School Experience Programme (SEP)

Gaining experience of what it is like to work in a school is essential if you are thinking about training to become a teacher. Before you apply for your training, you should try and gain as much experience in the classroom as possible. Not only will this strengthen your application and help prepare you for potential interviews it will also give you a real flavour of what life as a teacher is all about. It will give you an opportunity to observe lessons and to talk to teachers about day to day life as a teacher.   

The School Experience Programme (SEP) is run by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) and offers places in secondary schools to anyone looking to teach a priority subject. 

How to Apply

You can arrange taster days or visits by simply contacting St. Mary's Teaching School however, we would recommend you register with the NCTL School Experience Programme. Please follow the link to find out more about the programme and how you can register for it; you will then be able to specify your host school and your chosen subject. 

Please be aware that access to the School Experience Programme is subject to meeting eligibility requirements, as well as the availability of places.

If you do not meet the requirements or your subject is not covered by the School Experience Programme then please contact please contact Fleur Doidge via or 0113 258 4593.