During your teacher training, you would have heard about taking your NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) year once you qualify. What might not have been explained is exactly what an NQT year is.
The NQT year has been designed to provide new teachers with additional support and opportunities for development in their first year of teaching. Essentially, it is there to act as a bridge between your training and career.
At the NQT Pool, we can help you find your perfect NQT job by matching you with thousands of schools across England and Wales. But, once you know where you will be teaching for your NQT year, what can you expect from the year itself?
In this article, we answer the most common questions about NQT years, so you know exactly what to expect in your first year as a teacher!
How long is an NQT year?
An NQT year currently takes three complete school terms. These are usually completed full time and within one academic year, however, this doesn’t have to be the case.
Do you need to pass an NQT year?
Yes. During the year you will have a reduced timetable and work towards demonstrating that you have met the relevant professional teaching standards. These standards detail the required skills for teaching across a number of areas, such as subject knowledge, planning, assessment, learning environment, behaviour management, and professional conduct.
How do you pass and NQT year?
Throughout the induction year, you will have a number of lesson observations, as well as regular meetings to discuss your development. Additionally, you will be required to keep a portfolio of evidence showing where you are meeting each teaching standard. In your third term, your headteacher will inform the local authority if you have made progress in meeting the standards, they will then confirm if you have met the requirements in order to pass your NQT year.
Can you complete the NQT induction at any school?
You can have your induction in almost all schools and educational providers. This includes; maintained schools, academies, free schools, pupil referral units, alternative provisions, independent schools, sixth forms, and further education colleges.
You can also undergo induction at an independent school overseas, as long as it has been inspected by a DfE-accredited inspectorate within the past six years against the standards for inspection of British schools overseas.
Schools currently in special measures cannot take on an NQT, although Ofsted can overrule this in certain cases.
What are you entitled to during your NQT year?
Your school is required to give you a 10% reduction in your teaching timetable (in addition to PPA time) to allow for meetings with your induction tutor and other necessary activities. You are also entitled to an NQT mentor, who will offer regular reviews on your progress and help you to create effective development strategies.
How can Teaching Personnel can help?
If you want to avoid writing a personal statement altogether then Teaching Personnel’s NQT Pool is for you. Register once and you we will actively promote you to schools in the areas you choose and help you prepare to nail the interview. Find out more and register here.