Initial Teacher Training

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We run our Initial Teacher Training through United Teaching. With us, you can train while you teach to achieve Qualified Teacher Status, as well as a PGCE awarded by Goldsmiths, University of London.

You’ll be teaching at one of our schools across the county, supported by our regional training centre. We run weekly training sessions on a Friday afternoon which provide opportunities for you to learn from experts about behaviour, curriculum, assessment, pedagogy and professional expectations. Some sessions are delivered remotely and some are face-to-face at regional training centres. The face-to-face sessions provide opportunities to meet up with fellow trainees in your region and spend time observing lessons at the regional training centre.

What subjects do we offer?

• Art & Design
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Design & Technology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Maths
• MFL (French or Spanish)
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Primary
• Religious Education

Trainees are supported by subject specialists who are experts in their field and have the experience to know what works best in the classroom. 

You'll also get support from your mentor, who will be an experienced member of your department who can give you give you invaluable feedback on your teaching. Mentors are also on-hand to provide emotional support if you're feeling overwhelmed, as well as cheering you on through every success!

How does the course work?

Before starting training with United Teaching, you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time in your placement school. Activities may include observing lessons, meeting key people and becoming familiar with school routines and procedures. We then run a Summer Institute to provide you with intensive training, ensuring you’re equipped with the skills and expertise you’ll need before you teach your first lesson.

From September, you’ll be based at your placement school with training sessions every Friday, where you'll gather with other trainees in your region to learn from our pedagogy experts about the most effective teaching techniques.

Here's a taster of what you can expect to learn about at Friday Training:

During the year, you’ll also complete a second school placement at a contrasting school. If you’re undertaking the PGCE, you’ll also complete two academic assignments, assessed by Goldsmiths, University of London. In July, we hold a graduation celebration for trainees to gather together, so you can all celebrate becoming a qualified teachers!

How will I fund my training?

Salaried

If you have workplace experience, using skills that are transferable to teaching, you can apply for the salaried route. You’ll receive an unqualified teacher’s salary and start in September on a timetable of 60-80% of a fully qualified teacher. Some of our salaried courses are run through the government’s Postgraduate Apprenticeship scheme. These do not differ from our regular salaried route in terms of course content; it simply enables our schools to access funding for your training.

Non-salaried

Alternatively, you can take the non-salaried route. You’ll need to pay your tuition fees but you’ll be entitled to apply for a student loan to cover fees and maintenance. If you’re teaching Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Languages, Design and Technology, Geography or Biology, you’ll also be eligible for a government bursary, ranging from £10,000 to £24,000. You’ll start in September on a timetable of around 30% of a fully qualified teacher, gradually rising to 80% by Term 3.

Not sure which route to take? This blog post explains further.

Who can apply?

Whether you’re still at university or have been working in a different industry for 30 years, we
welcome your application! All our successful candidates have a desire to make a difference,
the ability to build a rapport, and the passion to inspire the next generation.

Qualifications required

GCSEs

• English Language GCSE Grade C+
• Mathematics GCSE Grade C+
• Science GCSE Grade C+ (Primary course trainees only)

A-levels

• A grade combination of at least BCC
• Minimum Grade B in the subject you want to teach

Degree

• 2:2 or above

Experience

• We'll be looking for evidence of a positive child-centred ethos and/or some experience of working with young people

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