Trainee Teacher

Train to become a teacher at The Blue Kite Academy Trust, through our Initial Teacher Training programme in partnership with Ambition Institute.

You will benefit from a tailored programme of training and support from outstanding, experienced professionals. Our package will provide you with theory, subject knowledge and invaluable classroom practice. Our vision is to produce outstanding teachers who are passionate in shaping the minds of young children, helping them to thrive in all aspects of education. At The Blue Kite, you will join our network of schools to develop your knowledge and pedagogy, to become a well-rounded primary school teacher.

Our ITT programme awards places on the School Direct PGCE and QTS route into primary teaching, and has been designed to support trainees from varying starting points; whether you are new into education or if you have worked in the industry for many years. Throughout your training, you will embark on a pathway suitable to your individual professional needs, gaining invaluable experience in the classroom in a variety of forms; including observing outstanding teachers, team teaching and working with small groups of children, to then gradually taking responsibility for the learning of the whole class.

In joining our programme, you will commence on a twelve-month placement, training in at least two of our schools, across two different key stages. You will experience school life from the first day of the academic year in September, getting to know your colleagues, school systems and pupils from day one.

What will I learn?

Our hands-on programme is backed by the latest evidence-based teaching research. You'll learn theory of what makes a good teacher and put this learning into practice with your peers and mentor. At every step, you will be supported by experts from your programme.

Each week, you'll cover a module from one of these five programme strands:

•  Behaviour: How you can create calm, safe and purposeful places of learning where all children and young people can achieve
•  Instruction: How you can support all children and young people to learn in the classroom - from thinking about how you present information, to helping them learn independently in lessons
•  Curriculum: How you can design lessons and curricula that help children and young people learn new and more complex ideas over time
•  Assessment: How you can better understand the impact your teaching is having and how to respond when your pupils struggle
•  Professionalism: Looking at what it is to be a teacher and how to prepare for your professional career

Course Details

•  A full-time course
•  Start/end date: September 2024 – July 2025
•  Funding type: fee funded - £9,250
•  Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - Accredited by Ambition Institute 
•  PGCE with 60 masters credits -  Awarded by Liverpool Hope University
•  School-centred training
•  Personalised provision
•  Subject delivery by experienced professionals
•  School-based mentors
•  At least two school placements
•  Experience in at least two key stages

Entry Requirements

We are looking for trainees who display strong professional values, who have a real passion for teaching. You must be ambitious, highly motivated, reflective, with the ability to effectively work as a member of a team. You will need high quality organisational and communication skills.

•  GCSEs - All candidates must have at least a C/4 grade (or equivalent) for GCSE Maths, English and Science.
•  Undergraduate Degree - An undergraduate degree, preferably a 2:2 award or above.
•  School Experience - It would be beneficial, although not essential, for applicants to have gained a minimum of 5 days experience in a primary school, by the time the training programme starts.

Fees and Financial Support - see attached information pack for details.

If you would like to apply or enquire about our 'train to teach' programme, please log in or register to view the apply now section.

The Selection Process and Interview

The Blue Kite Academy Trust and Ambition Institute shortlists candidates from applications received and invites those candidates to an assessment centre for an interview, in order to gain a place on our QTS/PGCE route.

The interview process consists of:

•  A 10-15 minute teaching activity with a small group of pupils
•  An in-tray task - a task designed to assess your organisation and planning skills, specifically your ability to prioritise
•  A formal, structured interview

If you are successful at interview, a conditional offer of a place will be made. The conditions will include providing proof that you have met the eligibility conditions for Initial Teacher Training, including qualifications, reference checks, a full working history, an enhanced criminal record check (DBS), barred list check, teacher regulation check and an occupational health assessment.

If you have lived abroad for more than 3 months within the last 10 years, we will require a Certificate of Good Conduct or Police Check from the country you have lived in.