For applicants and student teachers
Wellbeing support
We know that being involved in the Fitness to Teach process may be stressful. The following services are available to you if you need them.
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (If you use a textphone you can contact Breathing Space using this number, or you can use the Relay UK app).
Education Support: 08000 562 561, email support@teachersupport.info or download practical guides.
NHS 24 mental health hub: Phone NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. The mental health hub team will direct you to the right help and can provide information about accessing local services. For emergencies, dial 999.
The Samaritans: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Scottish Action for Mental Health: 0344 800 0550
Shout: Text 'shout' to 85258
Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need access welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other financial help. Turn2us works in partnership with Teacher Support Scotland regarding the financial concerns of teachers.
Overview
As part of the registration process, GTC Scotland will receive certain information from Disclosure Scotland about criminal convictions you have or criminal charges you are currently facing.
You also need to tell us about criminal charges or convictions when you apply. Don’t panic if you fall into this category – it is better to be open and honest from the outset.
Common concerns and questions
The information below is for applicants and student teachers, if you have been referred. We have tried to cover common concerns and questions. If you have any other questions, please contact the Regulatory Investigations Officer dealing with your case.
An application for registration cannot continue until any Fitness to Teach investigation process has concluded. It is a legal requirement for people employed as teachers in Scottish schools to be registered with GTC Scotland.
This means that if there is open investigation into your fitness to teach, you will not be permitted legally to start working (including on the Teacher Induction Scheme and the Flexible Route) until the fitness to teach process has concluded.
Each case is different. We can’t tell you precisely how long the investigation will take. On average:
- cases which lead to no further action take around 6 months
- cases which require a decision by a Fitness to Teach Panel will take longer than this
We will provide you with updates on the progress of our investigation and will be in touch once it has been completed to explain the outcome and next steps.
Will give you as much information as we can about the timescale. If you have a prospective employer and would like us to keep them informed of progress, please let us know.
You have the right to withdraw your application. If you re-apply in the future, you will be required to go through the Fitness to Teach process before this can happen.
Overview
As part of the registration process, GTC Scotland will receive certain information from Disclosure Scotland about criminal convictions you have or criminal charges you are currently facing.
You also need to tell us about criminal charges or convictions when you apply. Don’t panic if you fall into this category – it is better to be open and honest from the outset.
An application for registration cannot continue until any Fitness to Teach investigation process has concluded.
How long will my application be delayed?
Each case is different. We can’t tell you precisely how long the investigation will take.
- cases which lead to no further action take around 6 months
- cases which require a decision by a Fitness to Teach Panel will take longer than this
We will provide you with updates on the progress of our investigation and will be in touch once it has been completed to explain the outcome and next steps.
Will give you as much information as we can about the timescale. If you have a prospective employer and would like us to keep them informed of progress, please let us know.
Can I withdraw my application for registration and forget about the referral?
You have the right to withdraw your application. If you re-apply in the future, you will be required to go through the Fitness to Teach process before this can happen.
Wellbeing support
We know that being involved in the Fitness to Teach process may be stressful. The following services are available to you if you need them.
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (If you use a textphone you can contact Breathing Space using this number, or you can use the Relay UK app).
Education Support: 08000 562 561, email support@teachersupport.info or download practical guides.
NHS 24 mental health hub: Phone NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option. The mental health hub team will direct you to the right help and can provide information about accessing local services. For emergencies, dial 999.
The Samaritans: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Scottish Action for Mental Health: 0344 800 0550
Shout: Text 'shout' to 85258
Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need access welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other financial help. Turn2us works in partnership with Teacher Support Scotland regarding the financial concerns of teachers.