Why train with us

Our research-led training, praised by Ofsted, sees you in the classroom from day one. Weekly training sessions are where you will learn the theory of teaching, and the classroom is where you will put it into practice.

With over 110 schools across the country, you can train to teach in a location that suits you. We directly place trainees in both United Learning primary and secondary schools and a large network of partner schools, including academies and independent schools, so you never need to search for your own placement.

We also welcome applications from school staff outside of our network who have their own placement schools and need an external provider for their training year. Please contact us for information.

As an Ofsted Outstanding provider, we have trained thousands of teachers who are now making a difference in schools across the country. From your first day, your wellbeing and professional growth will be at the heart of your training.

You will benefit from:

  • High-quality, practical training
  • Strong subject and pastoral mentoring
  • A research-led curriculum
  • Local school placements
  • Clear pathways for career progression
  • A strong focus on wellbeing

Our course is for those who want to make a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities and develop into confident teachers, role models, and future leaders.

Key details

Duration
One year

Location
110+ schools across England, including United Learning schools and our trusted partners

Qualification awarded

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which qualifies you to teach in schools in England
  • PGCE (optional)

Fees & funding (UK Students)

  • Fee-funded: £7,250 (QTS) or £9,250 (QTS + PGCE), with up to £31,000 in bursaries and scholarships
  • Salaried: Earn while you train, with no course fees

How you'll learn

From your very first day, you are welcomed as part of the staff team. You will teach lessons, support classes, and get involved in school life, from duties to extracurricular activities. Weekly mentoring helps you build confidence step by step.

Over the year, you will also complete focused Intensive Training and Practice activities (ITAP), designed to sharpen specific classroom skills. Your three-week placement in another school will broaden your perspective and prepare you to teach in a variety of contexts.

You will have three layers of support:

  • A professional mentor who oversees your progress.
  • A subject mentor who meets you weekly and observes your lessons.
  • A lead mentor from United Teaching who checks in regularly and ensures your training stays on track.

If you are on the PGCE route, you will also have a university tutor to support you.

Entry requirements

  • GCSEs: Grade C+ in English language, maths, and science (science is required for Primary trainees only).
  • A Levels: A grade combination of at least BCC, with a minimum Grade B in the subject you want to teach.
  • Degree: A degree in the subject, or relevant to the subject, that you wish to teach, with a Grade 2:2 or above.

What you will study

Your training covers five key areas:

  • Behaviour
  • Pedagogy
  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Professional practice

If you are doing the PGCE, you will also complete two written assignments that link directly to your classroom work.

Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to develop your teaching style, strengthen your classroom presence, and focus on how best to support your pupils’ progress.

You will get feedback every week and set clear targets to keep you moving forward. There are also fixed review points across the year.

Your final assessment, in May to July, includes a joint lesson observation, a progress discussion, and a review of your portfolio of evidence.

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