School Direct can be seen as more hands on, getting the chance to learn ‘on the job’. However, you shouldn’t worry about being thrown in at the deep end. You will be part of a team from the very start, receiving intensive support from experienced teachers and mentors. That means you will not be teaching classes unsupported until the school thinks you are ready. Another great thing about School Direct is that unlike the University led-routes you will know the group of schools that you will be placed at and in some cases exactly which school. This gives you the opportunity if you so wish to go into the school/department before your course starts to meet the team, observe some lessons and help you settle in quickly, removing any nerves you may have. However, it is not an expectation that you complete this if you have commitments.

The principles of academic rigour on School Direct are the same as on university-led courses, too. You will have assignments to complete for the university and have training days and some whole weeks at the university. You are also equally eligible for a training bursary or scholarship and can apply for the same financial support, such as student loans.  You are interviewed by the lead school Woodrush, but it may be that one of our partner schools wants to recruit you as a trainee with a job in mind straight after, but this may not always be possible.

The role of the lead school is to recruit and interview candidates but to then also co-ordinate and deliver your in-school training. The ITT lead Sam Bullivant is the person that you will see throughout the whole process. She will be involved from day one with your interview, throughout your training with tutorials and visits to see you teach, to then congratulating you on gaining QTS. The lead school also monitor and quality assess all aspects of the course and placements to ensure you are receiving a very high level of training consistently. 
 

Graduates pay a tuition fee to the University but may be eligible for a bursary of up to £27,000, subject to criteria such as degree classification and subject.  Attractive scholarships are also available for some shortage subjects in secondary of up to £29,000.

Teaching bursaries and scholarships are only available for the subjects listed below for 2023-2024. You cannot receive both a teaching bursary and a scholarship.

Please click the following link for more information on this : Funding your training

Please note we only offer unsalaried positions for School Direct.