School Direct – How to Apply

Apply to our programme if you:

• are committed to ensuring that all pupils can succeed no matter what their background or starting point.
• have a passion for teaching and a love of learning.
• are enthusiastic, combined with excellent organisational skills.
• have the ability to reflect and develop as critical professionals.
• can express ideas clearly and succinctly.
• have a high level of resilience and respond well to constructive feedback.
• show personal initiative and can work well with peers, pupils, tutors, staff and parents alike.

Entry Requirements

• All applicants require GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics. Applicants for the Secondary PGCE in the Sciences must have a grade C/4 or over above in GCSE Science.
• You should have an A Level in the subject you wish to teach.
• You must be an honours graduate of an approved university or other institution granting equivalent qualifications acceptable both to York St John University and the National College for Teaching and Leadership. The first degree should be specific to the subject-based PGCE you are applying for. In some circumstances candidates without a subject specialist degree may be considered if you can provide evidence of strong subject knowledge, and have at least an A level in the subject.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the Secondary school-centred (School Direct) PGCE programme are £9,250.

York St John University graduates receive a 10% reduction off the tuition fee. You may be eligible for a tax free bursary or scholarship to support your training.

Further advice can also be provided by York St John University Funding Advice Team: fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk

How to Apply

To check the availability of Hope Sentamu Learning Trust School Direct places, please click here and search for ‘Hope Sentamu’ by school.

Applications must be submitted via the DfE Apply. To submit your application click here, the training provider code for Hope Sentamu Learning Trust is 1DH.

The School Direct courses that we recruit for are detailed below

Selection and Assessment

Selection is based on evidence provided throughout the application process including your personal statement, references, a detailed breakdown of degree content and details of other academic, professional or vocational qualifications. Interview days usually take place at Hope Sentamu Learning Trust schools in York, Scarborough or Hull, depending on applicants’ addresses, and online interviews are also possible.

Interview days will typically include:

• a short teaching activity
• an individual personal interview
• a literacy based task
• an opportunity to ask questions and engage in self-reflection

At the interview stage your personal qualities as well as your academic qualifications will be considered in helping us identify and meet your training needs. Interviews are designed to enable Hope Sentamu Learning Trust and York St John University to assess the suitability of candidates for training and to appoint the best candidates for the places available. All successful applicants will also need to obtain an enhanced DBS check and the successful completion of a medical questionnaire.