What is Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE)? 

Our online subject knowledge enhancement courses are perfect for you if you are applying for teacher training in Biology, Chemistry, Computing, English, French, Geography, German, Maths, Physics or Spanish and either your degree is not subject-specific or you lack confidence in your subject. 

Our SKE courses prepare you for initial teacher training by helping you to gain the depth of subject knowledge and skills you need to be able to teach your chosen subject. We recommend that all postgraduates applying for teacher training in a shortage subject complete an SKE course prior to or during their initial teacher training. 

As a postgraduate teacher training trainee you could access National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) SKE funding to cover the cost of a Tes Institute SKE course (worth up to £5,600*) and you may be eligible for a tax-free SKE training bursary of up to £5,600 (depending on the course length and availability of supplementary funding).  

Courses available 

Tes Institute offers online SKE courses in nine subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Computing, English, French, Geography, German, Maths, Physics and Spanish. 

In order to receive course funding from the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) your chosen SKE subject should match the subject that you have a conditional offer for, unless you are teaching a Modern Language (French, German or Spanish) in which case you can choose a language that does not match your teacher training subject. In the case of Modern Language, you may pick up to two languages to cover back-to-back. 

Fully funded English SKE 

We are pleased to announce that English SKE courses are now available in a range of lengths including 8, 12 and 16 weeks. These courses will cover a range of topics across language and literature including creative writing, grammar, poetry, and Shakespeare. This course is eligible for full NCTL course funding and additional bursary of up to £3,200 if you meet the SKE entry criteria. 

Please note that there is a compulsory reading list for all English SKE courses that can be viewed here. These will need to be sourced by the start of your SKE course and can be found online, at a local library or from a number of retailers. 

Science SKE courses – Biology, Chemistry and Physics 

Designed for trainee science teachers who are training to teach Biology, Chemistry or Physics who need to upgrade their subject knowledge, these SKE courses cover key topic areas and practical techniques in each science subject and are 100% online, allowing you to improve your subject knowledge at a time that suits you. 

As an example, some of the sessions available include organic chemistry, kinetics, applications of fundamental physics, electricity, plant nutrition, genome and stem cells and common misconceptions. If you are planning to take a 16 week or longer Biology, Chemistry or Physics SKE and you are interested in covering more than one science discipline please contact us for more information. 

Chemistry and Physics SKE courses are available in a range of course lengths between eight and 28 weeks and Biology is available between eight and 24 weeks. 

Maths SKE course 

If you need to improve your subject knowledge of Maths then this online SKE course can help you build your subject confidence before or alongside your initial teacher training. Covering key areas of the mathematics curriculum, this online course is designed to strengthen your Maths knowledge and give you some of the tools that you will need to teach the subject. 

As an example, some of the Maths sessions available include from numbers to algebra, trigonometry, probability and statistics. 

Our online Maths SKE course is available in various course lengths from eight weeks until 28 weeks. 

Modern Languages SKE courses – French, German and Spanish- Double SKE now available 

Trainee teachers of a Modern Language are able to improve their subject knowledge in up to two SKE courses with our online French, German or Spanish SKE courses. Your chosen language doesn’t need to match your subject that you are training to teach in, which will be particularly useful if you are asked to teach multiple languages once qualified. 

As most language teachers are required to teach two languages, the NCTL are now offering funding for up to two modern language SKE courses. The aim is to refresh your main teaching language and gain a more in depth understanding of a second language, with the SKE of your main language taking 8 weeks and the second, weaker language taking up to 24 weeks. 

During the course you will also have access to Rosetta stone to help you develop your language vocabulary. As an example, some of the Modern Languages sessions available include how we learn languages, problems with teaching grammar, patterns and creativity in languages and developing writing skills. 

Modern Language SKE courses are available in a range of lengths between eight and 24 weeks. 

Geography SKE course 

Our Geography subject knowledge enhancement course covers a range of subject areas including rocks, weathering, rivers and coasts and climatic hazards. The online SKE course also provides an insight into using new technologies in teaching Geography. 

As an example, some of the Geography sessions available include rocks, weathering and ice, climatic hazards, tectonic hazards and extending and enhancing teaching of Geography. 

Geography SKE courses are available in 8-16 week course lengths. 

Computer Science SKE course 

Our Computer Science SKE course is designed to enhance a trainee’s knowledge of Computer Science in light of the recent curriculum changes. With an increased focus on areas such as coding, web design and cyber security, this SKE course is ideal for anyone training to teach Computer Science who wants to improve their subject knowledge before or alongside their training. 

As an example, some of the Computer Science sessions available include inside the digital device, building software solutions, cyber security and technology in business and society. 

Computer Science courses are available in a range of lengths between eight and 24 weeks 

Here are some of the comments from our previous trainee teachers: 

" I felt very well supported with a very well chosen Mentor, plus a supportive school and ITT Co-Ordinator. It was a big step to start teacher training, but it has been fulfilling and enjoyable, but hard work too. I had lots of positive encouragement and sound advice. The Wednesday training sessions were very good with interesting speakers and gave a great chance to catch up with other trainees for support and sharing ideas. The Provider took time and effort to understand my needs and background so that the approach for each trainee was tailored to their situation. I liked that the increase in responsibility was gradual and not too overwhelming." 
Alex - 2018/19 

 
" Training was a great experience - I felt supported by everyone, especially the Lead School Davenant, who were always very helpful with any questions or concerns we all had during the year." 
Sobia - 2018/19 
 
 
"Training has given me real confidence and skills to begin my NQT year - I feel like I have the preparation and experience to build on and become an ever more effective classroom teacher" 
Dan - 2018/19 

 
"The School Direct training route gave me the opportunity to learn how to teach in a nurturing and supportive environment where I was allowed to flourish. I was able to experience different schools on placement and had a wide variety of training in different subjects that helped me to become a well-rounded teacher. It was a tough year that I will never forget but it was well worth all of the late nights and hard work. I wouldn’t change it because now I am doing what I have always dreamed of." 
Eleni - 2017/18 

 
“I was concerned that at the age of 40, it would be impossible to change my career. Yet now with the support of the TES institute, I have the best job in the world. Working with children and inspiring them to fulfil their own dreams. Anything is possible and life really does start at 40” 
Angela - 2016/2017 
 
 
"It’s been a really tough year. I got myself into a big hole halfway through and never thought I would make it out – training programme finito! But the ITT Office was extremely supportive, and the Directors of ITT went that extra mile to pull me out. They ensured I finished the course in one piece … just! 

A very big thank you, guys. You were there when I needed you." 
Alok - 2016/2017  

 
“I'm pleased I chose to enter teaching via the School Direct route. Being integrated into a school and part of the team from day one is real advantage. The training is hands-on and challenging but I feel very well prepared for a career in teaching and ready to start my NQT year.” 
Dom - 2016/17 

 
“I have found the Schools Direct course to be a very valuable route into my teaching career. Experiencing school life from September through to June on the Schools Direct training course has giving me an insight into the teaching profession that I would not have experienced had I choose the university route.  As I now prepare for my NQT year in my new school I feel confidently equipped to embrace the challenges of teaching ahead.” 
Eamonn - 2016/2017 

 
“The School Direct path into teaching really gives you the opportunity to build relationships and fully immerse yourself in school life. Whilst you build up your timetable gradually you are still able to experience extra -curricular opportunities, pastoral responsibilities and observations of experienced members of staff. The online element of the course meant that studying for QTS and the PGCE was flexible and always available.” 
Dorothy - 2014/15 

 
“As a School Direct trainee at Davenant Foundation School, I had so much support from my mentor, colleagues and other trainees. I learnt an incredible amount about how children learn, and how to be reflective of my own practice. The blended learning course is a route that I would recommend to anyone that would like to train as a teacher, as it gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace and timing. The resources and opportunities on offer, such as experience in a special school, are incredibly valuable and hard to find in traditional teacher training routes. 

I am able to put my learning from last year into practice every day as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT). I can refer back to professional studies sessions for tips and guidance, and still ask advice from colleagues and friends that I have made. 

It was a difficult year, but well worth the hard work!” 
Charlotte - School Direct 2014/15