Trainee Teacher Person Specification

Qualifications

You will have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE (or above) in English and Mathematics, and if you intend to train to teach pupils 3-11 you will have additionally achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 GCSE (or above) in a science subject.

You will hold a 2:2 (or above) Hons degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent qualification. 


Suitability

You will:

  • Be subject to appropriate pre-selection or pre-employment checks. These will include, but are not limited to, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check and a children’s barred list
  • Be expected to undertake a pre-training health questionnaire with an occupational health provider as selected by Staffordshire University
  • Where disabilities exist, be able to meet the role description, person specification and functional capacity with reasonable adjustment(s) 

Personal Characteristics

You will:

  • Be able to demonstrate a positive attitude & commitment to working with young people 
  • Need to be flexible and motivated
  • Maintain high standards in ethics and behaviour both within and outside of school
  • Uphold public trust in the profession
  • Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of young people within the school, raising any concerns following school safeguarding procedures
  • Have a passion for your subject and for delivering first class education
  • Have excellent interpersonal, communication, organisation and time-management skills
  • Have the ability to be reflective and improve your practice
  • Be able to attend work and carry out tasks punctually in a regular and consistent manner
  • Have an easily recognisable yet realistic enthusiasm for working with children and young people, treating them with dignity and mutual respect, whilst at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to your professional position
  • Be tolerant and respectful of others’ actions and beliefs, upholding fundamental British values, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect Classification: Restricted
  • Have the resilience to cope effectively with a variety of stressful situations and the energy and stamina to thrive in a challenging environment 

Health, Physical and Mental Capacity

You will have the health, physical and mental capacity to teach whilst supporting, and without constituting a risk to, the health, safety or well-being of pupils. This includes:

  • The ability to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and individuals holding parental responsibility Possession of sound judgement and insight
  • The ability to remain vigilant and attentive at all times while supervising, assisting and supporting pupils and/or working in hazardous situations 
  • The ability to respond to pupils’ needs in a timely and effective manner 
  • The ability to manage classes/ groups of pupils
  • Planning and preparing lessons and learning sequences for pupils
  • Delivering lessons and learning sequences
  • Assessing pupils’ development, progress and attainment
  • Reporting on pupils’ development progress and attainment
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

Top 5 for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2025

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021