Application FAQs

Application FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications for the 2016 cohort are open to researchers who have already completed their doctorate, or will have done so by Friday 12th August 2016. Furthermore, candidates must also have a grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE English and Maths and be eligible to work in the UK full-time between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2018.

For our 2016 cohort we will be recruiting in a number of subject areas including:

• Mathematics*
• Science (Physics*, Chemistry, Biology)
• Humanities (English, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages)
• Computing

* Participants in shortage subjects are eligible for a salary enhancement package through the government-supported ‘Salary Uplift Programme’.

Is there a deadline for applications?

The current, final deadline for applications was 1st June 2016. This has been extended for Maths and Physics applicants so we recommend eligible candidates apply at their earliest convenience, as we approach the final round of assessment centres.

Generally, we have a rolling deadline and we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. We will sometimes implement deadlines should we have more assessment centres booked, or when we begin to approach the summer training period, which is prior to the beginning of the programme starting. Please see the ‘Application Details’ page for more up-to-date information.

Can international/non-EEA applicants apply for the programme?

We welcome applications form overseas candidates, provided they meet/ or can meet, the above requirements. Researchers in Schools is unable to sponsor visa and work permit applications. Please refer to GOV.UK for more information. Some schools may be in a position to sponsor successful international candidates, but this is on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants may also be liable for the costs.

Can I apply if I haven’t yet had my viva?

As long as you will have submitted your thesis by the 12th August 2016 you are eligible for the programme. You will also be able to attend your viva if it is in term time, as well as your graduation.

Can I apply if I already hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent?

Unfortunately not. RIS is a teacher-training route and therefore can only consider those who do not already have QTS. For international applicants, a QTS equivalent might have already been obtained through your degree, so do check before applying.

If my application is successful, what happens next?

If your application is successful we will pool your application. Once an assessment centre has been matched to your subject and location preference, we will get in touch to invite you to attend, around two weeks prior. More information can be found here.

If my application is unsuccessful, what happens next?

If your application is unsuccessful we will notify you and you’d be more than welcome to reapply the year after. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications we’re unable to provide feedback at this stage.

Assessment Centres

What is an Assessment Centre?

The assessment centre is the second part of the recruitment process in which candidates are invited to one of the Lead Schools to be assessed by both the RIS team and SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) providers. The day is split up into different activities and we will send out further information prior to the day to help you prepare. The day usually coincides with the host school’s timetable, but further information is sent out according to the school’s specific requirements.

Will travel to and from the Assessment Centre be reimbursed?

Unfortunately we are not in a position to reimburse travel to and from our assessment centres.

What happens if I am successful at the Assessment Centre?

Should an applicant be successful on the day we will send an Offer Letter via email which will need to be signed. Both RIS and the SCITT/Lead Partner School will then begin the process of on-boarding.

What happens if I am unsuccessful at the Assessment Centre?

We notify all candidates irrespective of the outcome. We can provide feedback from the assessment centre and we would encourage candidates to consider this carefully should they wish to re-apply the following year.

Pre-Programme Induction Dates

RIS 2016 Cohort:

• Monday 15th August 2016 - Friday 19th August 2016
• Monday 22nd August 2016 - Thursday 25th August 2016

If you have any queries about your application, please contact [email protected].