The United Synagogue

Overseas Trained Teacher Programme


The Overseas Trained Teacher Programme (OTTP) offers overseas trained teachers (OTTs) the opportunity to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) while working as a teacher. Once in a teaching position in a school, the trainee follows an individual training and assessment programme leading to QTS.

OTTs who were trained in the European Economic Areas or Switzerland may be eligible for QTS under mutual recognition arrangements and should first contact the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE).

Key features of the overseas trained teacher programme

● Trainees must have a teaching qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree and hold GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in mathematics and English. For primary teaching, candidates born on or after 1 September 1979 also need GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in science.

● Trainees must be employed as a teacher in a school.

● There are special arrangements that give OTTs the option of presenting themselves for QTS assessments without further training.

● If training is needed, the maximum training programme is one year.

● The school, as the employer, will pay the salary at a rate for either a qualified or unqualified teacher.

● Trainees must fulfil the home office's requirements for a work permit (applicable if you are not a national of the European Economic Area).


Applying for OTTP places

The Agency for Jewish Education has a small number of 'assessment only' places on this scheme (see third bullet point above). For further information on the Agency's allocation, please contact:

Gill Hornstein
Jewish Teacher Training Partnership Administrator
Tel: 020 8457 9727
Fax: 020 8457 9707
Email: jttp@aje.org.uk

For more information on this programme, and on the changes taking place contact:

OTT Advice Line
Tel: 01245 454321
Email ott@tdainfo.co.uk

For advice on work permits, contact Works Permit (UK) on 0114 259 4074.