10 - What are your course fees?
For students based in the UK the fee for both of the courses we offer is: £9,250
For international students the fee is approximately: £22,000
11 - Is there financial support available?
You may be eligible for a loan while you study. For more information please use the link: https://www.gov.uk/teacher-training-funding
