Frequently asked questions
The following are common questions about the course. For further information about the course please visit The Chartered College of Teaching site or email beacon.partnership@beacon-academy.org.
What is the Chartered College of Teaching?
A professional body for teachers who aim to bridge the gap between practice and research. The aim of the Chartered College is to equip teachers with the knowledge and confidence to make the best decisions for their pupils, raise the status of the profession and support teachers to acquire the expertise necessary to maintain excellence in teaching and secure the best outcomes for children and young people.
What is the Chartered Teacher Programme (CTeach)?
CTeach is a new 15 month teacher training programme designed to further the expertise of experienced practitioners. Successful completion will mean that you are awarded the status of Chartered Teacher and can use the post-nominal, ‘CTeach’.
A set of Professional Principles, designed by the Chartered College, underpin the CTeach programme. These have been established through extensive engagement with our profession, our perspectives and our priorities. Participants on the programme engage with these principles through a rigorous set of development and assessment processes and tasks.
The course comprises an innovative range of research-engaged learning and assessments that demonstrate both excellent knowledge and practices as a teacher, and a commitment to professional growth, collaboration and development. Participants are supported by an experienced and a highly qualified mentor throughout the programme.
Who is the Beacon Partnership?
Beacon Academy Teaching School is proud to be working within Beacon Partnership, alongside St Mark’s CE Primary School, Rother Teaching School Alliance, University of Sussex, East Sussex Teaching School Alliance and the Local Authority.
In 2019, Beacon Partnership was selected by the Chartered College of Teaching to support the delivery of the CTeach Programme in East and West Sussex, Kent and Brighton and Hove.
The CTeach Programme, led by the Chartered College of Teaching, the professional body for teaching, celebrates the excellent teaching and practice occurring in classrooms every single day.
How long is the course?
The course is 15 months long, followed by a graduation ceremony.
How much does the course cost?
The 2020-21 course fees are £895. Many applicants have been wholly or partly funded by their school, so do approach your headteacher.
How much of my time will it take up?
The activities and assessments that you undertake within the programme are designed to align with things that you will already be doing and to support development of your practice. However, participation in the programme will require a significant time commitment, including attending face-to-face events, participating in mentoring sessions, completing a variety of assessment tasks, engaging with your cohort online, and carrying out a project. We anticipate that you will need to spend at least three days per term on the programme, in addition to any professional development and reading you undertake.
How will the qualification help me in the future?
To find out more about why CTeach should be part of your professional development, a previous participant has written about their experience here.
Where will the course take place?
Following the impact of COVID-19, the 2020-21 CTeach Programme is being run online, until it is safe to hold face-to-face events.
The bulk of the course can be done online and in your own time. Contact with your mentor will be via individual video chat or via email or on the phone.
How do I apply for the course?
Applications for the 2020-21 programme have now closed.
To register your interest in future cohorts, please complete this form.
All participants are required to be members of the Chartered College in order to take part.
How do I qualify to apply?
You need to have been a practicing teacher for a minimum of three years, complete an application form and be, or become, a member of the Chartered College.
What is Chartered College membership?
Whether you’re interested in developing your teaching practice, expanding your network or discovering more evidence-informed research, the Chartered College of Teaching can offer you a wide range of benefits.
To join as a member you will need to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent, and be professionally engaged in teaching in a relevant setting.
To find out more about Chartered College Membership, visit the membership section of their website.
When will I know if my application has been successful?
Your application will be assessed by the Beacon Partnership and you will find out if your application has been successful with one week of applying.
My school can only pay part of the course fees? Can I split the cost with them?
Yes you can. Please talk to your Headteacher.
What support will I get?
You will have the support of an experienced mentor throughout. The value of collegiality is highlighted in the Professional Principles, so you will be expected to support your peers on the programme. The project leads, Zoe James and Sally Dennison can be always contacted via email and we can arrange to phone you if you have any questions during any phase of the programme.
Why do I need support from my school?
We will ask for two statements of support during your time on the programme. These can be completed by your line manager, a member of SLT or your headteacher. These will be at the point of application, and at the conclusion of the programme. We ask for these because we believe that it is important that schools are aware and supportive of any participants in the programme; although the programme is designed so that you do not need to take any time out of school, you will require support from your school to carry out the project and other assessment activities. You will also need to submit videos of your teaching practice as part of the assessment process, and all video recording will need to meet the safeguarding processes and requirements of your school; we can provide guidance and support where necessary. The statement of support at the end also provides a checkpoint that you are working at the level of a Chartered Teacher.
Will you offer Masters Level Credits?
Yes, on successful completion, Beacon Partnership participants will be acknowledged with the award of Masters credits by the University of Sussex with options for ongoing accredited studies.
Why do you recommend having a minimum of three years classroom experience?
The programme is designed to be suitable for those who are already expert teachers, with deep professional knowledge and skills. Teacher practice takes time to develop, and we want to ensure that everyone who is accepted onto the programme has a good chance of success.
I am not sure if the course is right for me. How can I find out?
In addition to reading through the programme eligibility and the expectations of those on the programme, please review the Professional Principles. These principles encapsulate what a Chartered Teacher should know and be able to do. Whilst you should develop professionally and improve your practice during the programme, it is designed for those who are already expert teachers who are looking to validate these skills. We therefore recommend that you discuss the principles with your line manager, and the extent to which you feel you meet them. If you feel that you would be able to meet these criteria with some support over the course of the programme, then we recommend that you are ready to apply. If you have further questions, please email beacon.partnership@beacon-academy.org.