We look for certain attributes in everyone we work with, which in turn shapes our culture across the organisation. We think these attributes also make great teachers and leaders. We’re transparent, open and kind, and we aim to make a difference to the lives of each one of our pupils.

The Elliot Foundation lives by our values:

• Be open 
• Be kind 
• Be safe 
• Children first 
• Make a difference 

The initial stage of selection is reviewing your application. We ensure your qualifications meet our entry requirements and your personal statement indicates you have a passion for education and your specialised subject. If you are successful, you will be invited to interview at one of our partner schools in the West Midlands. The interview day is usually within 4 weeks of receiving your application. The interview process will include the following:

The tuition fees for UK/EU students starting their training in 2024 are £9,535 a year (full time).

International fees are £12,600.

No – you’ll be an unsalaried trainee while you’re on the programme. You can find out more about funding options on the Department for Education website.

If you’d like to develop leadership skills while earning a salary from day one, consider our fully funded Training Programme. This is a two-year course which you may need to relocate to complete, and you’ll need a 2:1 or above degree certification to secure a place. 

You’ll be registered as a full-time student throughout the programme. So, you’ll have access to lots of student benefits, as well as a student loan to cover your fees, subject to eligibility.

Depending on your subject and qualifications, you may also be eligible for a bursary or grant to support you throughout your training. 

You can also find out more about funding options on the Department for Education website. 

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) is committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality and diversity across all aspects of the Trust’s work. The Trust aims to create an environment in which all employees, pupils and stakeholders are recognised as being of equal value and are able to grow and develop through equality of opportunity.

If you have a mental health problem, long-term illness, or other disability, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). You must check your eligibility for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If you’ve applied for student finance, you can and should apply for DSA at the same time. If you do not need student finance, you can fill in a student finance form (DSA1 form) to apply just for DSA. You can apply later, but it can take 12–16 weeks to confirm support.

There is step-by-step guidance on how to apply for DSA on the Diversity and Ability website. 

You’ll need the right to study in the UK. You already have this if, for example, you:

• are an Irish citizen
• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you may still be able to apply)
• have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

If you do not already have the right to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. The main visa for fee-paying courses (those that you have to pay for) is the Student visa.

To apply for a Student visa, you’ll need to be sponsored by your training provider.

Sponsorship is not available for this course.

If you need a visa, filter your course search to find courses with visa sponsorship.

Alternatively, check if you’re eligible for a different type of visa, such as a Graduate or Family visa, that allows you to train to be a teacher without being sponsored.

Find out more about training to teach in E

When you complete your training, you’ll be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) by Teach First.

You’ll also get your postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from our partner university, meaning you’ll have a 60 credit master’s level certificate in the study of education.

Qualified teacher status (QTS) is a standard that recognises that you have the right training and meet the requirements to be a teacher.

It is the qualification needed to teach in most primary and secondary schools in England.

A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) is an academic qualification. You can get this through teacher training.

You do not need one to be a qualified teacher in England but it is an internationally recognised academic qualification. It gives you a better understanding of teaching practices, educational research and theory and develops your teaching skills and knowledge.

Although you will not automatically be offered a job after the programme, you will be awarded a QTS.

This means you have the right training and meet the standards to be a teacher. It is a teaching standard that is respected across the world and means that you can move around the country and teach in any state school.