Success Stories

Kay Holby successfully completed the Graduate Teacher Programme at Primary level in July 2009 and will start work as a Newly Qualified Teacher in autumn this year.

The GTP has prepared me very well for a career in teaching and I've a wide range of experience to take into the classroom.

After having children I began to take an interest in early year's education and initially got into schools as a Teaching Assistant. I had started to do some unqualified teaching in the school - the headteacher was very supportive and eventually encouraged me to do the GTP.

Because of the amount of experience I had, the GTP really appealed to me. You can lead your own learning and the course is tailored to your specific needs.

The support I received from my school was really good - my mentor was extremely committed. In a way it helped that I had previously worked in the school, as I had knowledge of the background and daily routine.

My external tutor was also fantastic. She was easy to talk to, extremely supportive and always available.

I would advise anyone who is thinking of applying to do the GTP to go for it. It is a lot of hard work and can be tough, but if you put in the effort the rewards are really worth it.


Jane Hearn completed the Graduate Teacher Programme inside two terms during 2008/09 and has now begun her NQT year at Primary level.

The GTP has laid really good foundations and I've now started my NQT year in the same school where I initially began working as a Teaching Assistant.

I knew I wanted a career working with children and after completing my degree began working in school as a TA. The school where I was working applied on my behalf to do the GTP.

I had already spent seven years studying, so was excited by the prospect of a more employment-based programme - the course really appealed to me.

Working at the school where I was already employed really helped - I knew they would give me the support structure I needed. I had built up a substantial existing knowledge but there was undoubtedly a transition in progressing from a TA to teacher.

My external tutor was absolutely brilliant and was very supportive. If I have had any problems she was always there for me.

The GTP has given me an extremely secure grounding from which to build on. There is a progressive structure and I now have new targets to achieve in my NQT year.