Change lives: train to teach

Before you enter the classroom, we’ll give you two weeks of intensive training focused on core areas such as behaviour management and planning. You will also have a further two weeks of intensive training later in the year. Once you start your placement, you will have weekly training sessions, designed by Teach First’s expert curriculum designers, and sequenced to ensure focus on the areas of teaching that are most relevant to that point in the academic year.

You will take part in six modules across the year - one per half term. In each module you will have self-directed study sessions, live seminars and time to collaborate with other trainees within your placement teaching school hub.

Your self-directed study session will cover a comprehensive range of topics:

1. Subject knowledge and pedagogy
2. An inclusive classroom environment
3. Effective inclusive teaching
4. Planning and curriculum
5. Assessment

Live seminars will be held for each module and are tailored to whether the trainee is specialising in primary or secondary education. Each module will also include a full day conference which will focus on a combination of core curriculum and subject or phase specific content. The conferences also provide a great opportunity to meet other trainees on the programme.

By choosing our programme, you will benefit from hands-on experience at two or more schools and learn from experienced teaching professionals. Our curriculum focuses on supporting you to put learning into practice and places you in school four days a week from early September until the end of the summer term.

Our programme also includes a six-week placement in a second educational setting later in the year to make sure that you qualify with broad teaching experience. Subjects offered can vary. Please check our website for details of courses available in your area.

You’ll be eased into teaching by shadowing other teachers, before leading your own lessons with guidance from more experienced colleagues. You'll work with a range of skilled and knowledgeable subject-specific mentors. Your subject mentor will meet with you regularly to give you guidance. Your lead mentor will deliver your training and oversee your progress throughout the year.

Your mentor also receives support and training from Teach First and us to ensure that they are briefed on the latest research and can tailor their coaching to suit your needs.

Our 2024 - 2025 training programme is open for Primary, Early Years (3-7), English, Maths, Biology, PE, Spanish, Geography and History.

You’ll start your programme in September 2024 and complete the training in July 2025.

Anyone who is interested in getting into teaching - whether you’re a graduate, existing school staff, looking to change careers – and are based in our local area.

All entrants must hold a bachelor's degree from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification. We are happy to receive applications from candidates in their final year of study.

We’re working in partnership with Teach First to deliver our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme.  

With 20 years’ experience as the largest Initial Teacher Training provider in the country, they have worked with a range of educational experts and school leaders to develop this high quality, research-led programme.

Teach First’s mission is to make our education system work for every child. We help people develop into inspiring teachers, supporting them every step of the way as they discover their potential. For nearly two decades, Teach First has been training teachers in low-income areas across the country who have had an exceptional impact on their pupils. 

Find out more about Teach First.

Trainees will benefit from: 

• A structured one-year programme of training and support 
• Online and face-to-face training modules  
• Access to expert training materials 
• An experienced mentor 
• The opportunity to train in a school local to you

When you complete your training, you will be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) by Teach First.

You’ll also achieve your postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) from Teach First’s partner university meaning you’ll have a 60 credit Master’s level certificate in the study of education.