Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses

If you are applying for a postgraduate training course to teach a priority subject in secondary schools, your chosen training providers will assess your application to decide whether or not you need to increase or refresh your knowledge of this subject by taking a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course before doing your teacher training.

If a training provider wants to offer you a place, but they decide that you need to take an SKE course before you can start a teacher training course, they will make you a conditional offer subject to your successfully completing an SKE course. If you accept the offer, you will need to work with the training provider to arrange a place on a suitable SKE course. The training provider making the conditional offer may run a suitable course, or they may refer you to an SKE course provider elsewhere, usually in the same region. You can find out which training providers offer SKE courses on the Training and Development Agency for Schools' website.

Most SKE courses are offered in the highest priority subjects of mathematics, physics and chemistry, but there are a small number of courses in other priority subjects, including design and technology, information and communications technology and modern languages.

The length of SKE courses varies from two weeks to up to one year to cater for a wide range of subject knowledge needs. Delivery methods offered may include full-time study, part-time study or distance learning.

Students on SKE courses are usually eligible for a training bursary to help with living costs during the course. Bursaries vary depending on the subject and course length. An SKE hardship fund provides limited additional funding for students on SKE courses who receive a training bursary, but who still have serious financial problems. For more information about financial support, contact the SKE course providers or visit the TDA's website.

For more information about SKE courses, visit the Training and Development Agency for Schools' website or call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 or 0845 6000 992 for Welsh speakers.