School Direct (tuition fee) – this route is best suited for applicants who have a connection with a local school, who will be willing to host them for 1 or 2 of their teaching practices. Funding is through a student loan or self finance.

School Direct (salaried) – this route is only suited for applications who have work experience of at least 3 years with a local school. The school would need to employ the trainee as an unqualified teacher during the training year.

Both School Direct courses offer a one year full-time course leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Trainees can also opt to complete a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) if they feel this would be useful. They are both forty week courses, based on an academic year, which runs from early September through to the end of July each year.

The courses covers the age range 3 to 11 years and complies with the teaching standards and requirements as specified in the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) – ITT Requirements Guidance. They are largely school based, with additional course content being delivered at a separate course centre.

Trainees are assigned a school based trainer within each school that they are placed. This person is responsible for supporting and guiding the trainee’s professional development and ensuring that they have the opportunities that they need within the school.

A trainee’s progress is assessed through regular formal and informal monitoring of teaching and written work.

Training in school progresses from observing and working alongside an experienced teacher to taking full responsibility, firstly for groups, and later for the whole class during the academic year. The course will produce qualified teachers who are competent across the primary age range.