We offer research-informed teacher training with outstanding subject mentors, and excellent classroom experience, inclusive of all required resources to enable you to become a highly motivated and skilled leader of education.
Why study with School Direct?
Events
We host and attend a number of events throughout the year.
To find out more about Great Schools Trust and the teacher training programmes book onto one of our upcoming events.
Click here to view upcoming events!
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If you are a graduate, work with children or are looking for a career change, then teacher training with School Direct could be for you.
"If you are considering applying for School Direct, then my recommendation is to do it" Catherine Ashcroft, School Direct Student
I graduated with a 2:2; do I qualify for the School Direct course?
Yes, we accept 2:2 and above and a third class degree is now accepted in Computer Science, Maths and Physics (providing candidates have a B grade or above at A level or an A Level Equivalent at this level).
I don’t have a GCSE C grade or above in English/Maths yet, can I apply for the course and achieve these grades before I start my course?
Yes, but you will be required to achieve this before you start the course.
If you have any queries in regards to your qualifications or feel that your qualifications do not meet the criteria we are looking for please contact Stacey Perrie - we may still be able to help you onto one of our train to teach courses.
The following will be organised by our university partner:
We are unable to support international visa applications.
School Direct is an innovative training route which allows you to choose the school in which you train. Great Schools Trust offers salaried and non-salaried School Direct training.
The programme is a school-based training programme where you are based in one school for your training plus a work placement at another school within Great Schools Trust. We offer secondary education courses only.
School Direct (salaried) is an employment-based route for high quality graduates, typically with at least three years’ experience of transferable work history. You’ll earn a salary while you train towards your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) recommendation, and won’t need to pay any tuition fees. Unlike some School Direct training programmes at Great Schools Trust our School Direct training programmes lead to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualification, but not all do.
School Direct (tuition fee) programmes allow you to learn on the job as you work towards your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) recommendation. Although your training is based in a school, we are not your employers and work closely with a partner university to support you. Unlike some School Direct training programmes at Great Schools Trust our School Direct training programmes lead to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) qualification, but not all do.
Both the salaried and unsalaried courses start in September at the beginning of the academic year following an induction in late August and end during the last term of the academic year.
English, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Computing, Drama/Performing Arts, Music
On the non-salaried programme, we will mentor you to gradually build up your teaching solo percentage and you are never left in the classroom on your own, there will always be a qualified teacher present. For the salaried route, the teaching expectations vary according to your own experience.
You will qualify with a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Masters Level Credits.
There are three types of funding available for teacher training - depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three.
Funding options include:
For more information, please visit www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk
With School Direct Salaried programmes you won’t need to pay any tuition fees. You’ll be employed by the school directly as an unqualified teacher. The minimum salary you will be paid is scale 1 of unqualified teacher.
You can apply in five easy steps:
1. Register on the ‘Get Into Teaching’ website
You’ll find a wealth of useful information on this website to help you with your application
2. Ensure you meet our eligibility criteria
3. Connect with our ITT Team
There are many ways you can get in touch with our team who are here to help and support you in your application. One of the best ways to get to know the team is to register for one of our events. You’ll be able to meet key contacts, talk to current students and find out everything you need to know about our courses.
4. Submit Your Application
All applicants should apply through Get into Teaching.
On this website, you can search for training programmes with the Department for Education’s ‘Find postgraduate teacher training’ service. You can search by location, training provider, and subject to find the programme that’s right for you.
We’ve got lots of information and advice to help you complete your teacher training application, including writing your personal statement and getting references. Simply get in touch to find out more.
5. Complete our Interview and Induction Process
You will receive an email from Great Schools Trust to confirm that we have received your application. At this point, our ITT team will review your application. If you are a suitable candidate, we will contact you to discuss your availability for one of our interviews.
Please ensure you bring relevant documentation and ID to the interview. There will be lots of opportunities for your questions and queries during the interview process.
If you are successful at the interview process, you will need to check the conditions of your offer. Our partner university will get in contact with you regarding your enhanced DBS check.
Great Schools Trust will invite you to our induction programme before the School Direct course starts in September.
The ability to engage with like-minded subject trainees and qualified specialists will help you to develop both your subject knowledge and pedagogy. Enrolment in our teaching programme will provide you with access to:
If you choose to train to teach with Great Schools Trust you will enjoy:
Edge Hill University and Great Schools Trust work in partnership to enhance training, generate new research and improve life chances for pupils.
The partnership has been borne out of shared values and a dedication to improving life chances for children and young people by providing an excellent education. Our partnership is committed to using the latest research to continually improve teaching practice.
Classroom to Boardroom Flightpath: King’s Warrington provides a course of training that not only equips you to become an outstanding teacher within 12 months but empowers you with a multitude of career progression opportunities into subject leadership within 4 years and academy leadership within 6 years.
Exceptional Training: A training needs analysis every 7 weeks will ensure you receive fully personalised CPD that recognises your strengths as well as your needs in developing into an outstanding practitioner. A CPD mentor will align 2.5 hours of weekly CPD to your needs and aspirations.
Exceptional Support Network: You will be supported every step of the way through an expert mentoring and coaching network including both an in school professional mentor and a subject mentor whom you will meet weekly.
Exceptional Role Models: All training and professional mentoring are values-based following research-led, evidenced-based methodology, delivered by highly skilled, outstanding practitioners. Initial placements within the trust will be supplemented by opportunities to undertake additional bespoke training and visits to a range of outstanding secondary, special and alternative provision schools.
Exceptional Outcomes: We have a very successful history of Initial Teacher Education with over 30 of our staff have undertaken the School Direct Route into teaching. 100% were graded good or better by the end of their training year, and 75% achieved outstanding status.
You will also spend one term at one of our other King’s Leadership Academies in Liverpool or Bolton to develop your experience.
We know how important it is to secure your first teaching job during your training year. This is why we offer ongoing support in landing your first role, as you work towards your QTS.
What we offer:
Training sessions with headteachers on what schools look for in potential recruits