Bursaries are available for trainees on eligible postgraduate courses in England who are not employed as a teacher. Bursary amounts will vary depending on teaching subject and degree class or highest relevant academic qualification.

Teaching is a prime career choice for high-quality graduates. To encourage the best people to enter the profession, trainees will need a minimum of a 2:2 to be eligible for a training bursary.

Further details can be found on the Department for Education's website: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/funding-and-salary/overview

What is the difference between PGCE and QTS?

A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is an academic qualification, while QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is the certification required to teach in many schools. With Mid Essex ITT you will receive both.

What is School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)?

SCITT is a school-led training programme, offering hands-on experience with the aim of gaining QTS.

What is the difference between university-led and school-led training?

University-led courses focus on theoretical learning alongside school placements, while school-led routes emphasize practical, on-the-job training.

What qualifications do I need to apply for teacher training?

You will  need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade requirement of 2:2 or above (or overseas quivalent). You must also have GCSEs in English and Maths (or overseas equiavalents).

Do I need teaching experience before applying?

Prior experience in a school is not required. However, we recommend spending time in a school to help you decide that teacher training is right for you. It will give you the opportunity to watch some lessons and will also provide you with some examples to talk about at interview. The School Experience Programme (SEP) is run by the Department of Education and offers places to those wishing to commence initial teacher training (ITT) in a secondary school subject. Click here to register for the School Experience Programme.

Can I train to teach both primary and secondary with Mid Essex ITT?

We only offer training in secondary education. However, your QTS from us will also qualify you to teach at primary level

When is the deadline to apply with Mid Essex ITT?

Applications are open every year from mid-October and the deadline to apply is 30th June. This is to ensure that we have time to interview you and process a DBS check for you before our offices (and all our schools) close for the Summer. However, we do strongly recommend that candidates apply as early as they possibly can to ensure that we can secure a school placement for them. Popular subjects fill up early!

Do you sponsor visas?

No, unfortunately we do not sponsor visas. When you search for teacher training courses you can filter results to show only those providers which do.

What should I include in my personal statement?

Highlight your motivation, relevant skills, experience, and why you want to become a teacher. Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and rewards of the role. Please ensure that your personal statement is all your own work.

Do I need to pass any tests as part of the application?

You will need to have English and Maths GCSEs and a degree to be eligible to apply. You will then also need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competency by the time you cpomplete your training. These tests are usually carried out in the Summer term before your teacher training starts to get them out of the way and determine early whether support is required here.

When does the course start?

Our next cohort of full-time trainees will start in school around 1st September - depending on individual schools' term dates - and will finish at the end of the following June. All trainees will be asked to attend two days of induction training in the July before starting on the course. Unfortunately, we do not have start dates at other points in the year as our teacher training follows the academic year: September to July.

What do I do if I’m missing one of the requirements?

Don’t worry, there are several ways we can help you….

• Replacement Certificates

If you are offered a place to train, we will need to see your GCSE certtificates before you can start the course. There is some helpful advice about applying for replacements here: www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate

• International Qualifications

If you have an international qualification, you can obtain a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC, the National Recognition Information Centre, which is managed by www.ecctis.com

UK ENIC can be accessed directly here: www.enic.org.uk

• Equivalency Testing

If you do not have GCSE Maths and English in Grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above, you can take an equivalency test instead. We can recommend the following organisations: www.equivalencytesting.com and  www.astarequivelency.co.uk.

In place of a GCSE in English, Mid Essex ITT will also accept an IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System, Academic Test) with an overall score of 6.5. IELTS Academic is an internationally-recognised system for demonstrating fluency in English (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). 

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept Key or Functional Skills (Level 2) certificates in place of a GCSE

How much time will I spend in schools during training?

Our programme includes at least two school placements. Full-time trainees will be in school four days a week and will spend one day a week completing central training. Core training is held on Thursday mornings at Notley High School. On Thursday afternoons you will travel to the school of your Lead Subject Tutor for subject training.

Your first term will be in your main 'A' placement school. Your second term will be at your 'B' placement school. For your third term you will return to your 'A' placement school.

Will I be guaranteed a job after completing my training?

Not guaranteed, but our track record is excellent and  many trainees secure positions at their placement schools or within the same network. In the past ten years, 95% or more of our trainees were successful in gaining employment every year.

Can I choose where I do my placements?

You can express preferences, but placement locations are assigned based on mentoring capacity in the school departments.

What qualification will I get at the end of the course?

If you successfully complete the course, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Fee-paying trainees also work towards a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. This is accredited by Anglia Ruskin University.

How does the part-time/flexible course work?

Our flexible part-time courses are available in all subjects and are designed to fit around you, whilst also meeting the needs of our schools. You will work between 2-3 days per week in school (organised to suit you and your other commitments) and you will need to attend the weekly Thursday core and subject training sessions too. By choosing this route, you will receive QTS and a PGCE after completing your second year. Tuition fees will be £6,000 per year and you will still be eligible for the bursaries and scholarships on offer to full-time trainees. If you are interested in finding out more, please email the office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 01376 556 398.

Read more about the part-time course here.

Can I train as a career-changer?

Yes! We recognise that career changers bring a unique set of skills and a wealth of professional experience to teaching and welcome applications from candidates who are thinking about a change. Our course attracts a number of career changers each year and we have successfully trained teachers who have previously worked in a wide-range of other sectors including finance, the NHS, the police and the arts. We actively work with Now Teach, a charity that supports career changers and connects them with a strong professional network.

Where can I get information about training to teach in England if I am a non-UK citizen?

Click on this link to get further information about this: www.gov.uk

How do I go about looking for a job as a teacher in Essex?

If you are looking for a teaching position in the local area, Essex County Council have a fantastic Schools Jobs website you can visit. You can also search for jobs as a TA, LSA, Learning Mentor or support staff roles.

What if I need further information or would like to make an appeal or a complaint?

Mid Essex ITT holds a number of different policies in its Partnership Agreement, which is signed by the Headteachers all of its partnership schools. You can find our policies on our website here.

If you would like to receive a copy of any of the policies, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Complaints can also be made to the following organisations: Bridge Academy Trust and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education

Mid Essex ITT was last inspected by HM Ofsted inspectorate in February 2024. The inspection report is available by visiting the link below:

Danny Audritt trained as an English teacher with Mid Essex ITT in 2016-2017. Danny was 51 when he started the course with us, making a career leap from being the owner and head chef of a busy town centre restaurant. After completing a degree in English Language and Literature in 2011 through the Open University, he had been considering teaching as a career for a while and completed observation days at local schools.  

The training year is often tough for trainee teachers for a number of reasons, and Danny’s was no exception. In fact, during his training year, Danny went through heart surgery in the first term. At this time, he described himself as an "impatient patient" and was keen to get back to training. Unfortunately, in the February of the training year, he then was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Despite this, he never spoke of deferring or giving up on his training – he was determined to succeed. Danny went on to secure his ECT position at Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form and completed the course in July 2017. 

Danny sadly passed away in his sleep in February 2018, as a result of a heart attack. At Mid Essex ITT, we want to remember Danny - his passion for English, his determination to succeed and his resilience. In 2018, we created an award in his name which would be given to one trainee teacher at our annual awards ceremony. 

9th July 2018: The first Danny Audritt Award was given to Jennifer Philips for outstanding contribution.

8th July 2019: The second Danny Audritt Award was given to Victoria Bennett for excelling in the face of adversity.

10th July 2020: The third Danny Audritt Award was given to Regine Binder for outstanding resilience in the face of adversity.

7th July 2021: The fourth Danny Audritt Award was given to Bethany Quinn (English) for her extraordinary kindness, positivity and keenness to improve, despite facing ill health. Read her story here.

5th July 2022: The fifth Danny Audritt Award was presented to Meaghan Franklin (History) for her exceptional commitment to her own professional development, and her wider commitment to the school community, despite facing her own personal challenges. You can read her story here.

9th October 2023: The sixth Danny Audritt Award was presented to Mae Allan (English) for consistently demonstrating exceptional commitment to the profession of teaching throughout the course, despite challenging personal circumstances. You can read her story here.

Read all about teacher training from the perspective of one of our longstanding mentors, Valerie Farage, Chelmer Valley High School:

What are the issues that can arise when mentoring a trainee teacher? How can these be overcome?

"Trainee teachers come from all walks of society, and with it bring their own personality, culture, life experiences and expectation of the teaching profession, often shaped by their own experiences of education. With an older trainee, issues may arise due to the changing nature of schools, particularly when students see themselves as equal in rank to the teacher, and feel confident to give their views frankly or they challenge rules. They may need to adapt to the more familiar approach and relationship building that exists in schools today between the teacher and their classes. Alternatively, trainees coming straight from university can be quite close in age to the students and have to maintain a very clear distance from pupils who do not recognise the teacher/student boundary, which is more clearly defined by age in an older person. The mentor has to be the person who recognises the individual in each trainee and is able to explain, if necessary, how they will be perceived and what steps can be taken, so that the first and very important meeting of a trainee with their new classes can be successful. The first lesson is key not only to the relationship with the class but also to the ongoing confidence of the trainee. Early success leads to increased confidence and better practice.

"Issues can also arise when a trainee has not fully committed to the very high expectation of teachers. This may arise from the profession being seen as long holidays and short hours or, as a last resort, following a lack of success in other careers, rather than a demanding professional career with its own levels of responsibility. A lack of commitment can be seen in missed deadlines, poorly-prepared lessons, unmarked books and constant excuses for not meeting targets, such as differentiation within lessons. However, this could easily be a trainee who needs more support and help to plan and use their time more efficiently. Trying not to pre-judge a situation and taking time out to talk to the trainee is more likely to lead to a successful intervention and positive outcome.

"Some trainees may sometimes find it challenging to accept constructive criticism and feedback, as this is something that may be a new experience to them. This barrier can sometimes prevent progress and therefore it is vital that a mentor gains the trust and respect of the trainee at the start of the process. Allowing the trainee to observe a variety of different styles of teaching within the school can allow the trainee to become the type of teacher they want to be, but still maintaining the professional standards required. This is also a helpful process if a trainee struggles with the discipline of a particular class, as they can feel empowered by watching an experienced teacher, perhaps within another subject and look at the methods they are using which work.

"Every trainee comes with natural skills and sometimes relevant experiences, such as being a parent themselves. The mentor’s skill comes in trying to identify any issues quickly and then formulating a plan to support the trainee to find ways to move forward. The trainee can learn how to be a teacher of their chosen subject but the mentor also needs to open their mind to the idea that the ability to learn and develop never stops for a teacher."

As a mentor, how do you support a trainee to improve their classroom practice? What is the most impactful strategy that you have used?

"In my opinion, a mentor has to judge what skills, qualities and experiences a trainee brings to the course and what areas they still need to develop. I think the most important thing I try to do is to allow a trainee to be the kind of teacher they want to be. Allowing them to spend a day with as many different teachers as possible and to be exposed to as many teaching styles, as well as the general character of each teacher and their relationship with the class. One of my early discussions with every trainee is to understand what type of teacher they want to be and then to encourage them and to help them to achieve this. 

"I think the most impactful strategy I use is to give trainees a very honest view of my daily life as a teacher from day one. When they first start, I prefer to let a trainee spend whole days with me and other members of staff to give a more joined-up view of the time, commitment and organisation required on a daily basis. So they understand the need to be a form tutor, be a year 7 teacher, then teach A level, control discipline at break and so on. All part of a single day as they move between the various roles and requirements of a teacher. I like trainees to see me teach when I am feeling unwell or when I have other issues outside school on my mind, so they learn how to cope with teaching, while maintaining your own wellbeing. Also, to understand that you will not always be on top form in every lesson, and that it is OK to plan simpler, more manageable lessons to fit the teacher’s needs. On occasion. I try to give them strategies to cope with the positive and negative sides of being a teacher, to prepare for a lifelong career."

How do you create agency in trainee teachers in order to prepare them for their NQT year?

"Most trainees I mentor have always wanted to be a teacher, and for them, it has been a long-term plan to become a trainee teacher in a school, requiring academic qualifications, taken over a number of years. This is evident from their eagerness to learn and the desire to accept any opportunity to take over a task, or eventually a class. They are excited to call the register for the first time, take notes to remember how to access online programmes and attend all meetings, even checking they have the correct time or date. Their desire to be the best teacher they can be, shows respect for the profession and a desire to join the profession, as well as acknowledging their personal education, which they often look back at for reference.

"However, how do you manage a trainee who has answered the advert for a job for life, with 13 weeks holiday and short hours. It just happens to be as a teacher and if they already have the required qualifications to commence training, it becomes a lifestyle choice and not a vocational calling. This lack of passion for teaching needs to be addressed as it is at the heart of every lesson a trainee plans and affects every student they teach. Trainees usually need teaching how to do things and require encouragement to develop their own teaching style but a trainee without a passion for teaching? This is at the very heart of my view of what being a teacher means, to put someone else first. Can you survive teaching if you don’t have a passion for it? Should you be teaching?

"Trainees need to be passionate about teaching to be able to survive their early years in a school, so they look forward to each day. It makes them more resilient to disappointments and any failures. They also need to build up confidence in their teaching, which comes through constructive advice given by people whose judgement they trust. They need opportunities to improve, to understand how you go back in to teach a class after a bad lesson and that having an occasional bad lesson happens to all teachers. Sympathy and understanding of any failures in the early days followed by suggestions of alternative strategies to use in future, to give them the tools to move forward. Trainees deserve lots of praise (in private and public) and acknowledgement of their successes.

"They need to feel that they are already a teacher by the time they approach the end of their training year. They need the skills to run multiple classes, to understand when to seek further help and to confidently do that. They need to understand that the learning process will continue throughout their teaching career and that they will continue to build in experiences, strategies and skills. Learning how to teach never ends, for any of us."

Mrs Valerie Farage, MTeach

How to find us

Important details when using a SatNav:

On some makes of SatNav, entering the postcode for Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form actually takes you to Lister Road, from which there is no access to the school. To ensure you have the correct location, enter in the following co-ordinates to your SatNav:

N 51.86542
E 0.55315

Public Transport:

Braintree Train Station is a 20-minute walk from our offices. Trains run hourly from London Liverpool Street and Stratford.

Buses run to Braintree Bus Station every 25 minutes from Chelmsford and Colchester.

Who’s Who?

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Book an appointment with Sophie, Director - click here

Your Privacy

Privacy Notice: Mid Essex ITT is committed to following the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As such, we will keep your details securely for a maximum of two years, and will only contact you with information regarding our teacher training course and recruitment events.

You can read our Privacy Notice in full by clicking below:

Mid Essex ITT Privacy Notice

Information for new cohort starting in September 2022

We are looking forward to meeting you all properly at the three-day induction on 5th, 6th and 7th July. You should have been emailed/sent our updated Welcome Booklet for this year, but if not you can view it here:

Welcome booklet 2022

Here you will find lots of useful information about how best to prepare yourself for the course. You might also wish to take another look at our 2022-2023 MEITT brochure.

You are now able to apply for Student Finance

It is quick and easy to apply online - just follow these simple steps;

Register online - trainees should create an account at www.gov.uk/studentfinance

Fill in the application - you'll need your passport, bank details and National Insurance number. Students don’t need a confirmed place before they apply.

Provide Evidence - make sure you have everything to hand that you mighy be asked for - otherwise it could delay your application.

It can take six to eight weeks to process your application, so we encourage you to apply early to make sure you get your student finance in time for starting the course. If you apply late, your money might be late too!

You can check the progress of your application online through our new status tracker! And trainees can visit a dedicated campaign page to find out what funding is available for 2022 to 2023.

Part-time applications are expected to open in the summer, keep an eye out on Student Finance social media channels for the latest information on all things student finance. You can also sign up to a mailing list here to ensure you don't miss the opening date.

Questions?

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly team:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 01376 556398

Where will I teach?

This year, Mid Essex ITT is working with 20 schools across Essex. You will have the opportunity to work at two of these schools, and we will always endeavour to place you in ones which best suit your requirements. The lead subject schools are where your subject expert training will take place on Thursday afternoons.

Mid Essex ITT’s Consortium Schools:

• Alec Hunter Academy, Braintree www.alechunter.org 
• Brentwood County High School, Brentwood www.bchs.essex.sch.uk
• Chelmer Valley High School, Chelmsford www.chelmervalleyhighschool.co.uk
• Chelmsford County High School for Girls www.cchs.co.uk
• Lift Greensward Academy, Hockley www.greenswardacademy.org   
• Helena Romanes School, Great Dunmow www.helena-romanes.essex.sch.uk
• Hedingham School and Sixth Form, Halstead www.hedingham.essex.sch.uk
• Honywood School, Coggeshall www.honywoodschool.com
• Hylands School, Chelmsford www.hylands-tkat.org
• Mayflower High School, Billericay www.mayflowerhigh.essex.sch.uk
• Moulsham High School, Chelmsford www.moulshamhigh.org
• Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form, Braintree www.notleyhigh.com
• Plume, Maldon's Community Academy www.plume.essex.sch.uk  
• The Ongar Academy www.theongaracademy.org
• The Ramsey Academy, Halstead www.ramseyacademy.com
• The Sandon School, Chelmsford www.sandon.essex.sch.uk
• Shenfield High School, Shenfield www.shenfield.essex.sch.uk

Associate Schools for 2025-2026

• Beaulieu Park School, Chelmsford www.beaulieuparkschool.com
• King Edward VI Grammar School www.kegs.org.uk
• Saffron Walden County High School, Saffron Walden www.swchs.net
• Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh www.sweynepark.com
• Tabor Academy, Braintree www.taboracademy.co.uk

Lead Subject Schools for 2025-2026:

• Art and Design: Lift Greensward Academy
• Business Studies: Hedingham School and Sixth Form
• Computing: Notley High School
• Dance: Chelmsford location
• Design and Technology: Beauchamps High School
• Drama: Hylands School
• English: Hedingham School and Sixth Form
• Geography: The Ongar Academy
• Health and Social Care: Lift Greensward Academy
• History: Brentwood County High School
• Mathematics: Lift Greensward Academy
  
• Media Studies: Hedingham School and Sixth Form
• Modern Foreign Languages: The Ongar Academy / Notley High School
• Music: Braintree location
• Physical Education: Alec Hunter Academy
• Religious Studies: Hedingham School and Sixth Form
• Science: Moulsham High School
• Social Science: Plume School

All applications for School Direct and School Direct (Salaried) are processed by UCAS. To apply for either of these programmes please visit:

http://www.ucas.com/apply/teacher-training

All Mid Essex ITT School Direct places are attached to the School Direct Lead School, and therefore you will need to search for, and apply to Lyons Hall Primary and Secondary Partnership in the UCAS system in order to secure a School Direct place with Mid Essex ITT. As we work with a number of schools across Mid Essex successful School Direct applicants will be invited to express their preference in terms of which of our schools they would like to be placed in.

In order to apply for a place on School Direct, you must have (or be in the process of completing):

• A UK undergraduate degree (at 2:2 or higher) or a recognised equivalent qualification
• A GCSE grade C or above in English or a recognised equivalent qualification
• A GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics or a recognised equivalent qualification

If you studied outside of the UK, you should visit the National Academic Recognition Centre (NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are of an equivalent level to UK GCSEs, A levels and an undergraduate degree.

In addition, all candidates applying for initial teacher training (ITT) courses are now required to have passed the Professional Skills Tests for literacy and numeracy before starting teacher training.

School Direct (Salaried)

If you wish to apply for a place on the School Direct Training Programme (salaried), you are required to have at least three years’ work experience in addition to the eligibility requirements detailed above. This experience may be in any career and does not have to be from an educational setting, but should generally apply to the years following graduation.

Our one year, full-time, teaching apprenticeship is for graduates wishing to train to teach in a local school and receive a salary.  As well as the salary for an unqualified teacher, your employing school will cover the cost of your tuition fees. 

You will be based in a school which works in partnership with Mid Essex ITT and, alongside your school-based experience, you will receive training from us every Thursday at our central offices at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form.

We will recommend you for the awarding of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the third term of training. In addition, you'll be required to undertake an end-point assessment (EPA) in the final term to ensure you're on track to be an effective newly qualified teacher.

To apply, please search for our School Direct Salaried courses on UCAS:

Provider code: 1JW (Professional Learning Network (Lyons Hall) [accrediting provider Mid Essex ITT]

https://www.ucas.com/

Mid Essex ITT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in teacher training and celebrates a diverse and inclusive workforce. We aim to create a safe space for all trainee teachers and strive to educate ourselves to get a better awareness of the nine protected characteristics. We are proud of our diverse cohort and work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome. 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and actively oppose all forms of discrimination. We have a responsibility to ensure that trainees have the health and capacity to train to teach and will not put children and young people at risk of harm, whilst meeting the expectations of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the offer of reasonable adjustments. 

Here are some of the positive steps that Mid Essex ITT have taken as part of our commitment to EDI in teacher training:

• All trainees attend two virtual conferences hosted by Diverse Educators where they hear from an inspiring and empowering range of speakers
•  In 2019, we introduced our new part-time course. So far, 15 trainees have trained on the part-time route whilst also balancing being a parent or carer
• Since 2020, Mid Essex ITT has been working with Now Teach, to encourage talented, experienced career changers to train as teachers
• In 2020, training on diversifying the curriculum was provided for trainee teachers and staff from The Black Curriculum 
• In 2021, central staff completed training in inclusive recruitment run by Ignition Law
• In May 2022, central staff took part in a three-part course in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)  - a Masterclass run by Diverse Educators
• In 2023, members of the Leadership Team completed Menopause Awareness training

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Objectives for 2024-2025

Objective 1 To ensure that all trainees are trained in equality, diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and attend the Diverse Educators Conference in January 2024.

Objective 2: To ensure that all trainees are trained in inclusivity including SEND, EAL, Disadvantaged, Looked after Children, more-able children.

Objective 3: To ensure that all trainees understand the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and know about prejudice-based bullying.  

We encourage applications from under-represented groups and will make all reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to address the barriers that these groups face. If you would like to discuss your requirements with a member of staff, please get in touch with our friendly team.

The Diverse Educators' website has an amazing directory here with further resources and sources of support. You can also download some of their resources below.

Below are the official social media sites for Mis Essex Initial Teacher Training

Click here for our Home Page

Click here for our News

Click here for Events

SCITT candidates are student teachers. This means they have the same status as students at Universities even though they have selected this more school based route. Mid Essex applicants will be expected to pay fees of £8,500 but may apply for a loan to cover this from the Student Loans Company. They may also apply for a means tested maintenance grant and maintenance loan. This needs to be done via the SLC website direct by the applicant.

http://www.slc.co.uk/

Some candidates for teacher training receive an additional bursary to help them. This is dependent on the secondary subject and the class of their degree.

Further details of current bursary levels can be found on the Department for Education website:

http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/postgraduate-funding