Initial Teacher Training

Choosing or changing a career can be a big decision.  If you are wondering if teaching is right for you, there are many different options available.  If you are interested in training to become a teacher, we are able to support many different routes into teaching including working with our local universities.  Below is an outline of the different options available:

Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship

Postgraduate teaching apprenticeship programmes are a nationally recognised, work-based route into teaching.  It is an alternative to a traditional full-time university course, offering a postgraduate-level qualification, no tuition fees, and the opportunity to earn while you learn.  More information can be found at Teaching Apprenticeships

Fee Paying Courses

A fee-paying teacher training route offers a classroom-based training route in partnership with the TES Institute who have a reputation for innovative online learning materials which offer greater flexibility for your learning.  Our blended learning programme combines school-based training, online training sessions, experienced specialists as mentors and high-quality professional training sessions.  During your training, you will be treated as a member of staff at the school and will attend staff meetings and development sessions to give you the true teacher experience whilst learning from the outstanding colleagues around you.  You will build your teaching slowly so you won't be dropped in at the deep end.  To start with you will be observing lessons and then you will start to increase how much teaching you lead.  Your mentor will be central to your development and so we have committed to their training.  Their careful support is also complimented by your Pathway Tutor from the TES Institute through their visits each half-term.  Subject dependant bursaries and scholarships are available for this training route.  More information can be found at Fee Paying Courses

Teach First School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

This unsalaried teacher training programme is suitable for graduates or career changers who want to train to teach in a local school.  The training is developed by Teach First and delivered by approved local training partners.  From September 2024, you will spend most of each week working as a member of the teaching staff in a school local to you.  You'll also spend six weeks in other schools to get a vital, broader experience.  More information can be found at Train to Teach in a School Near You

If you are interested in any of these training routes and in the beginning of your exciting steps to become a qualified teacher, or if you have any questions, please contact Charley Davis cdavis@spires.e21c.co.uk