How you'll learn

You will be in the classroom, on a reduced timetable, from day one. You will be supported every step of the way with research-led training, mentorship, subject-knowledge development, and wellbeing support - so you have everything you need to excel in your teaching career.

Weekly training sessions are where you will learn the theory of teaching, and the classroom is where you will put it into practice. You will receive regular feedback through lesson observations and meetings with your mentor, giving you plenty of opportunities to develop and refine your teaching skills as you go.

What you'll learn

You’ll learn about what makes a good teacher and how to put this into practice. 

Our initial teacher training curriculum focuses on five core areas: 

  • Behaviour management
  • Pedagogy
  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Professional behaviours 

How you'll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by classroom observations, development of subject knowledge, and engagement with feedback. You will build an evidence base of how you meet each Teacher's Standard through weekly observations, lesson planning, reflections and progress assessments.

Where you'll teach

You’ll spend most of your time at your main school. In the spring term, you’ll complete a three-week placement at a second school to widen your experience, knowledge, and network.

When you apply, you get to choose the region you would like to train in, as well as your top preferred school. We then do our best to match your preferences.

All trainees are in the classroom from day one, full-time. If you’re a salaried trainee, you’ll start on a timetable of 70% of a fully qualified teacher, gradually increasing to 80%. Trainees on our self-funded route have a more gradual introduction by starting on a 30% timetable, which rises to 70-80% by term 3.

What you can expect from our teacher training programme

Summer institute

Summer institute

Our 10-day summer institute has a mix of in-person and online training to help prepare you for your official September start. 

You’ll meet key members of the United Teaching team, as well as fellow trainees, and learn more about what you can expect from your training. You’ll also have plenty of chances to ask questions and get to meet some United Teaching graduates and hear their top tips.

After getting to grips with teaching basics like behaviour management, classroom presence, and teaching methods, you’ll finish the induction feeling confident and ready for your training year.

Weekly training

Weekly training

Training sessions are on Friday afternoons, led by the United Teaching team and subject leads.

These dive into the theory of teaching and cover aspects such as Rosenshine’s principles, professional behaviour, and curriculum. The benefit of a school-based programme is that you can quickly put your learning into practice in the classroom, adapting and refining as you go.

After each session, you will add to your training log to keep a record of what you’ve learned, how you plan on implementing it, and ultimately show how you have met each Teacher's Standard.

Most sessions are delivered remotely, but at least one each half term takes place in person at one of our regional training centres.

Mentoring

Mentoring

You will have three mentors, each offering tailored support.

Lead mentor

A member of United Teaching staff who visits you in your school to check in on your training and how it's going, and to oversee your lesson observations. 

Subject mentor

A subject expert in your school who supports your subject knowledge development, gives you insight into best practice, and answers any subject-specific questions you might have. 

Professional mentor

A school-based mentor who supports your overall professional development. You will have regular meetings to keep track of your progress, overcome any obstacles, and learn how you can continue to improve to become the best teacher you can be.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Our initial teacher training curriculum focuses on five core areas: 

  • Behaviour management
  • Pedagogy
  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Professional behaviours 
Second school placement

Second school placement

Alongside the main training in your host school, you will also complete a secondary three-week school placement in the spring term to give you experience teaching in different settings.

PGCE

PGCE

If you choose to study a PGCE, you’ll complete this alongside your school-based training. You will be assessed via two written assignments which are designed to work in conjunction with our curriculum. 

Wellbeing and support

Wellbeing and support

You will be supported from the very start with dedicated mentor support, high-quality resources, and excellent CPD opportunities.

Find out more about how we support you in your training year.

Ready to apply?

Apply now