School Direct Teacher Training

What is School Direct?

School Direct is a highly successful school based route into teaching. As a School Direct trainee training with Kilburn Grange School and our ITT provider, Teaching London: LDBS SCITT, you will learn alongside inspiring, passionate teachers with outstanding pedagogical skills. We will train you to become successful, confident, effective teachers, well equipped to teach in a dynamic and vibrant school. During your training will be employed as an unqualified teacher, either at this school or in one of our partnership schools. You will undertake ‘on the job’ teacher training in school for the majority of your time, alongside centre-based input from teaching London, enabling you to gain the necessary qualifications and practical skills required to become a teacher.

Successful School Direct trainees will gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with the option to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), worth 60 Masters level credits. Find more info by clicking here.

Entry Requirements

We are seeking high quality graduates who can demonstrate a commitment to teaching as a career. You will need the following qualifications for entry to the programme:

  • A Batchelor degree awarded by a UK university, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
  • GCSE English, Maths and Science at Level 4 (formerly grade C) or above, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
  • You must pass the Professional Skills Tests in Literacy and Numeracy before the onset of the training

 Classroom experience

Applicants should have first-hand experience of the classroom. We recommend a minimum of two weeks relevant and recent experience in a primary school prior to interview.

Fitness to Teach

You will be required to complete a health questionnaire and satisfy ‘Fitness to Teach’ requirements.

Disclosure and Barring Service

You will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) barred list and criminal records check.

Eligibility to work and study in the UK

If you are not a British national you must ensure that you have proof of eligibility to work and study in the UK.

What we are looking for

We are looking to recruit high calibre candidates who:

  • Are passionate about making a difference to the lives and development of their pupils
  • Are reflective and strive to improve their own practice
  • Are creative and imaginative
  • Have good organisational skills and excellent time management
  • Are friendly and approachable
  • Are patient and adaptable
  • Have a positive outlook

We want candidates able to demonstrate the following qualities:

Creativity and commitment –talented individuals, with a passion for teaching and learning along with a desire to constantly improve their own practice

Good communication skills – these are at the heart of effective teaching

Stamina and determination – we require a commitment to high standards and excellence, combined with the resilience required to meet the demands of the course

Positive role models, representative of the local population – we are particularly keen to hear from classroom assistants, career changers and those returning to work after a career break


How to Apply

Candidates should apply via UCAS. If successful, you will be invited to interview here or in one of our partnership schools. Candidates will be advised of the interview format in advance, which is likely to include a teaching session, short academic tasks and a formal interview. Applicants who are successful at interview will be offered a conditional place.

What you study

In addition to your school based training, you will also benefit from approximately 20 centre- based training days including:

  • Reading, writing and phonics
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Behaviour for Learning
  • Effective Planning
  • Theories of Learning
  • Child Protection & Safeguarding
  • Working with children with special needs
  • Working with children with English as an additional language
  • Voice work

PGCE

We encourage all our trainees to study for their PGCE during the training year and meet the cost of this on your behalf. The PGCE demonstrates that you have critically engaged with the research and knowledge base which underpins professional practice.

Assessment

A link tutor from Teaching London will support your development and visit you regularly in school to observe your teaching. You will also be assigned a school-based Mentor who will meet with you each week to monitor and discuss your progress.  

Afterwards

Once you have qualified, you will be eligible to apply for a job in the school where you train or in another Primary school.


If you would like further information on our training programmes, please call Teaching London: LDBS SCITT on 0207 932 1126, or visit the website: www.teachinglondon.org

Teaching London: LDBS SCITT run a series of Open Information events and Teaching Taster Days throughout the year. These are to offer further information about the programme, the application process and interview expectations. Complete the online form to register for one of these events.

Full details can be found at http://www.teachinglondon.org/train-to-teach/


Would you rather teach at Secondary level?

Teaching London also offer secondary training opportunities: find out more here.