The School Direct (PGCE/QTS) Programme is a school-based route into teaching for trainees, in England and Wales. In order to become a qualified teacher, trainees need to be recommended to the Department for Education (DfE) for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by a recognised provider of ITT. As a primary provider, our programme covers the 5-11 age phase, covering Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.

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What do I gain from the School Direct route?

• Award of QTS

• PGCE with Masters credits

• Vast amount of experience in schools - you will 'train on the job'

• Gradual increase of teaching hours across the year

• Weekly training sessions

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School Direct training is hard, but rewarding work. Trainees have to develop skills very quickly, meeting the Teachers' Standards and provide evidence that they have acquired them. However, this route can be a very effective way to train as a teacher - through immersion in the culture of a supportive school. Towards the end of the training period, trainees receive a report that outlines their main strengths and areas for development, and forms the basis of further training and support during their first year of teaching.

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To view the Teachers' Standards, please click here.

 

Once a trainee has been awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), they may take up a teaching post. During the first two years of teaching (or an equivalent, if part-time), all teachers undergo an induction period and are referred to as Early Career Teachers (ECTs). Teachers must successfully complete the induction period in order to continue as a qualified teacher. Training during the induction period is delivered through the Early Career Framework Programme, led by a delivery partner or by the school that employs the ECT. An Early Career Teacher is assessed against the Teachers' Standards.

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