The Overseas-trained Teacher Programme

STTORMM works with schools across Greater Manchester (and sometimes further afield) in support of the Overseas-trained Teacher Programme (OTTP). Schools will wish to secure qualified teacher status (QTS) for Overseas-trained Teachers (OTTs) who are employed on a medium or long-term basis. The OTTP runs for a minimum of one term and a maximum of three terms. All STTORMM OTTP placements begin in January.

Applying to STTORMM for the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme

The 2009/10 OTTP application deadline is Friday 23 October. The OTTP application form is available at the foot of this page.

Applicants and lead schools are asked to note the key dates listed below.

Recruitment and Selection Diary – Overseas Trained Teacher Programme

Applications

Applicants for OTTP must have the following:

• employment in a school with regular teaching responsibility for full classes
• an overseas teaching qualification
• evidence of UK degree (or equivalent, in which case this may be the same as the overseas teaching qualification)
• GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English
• GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Science (primary applicants only)

All overseas qualifications must be verified by UK NARIC (www.naric.org.uk).

Equivalence Tests

STTORMM recognises GCSE Equivalence Tests offered by MMU and by Equivalency Testing. For details of MMU Equivalence Tests email info@sttormm.co.uk in the first instance. Information on GCSE Equivalence Tests offered by Equivalency Testing is available at www.equivalencytesting.com.

Pre-Interview Checks

All OTTP applicants to STTORMM who are invited to interview are required to present evidence which confirms they meet the above application requirements at a Pre-Interview Check. Any interviewee unable to satisfy STTORMM’s pre-interview check requirements will have their offer of an OTTP interview withdrawn.

The Qualification Requirements and Pre-Interview Checks download which is available on the Graduate Teacher Programme page of this website details STTORMM’s pre-interview check requirements. The information in this download applies equally to the Pre-Interview checks for OTTP applicants who are also required to present evidence of their overseas teaching qualification and appropriate NARIC verification.

Please note that while we aim to provide you full details of the pre-interview check requirements on this website, circumstances may dictate that further requirements are included in interview letters. Information in interview letters will always supersede information published on this website.

Schools

Applications for OTTP will be accepted only where the OTT is employed by a school and has regular teaching responsibility for full classes. Schools are likely to agree to support OTT applications when they are confident about the OTT’s teaching skills, potential, and familiarity with the National Curriculum. Where an OTT has significant experience of UK schools, the OTTP may be a straightforward process in which STTORMM will verify existing evidence of teaching skills against the QTS Standards. OTTs with less experience may require a longer programme with a more substantial training element.

Please note that STTORMM is not in a position to secure employment in schools for OTTs.

OTTs may find it difficult to gain employment as teachers unless they are able to evidence the match between their skills and knowledge, and the requirements of the National Curriculum.

Many OTTs raise their awareness of the National Curriculum and of school routines by working as teaching assistants or learning mentors before seeking employment as teachers.

Final Assessments

Final Assessment for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will involve observation of teaching, scrutiny of documentation, and discussions with both the OTT and her/his mentor or head of department. OTTs are required to meet the Professional Standards for QTS, details of which can be found at www.tda.gov.uk/partners/ittstandards/standards.aspx.

Final Assessment takes place across two consecutive age ranges (and in the same subject for secondary OTTs). OTTs are also required to complete the QTS Skills Tests in maths, English and ICT.

Successful completion of both Final Assessment and the Skills Tests results in the recommendation of the award of QTS by the General Teaching Council (GTC). When the OTT has significant experience of UK schools, the assessor may choose to assess against both the teaching and induction standards. In this case, the recommendation may include exemption from the statutory induction period for newly qualified teachers.

Downloads / Application Forms

OTTP Application Form (Word, 503Kb)
Applicants and supporting schools should work together on completion of this form.

Applications should be returned by email to applications@sttormm.co.uk.