School Direct Initial Teacher Training Programme – Primary, Secondary and Special Educational Needs.

Salary details: £ - £

Overview of the programme:

School Direct is one of our school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) routes which gives trainees the opportunity to work alongside current teachers and leaders to gain valuable first-hand experience, knowledge and skills as they work towards becoming a qualified teacher. It is underpinned by the same academic rigour as university led courses and Learners First trainees have the option to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) as well as gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This fantastic opportunity allows trainees, from day one, to be immersed in current classroom practice, have access to personalised mentor support and engage in wider aspects of school life as well as benefitting from a robust professional studies programme. The success rates and enhanced employment prospects associated with School Direct are establishing this route as a firm favourite amongst trainees and schools alike.

Primary postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeships are a new, nationally-recognised, work-based route into teaching. In addition to working towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on successful completion of the course, apprentices will also complete an end point assessment (EPA) to consolidate learning from initial teacher training. Apprentices training with Learners First have the advantage of studying for a PGCE alongside working towards Qualified Teacher Status. There are no tuition fees to pay by trainees following this route.

Candidates interested in this route should already have an employing school to sponsor their apprenticeship position. 

Minimum entry requirements:

The minimum entry requirements into Initial Teacher Training, set by the DfE, requires candidates for all routes to have, or be working towards the following:

• First honours degree at 2:2 or above (degree for AO Route)
• GCSE Grade 4/C (or equivalent) or above in English & Maths (including Science for primary applicants)

NB: To be eligible for Assessment Only route & Teacher Apprenticeships candidates must already hold all of the above, or, for Teacher Apprenticeship, be able to demonstrate the confirmed degree classification if award is pending. 

How to apply:

The application process can be categorised into four key stages:

Stage 1: Application

All School Direct ITT & teaching apprenticeship applications should be made via the DfE APPLY website. Applicants will have the option to select a provider and ‘Learners First’* will be one of the options available. Once submitted, Learners First will receive and assess the application. *NB Please note that when choosing a location , applications may not be for the actual school, but for the surrounding geographical partnership schools also.

Stage 2: Invitation to Interview

If the application successfully passes the first assessment stage, Learners First will contact the applicant and issue an invitation to interview. The interview will typically take place online and applicants should be willing to commit to a 2-2.5 hour time slot.

Stage 3: Decision

Following the interview, applicants will receive the decision via the DfE APPLY system.  

Stage 4: Responding to Offers

Applicants offered a place on the Learners First programme, will need to respond (accept or reject the offer) through APPLY. Those accepting the offer will be sent further correspondence from Learners First including details of the programme, pre-course sessions and your school placements.

All applications should be made via the APPLY website which can be accessed via: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training If you need support or have any questions about making an application, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Learners First team. 

Please do not apply using The Derbyshire County Council Website

Further information about our programmes can be found at https://www.learnersfirst.net/

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.