Teacher Training
Initial Teacher Training - School Direct
School Direct is an initial teacher training programme based in schools as opposed to university. Although trainees are released one day a week most of the training is in school. The idea of School Direct is to give trainee teachers a more ‘hands-on’ teaching experience than traditional university based routes into teaching. There are two School Direct programmes offered; these are fee paying and salaried. Both routes award QTS at the end of the programme.
If you do not see Sir John Lawes School listed under the Alban Federation for your subject please apply using Sandringham School and email Sir John Lawes to make us aware of your application. Please email: admin@sjl.herts.sch.uk marked for the attention of Maria Santos Richmond.
Why Train With Us?
At Sir John Lawes we have a long history of working with trainee teachers. Within the Scholars’ Education Trust our schools are fantastic places to train, work and learn. They provide a unique school-based learning opportunity in partnership with the Alban Federation. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful; to ensure the delivery of high quality initial teacher training that meets the needs of the local area.
Also, all partnership schools endeavour to create an environment in which staff, pupils and trainee teachers alike feel valued and supported. We have all worked with trainee teachers for many years and we fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our respective school communities.
Importantly, the partnership sees its staff as its most valuable resource and its schools have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.
School Direct - Fee Paying
On the School Direct (fee-paying) route you will need to pay tuition fees, which have been frozen by the Alban Federation at £6900, but vary from provider to provider. UK and EU students are eligible for a student loan to cover 100% of the fees. However, although you will have to pay fees, there are generous bursaries available for a number of subjects. All trainees with the Alban Federation will receive expert tuition on learning and teaching and will gain invaluable experience from colleagues at school.
Course Requirements
- GCSE English (or equivalent) at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
- GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
- An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK University or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by NARIC.
- Usually we would expect the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.
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 (QTS) at the end of the course
- Could get your fees covered by a student loan
Could be eligible for a bursary (limited to certain subjects)
School Direct - Salaried
The School Direct (salaried) means you will be employed by the school and receive a salary while you train. These places are usually offered to candidates who are already working in schools and are starting the course with some classroom experience. This route is only available for the subjects that the DfE designate as high or other priority. Currently the Alban Federation offers:
Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, MFL, Music, Physics and RE
Course Requirements
- GCSE English (or equivalent) at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
- GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
- An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK University or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by NARIC.
- Usually we would expect the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.
Advantages
As a salaried trainee you will:
- Receive a salary as an unqualified teacher while you train (You’ll 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) at the end of the course
