A brand new way into teaching

School Direct is a fantastic new teacher training opportunity that combines on-the-job experience with high quality training

Good schools give their pupils an invaluable body of knowledge. School Direct provides the same priceless education for its teachers.

There are several ways to get into teaching. School Direct is a pioneering new school-led teacher training programme based in some of the country’s best schools, and offers you another exciting option when it comes to starting teacher training in 2013/14.

“School Direct is a great mix of academic and practical learning,” says Adam Bridgewater. He divides his time between training on the job at Emmanuel College in Gateshead, and studying at Newcastle University.

“School Direct is about employability,” says Tim Sims, headteacher at Emmanuel College. The average starting salary for teachers now stands at £23,010, and nine out of ten new teachers who want to teach are currently finding work within 12 months of qualifying. Sims says: “We anticipate offering employment after training here.” If you are changing career and are a graduate with three or more years’ experience of working life, then you can apply to the School Direct Training Programme (salaried).

All other graduates will be able to apply to the School Direct Training Programme, and could be eligible for a tax-free bursary of up to £20,000. Bursaries are dependent on the subject you want to teach and the degree class you hold. Together with other local schools and Durham University, St John Vianney Primary in Hartlepool has taken on five School Direct trainees this year. “Next year,we’re hoping to take 26,” says headteacher John Hardy. “That shows how successful we feel School Direct will be.”

School Direct trainee Ashley Bennett says: “I started in September and I’ve already worked in three different schools, including St John Vianney.

“The support I have received has been great. I’ve got a tutor at Durham University as well as dedicated support at the school.”

School Direct is a great new way to gain the skills you need to become a teacher and could be the perfect package for you. Whether you’re about to graduate, or have been

working in a career for at least three years, you will probably want to combine teacher training with actually doing the job.

Applications to School Direct can be made right now. What’s stopping you?

Search ‘get into teaching’ or call 0800 389 2500