Simon Balle All-through School collaborates with the Alban Teaching School Hub as an initial teacher training provider as we firmly believe it is part of our moral purpose to train the next generation of outstanding teachers so that every child has the opportunity to be taught by inspirational, skilled teachers throughout their time in school.. We have partnership agreements with training providers, both in the primary and secondary phase.

The full-time programmes last for one academic year from September to July and, in addition, Alban TSH also offer flexible part time training programmes. 

 

Part time (4 days a week) * Part time (3 days a week) *
One school year + one term

3 days a week in school

1 day a week in off the job training

 One school year + 2 terms

2 days a week in school

1 day a week in off the job training

* please note that fees are higher for part time training

 

All trainees join the induction week at the start of July and an additional three induction days at the end of August to ensure that they make a flying start in September at their placement schools.  As a trainee teacher, you will be based at one of our partner schools (of which you can request Simon Balle) where you will learn to teach alongside expert classroom practitioners.

During the course you will spend one day a week at Core Training. Training will be a blended model of online and face-to-face sessions, based at one of our training locations.  The remainder of your week is spent in your school placements where you gradually increase your time teaching.  You will complete a short contrasting placement in Term 2. 

 

The training sessions are facilitated by expert practitioners who will model outstanding planning, teaching and assessment to support your development as a teacher. You will have lots of opportunities to interact and learn from peers from across subjects and phases.

On the fee-paying route the course fees for 2024-2025 are £9,250 for both UK and International students. Fees vary for part time courses. UK and EU students are eligible for a student loan to cover 100% of the fees. There are generous bursaries available for a number of subjects.

Advantages

As a fee-paying trainee you will:

  • Work alongside expert and experienced practitioners
  • Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
  • Receive qualified teacher status and PGCE at the end of the course
  • Could get your fees covered by a student loan
  • Could be eligible for a bursary or scholarship in some secondary subjects

A salaried trainee is employed by the school and receives a salary while they train. These places are usually offered to candidates who are already working in schools and are starting the programme with some classroom experience.

Advantages

As a salaried trainee you will:

  • Receive a salary as an unqualified teacher while you train. You will  be paid and taxed as an unqualified teacher
  • Work alongside experienced and expert practitioners
  • Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
  • Receive qualified teacher status (QTS) and a PGCE at the end of the course

Qualifications needed for the salaried and tuition fee paying routes

  • An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above, or equivalent
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths or equivalent qualification
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in Science for Primary applicants
  • We will consider candidates with pending GCSEs
  • We will consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test in English or maths
  • If you are required to complete an equivalent GCSE, you will be responsible for meeting the cost. We recommend: A star equivalency (preferred) or Equivalencytesting.com
  • You need to have completed these equivalency examinations and have the results prior to the start of the course (1st September 2024). The minimum grade is equivalent to a grade 4
  • Usually we would expect your degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which you are applying.  However,  please talk to us if you wish to train in a subject where you have industry experience or other qualifications related to your proposed subject training

We recommend registering with the Department for Education’s advisors who can help you with all stages of the application process – register here. This service offers personal advice from an experienced teacher including:

  • Bespoke guidance about teaching for your context
  • Entry to our exclusive nationwide teaching events, where you can meet local training providers and get bespoke advice
  • Support in finding a suitable school experience to visit
  • Email updates full of important information and tips to help your teacher training application
  • Guidance for applying

 

The Department for Education website has a really helpful step by step guide on how to apply.

Useful links for applications

  • To apply for teacher training courses in England use the DfE’s Apply for teacher training service
  • The Apply for teacher training service gives clear guidance to support your application
  • Visit Get into Teaching for more information. If you need any guidance on this process please email us at ittadmin@albantsh.co.uk and request a call back
  • To view and apply for ITT at Alban TSH courses you need to use the DfE Apply service and search for: NIoT@Alban TSH