How did you come to study with Tes Institute?
I have been teaching personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and relationships and sex education (RSE) for ten years – but have never found a provider willing to allow me on an Assessment Only route with this subject.
So, when my current headteacher found Tes Institute and spoke to them about the possibility of combining these subjects with citizenship to attain QTS, it was such a relief to finally find a provider who could help!
Why did you choose to undertake this course? What did you want to achieve?
Having been teaching for ten years in a variety of schools, not having QTS meant that I couldn't progress. My wages had been stagnant for years as I was at the top of the Unqualified Teachers’ Pay Scale.
Plus, I had been in a perfect position at my last school to step up and apply for an assistant head role. I was told my application was outstanding but that they could not interview me as I was not a qualified teacher. I want to progress in the future to senior leadership – so it was vital for me to find a way to gain my QTS.
How has this course supported you to achieve your goals?
From day one, the team at Tes Institute have been so utterly supportive and made it such a simple journey. My initial tutor was always on the end of the phone or an email and provided so much support and guidance.
The assessor who came in to do my final observation and interview was wonderful. I had been nervous and felt a bit like Ofsted was coming, but she was immediately warm and supportive.
Everyone just seemed like they were on my team and wanted me to do well, which really helped me feel confident.
How did you find the application process?
Really smooth. Any time I was a bit lost, someone was there to talk me through it.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I enjoyed the fact I could go at my own pace, which in my case was fast! I had been waiting for years to be able to do this so, once I was signed up, I was keen to get it done as soon as possible and was supported to make that happen. I think it was eight weeks from starting to receiving my certificate.
What support did you receive during the course and how did this help you to progress?
The support from the team at Tes Institute was great. I enjoyed my conversations with the tutor and assessor immensely, both on email and on the days that I met them. They were always there to answer any questions and provided really useful feedback, which I took on immediately to adapt a couple of things in my lessons. My senior leadership team were highly supportive the whole way through which made me feel so happy that I had come to this school.
What would you tell another person who is thinking of applying for this course?
I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Compared to others I have heard of, this is a much better option.
I enjoy writing so the essays were not a problem for me, and I managed to fit them into non-teaching periods and planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time very easily. If you're a confident teacher and writer, it's a great way to attain QTS quickly and with fantastic support.
How would you sum up your experience with Tes Institute in a sentence?
A great experience, minimal stress and maximum support!
