Chance for would-be teachers to train on the job

The Prince Bishops Teaching School Alliance, led by Sunderland’s Benedict Biscop CE Academy and Whitburn CE Academy are looking for new talented people to join them.

The alliance has 13 schools and the School Direct training programme is open to both top graduates and career changers.

It offers talented individuals the chance to be part of a teaching team from day one, by combining teacher training with on-the-job learning.

Successful candidates will be eligible for tax-free bursaries, or a salary, as well as the chance to train alongside experienced teachers in some of the best primary and secondary schools in the country.

Colleen Miller, the alliance’s Teaching School manager, said: “We are looking for applications from people who have the potential to be brilliant teachers.

“Working in partnership with Durham SCITT, School Direct allows us to customise the training to meet the needs of both the school and the trainees, who gain practical experience from day one.

“It is a great way to learn and qualify to become a teacher and many successful candidates quickly progress into leadership positions.”

Andrew Mair, who trained at Whitburn CE Academy, said: “It really developed me into a confident and effective classroom practitioner.

“I enjoyed the opportunity of training in a school with excellent facilities, resources and where pupils’ success and quality experience was central to all that took place.”

For more information visit www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching.