Registered Teacher Programme

The Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) is an employment-based route into teaching for those who have completed two years of higher education (or equivalent) to qualify as a teacher while employed in a school. It carries with it the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the candidate tops up their existing qualifications to degree level while on the programme.

How long does it take?

The RTP is a challenging route and takes two years. It takes effort and commitment to work and train in a school and study for a degree at the same time.

What qualifications do I need to undertake the RTP?

In addition to the two years higher education (or equivalent), you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C or equivalent in the GCSE examination in English, Maths and Science.

How can I get on the programme with a Lambeth school?

Lambeth is involved with the South London Partnership (SLP), comprising of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) - London South Bank University - and six Local Authorities (LAs).

The SLP has a limited number of places available each year for training and you have to apply directly to the HEI at South Bank; however, there also other providers you can contact.

You are advised to find a school that is prepared to take you on for the two training years as an unqualified teacher before applying, as this will make your application to the HEI much stronger.

Lambeth is unable to help you find a placement; a list of Lambeth schools can be found in the Schools and colleges section of the Lambeth website, for you to contact those schools that may be of interest directly.

What do I get paid? What funding is available to schools?

The Training and Development Agency (TDA) pays up to £9,100 to schools to help with your costs in the two training years. The school is then expected to employ you, and pay your salary, as an unqualified teacher (around £19,000 per year) on a two year contract. The school does not have to commit to employing you after the course.

Please be aware that, as the cost to schools for this programme is high, not all schools take RTP applicants - you may wish to consider topping up your qualifications to degree level and applying to the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) or for a PGCE.

A full list of Employment Based Route Initial Teacher Training Providers (EBITTs) can be found on the TDA website at www.tda.gov.uk/ebr.

The TDA also provide a national advice line (the GRTP Advice Line) on 08456 000991 or by e-mail at grtp@tdainfo.co.uk.

For more information, please see the RTP candidate information and handbook at www.tda.gov.uk/ebr.

For further information, please go to the TDA website at www.tda.gov.uk.

Course providers

London South Bank University (SLP HEI)
Contact: Admissions Department
Telephone: 020 7815 7815
E-mail: ercadmit@lsbu.ac.uk
Website: www.lsbu.ac.uk
Covers: primary only

London North Consortium
Works in partnership with schools in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest. 
Telephone: 020 8411 4602
E-mail: lonoco@mdx.ac.uk
Website: www.lonoco.co.uk
Covers: secondary only

Canterbury Christ Church College
Works in partnership with schools in Kent, Medway, London Borough of Newham and boroughs of south-east London.
Contact: GRTP Administration Desk
Telephone: 01227 782298/782727
Website: www.canterbury.ac.uk/education/employment-based-routes/home.aspx
Covers: primary and secondary