As the UK's largest provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), Edge Hill University trains hundreds of teachers each year.
This year, due to its reputation for delivering high quality and innovative degree programmes, the government has awarded the university a number of additional places on courses starting in September 2014. This means that, unlike some years, there will be a limited number of places on ITT courses available through clearing.
"Lots of people, who would make excellent teachers, think that a university course isn't for them for a variety of reasons," says Dawne Bell, assistant head of secondary education at Edge Hill.
"People often think they don't have the right qualifications or experience, that they're too old to start a new career, or that they've just missed the boat to apply. At Edge Hill we have cohorts of all ages, who bring a wealth of different experiences to their courses and to the students they go on to teach. If you have a passion for sharing knowledge and a desire to help and guide young people, it's never too late to consider a career in teaching."
For potential students worried about going back into education after a long time, or without traditional qualifications, Edge Hill officers a range of support designed to boost both skills and confidence. As well as equivalency courses in Maths and English. As well as equivalency courses in maths and English for those without appropriate GCSEs, candidates can access free, face-to-face sessions to help them through the professional skills test (a basic numeracy and literacy assessment that is a legal requirement for all trainee teachers). Edge Hill can also arrange time in schools for anyone who wants to get a taste of modern classroom life before applying.
"The extensive support is one of the advantages of doing a university training course, rather than an in-school training programme," explains Dawne. "In addition to diverse placements in our wide range of partner schools, our students have access to student services like finance and counselling, cutting edge resources, technology and facilities, plus the opportunity to work and train alongside national leaders in their subjects."
Students can also enhance their CVs with skills that go beyond their initial subject which makes them highly attractive to employers. This includes free Mandarin courses through the Confucius Institute based on campus, as well as CCRS (Catholic Schools Religious Cert) at a reduced cost.
The support doesn't stop once trainees graduate, either. Edge Hill offers a unique Development Enhancement Programme to help teachers through their first year in teaching, including a personal Induction Mentor to help them get settled and a series of conferences to keep them up-to-date with the latest education theory while building strong networks for the future.
"If you've been considering teaching for a while, stop thinking about the possible barriers and just go for it," advises Dawne. "You could be taking the first steps to a brand new career in a matter of weeks – why wait?"
"I never thought they'd have me!"
Former construction worker Gavin Williams, 38, gained a place on a secondary design and technology education degree through clearing in 2013.
"My sister-in-law is a teacher and she asked me to go in to school and help with a woodwork project. I thought I'd just be cutting up wood in a corner by myself but I ended up working with the children and really enjoyed the engagement and their reaction to what I was doing.
I enjoyed my job but I couldn't picture myself still going up and down ladders in 20 years time. My experience in the primary school gave me the impetus I needed to try and make a change so I went along to an open day at Edge Hill to get some information on teacher training.
I assumed I would need to do some kind of foundation course or retake some exams to even be considered, but after speaking to the staff, it turned out my ancient qualifications, coupled with experience of training young apprentices, meant I could apply.
I'd never even heard of clearing – I was looking at maybe starting the following year – so when the prospect of applying immediately was raised I was quite surprised. But, a year to think about it would have been a year to talk myself out of it, so I decided to go for it.
Six weeks, one interview and a written test later, I was enrolled at Edge Hill and I haven't looked back. I won't say it's been easy, but I have had amazing support from the staff at Edge Hill. My computer skills were rudimentary to say the least but now I'm doing 3D design on CAD software and using Photoshop. I'm learning something new every day.
My advice to people thinking about applying through clearing would be: don't underestimate how hard the course is, but don't underestimate yourself either. It's never too late to change your life, and you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve."
If you want to know more about applying for a teaching course through clearing, Edge Hill is holding an open day on 16 August. You can find out about a variety of teaching programmes, discuss your questions with staff and speak to current students about their experiences. Visit the Edge Hill website to find out more.
Alternatively, you can call 0800 028 6677 or email clearing@edgehill.ac.uk
Top tips for your clearing interview
1. Arrive on time and be smartly dressed
2. Have a reference ready to show, or have one in the pipeline
3. Bring all relevant documentation with you, e.g. certificates
4. Prepare a small portfolio that shows evidence of working with children and young people, or a desire to do so (this doesn't have to be in schools - youth work, voluntary groups, industrial training – it all counts)
5. Do your homework – show that you have an understanding of the educational landscape and are aware of the current issues.
