Scottish Borders Council wants to hear from graduates living in the Borders who would be interested in gaining a qualification that would allow them to gain GTCS registration as a teacher.
The opportunity is being provided through a partnership with the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), who offer a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) primary or secondary programme for graduates with a degree.
Alongside opportunities to train to teach in our primary sector, the secondary courses offered are Biology with Science, Business Education, Chemistry with Science, Computing Science, English, Home Economics, Mathematics, Physics with Science and Technological Education. With a particular interest in recruiting to English, Mathematics, Computing, Physics and Technological Education this year.
An Honours degree at 2:2 or above is preferred as the programme sits at Honours and Masters levels. Applicants must also hold National 5 Mathematics and higher English (or accepted equivalents). For secondary, there are specific entry guidelines for individual subjects.
The programme is full time for one year, with students required to carry out online, collaborative and individual study, combined with school placements.
School placements will be within the Scottish Borders and students will have access to local and UHI tutor support.
Upon completion of the programme, students will apply for the GTCS Teacher Induction Scheme to be offered a year's probationary teacher position in a Borders school. They will then be entitled to apply for posts with the Local Authority.
The closing date for applications for the August 2025 academic year is 29 January 2025.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more is invited to attend one of our information sessions:
- Tuesday 7 January 2025: 6-7pm at Inspire Learning: Tweedbank
- Thursday 9 January 2025: 4-5pm online
Councillor Julie Pirone, SBC's Executvie Member for Education, Youth Development and Lifelong Learning said:
"This is an exciting way for anyone with a relevant degree to become part of our excellent body of teachers. Our education service is forward thinking and ambitious and is committed to transforming the way we deliver opportunities for the benefit of all our children, young people and staff.
I would encourage anyone who wants to join us to get in touch., The information sessions in early January are an idal starting point as you'll be able to speak to not only members of our school's team but also students who have already taken part in and benefitted from the programme".