Get into teaching

Begin by deciding which school phase (primary, secondary) and subject specialism you want to focus on. This will help guide your training and set you up for success. Whether you’re interested in teaching a specific subject or working with younger learners, we’ll help you find the right route.

Before applying, we recommend attending school experience days to get a feel for the classroom environment. These days provide valuable insights into school life and allow you to observe teaching in action, helping you decide if teaching is the right career for you. You can experience both primary and secondary settings through our programme.

Once you’re ready, you can apply for our teacher training programme. Our experienced team will guide you through the application process, helping you with any questions or paperwork. You’ll need to choose to do your studying at either Nottingham Trent University or Lincoln Bishop University.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited for an interview. This is a great opportunity to talk with us about your passion for teaching, discuss your experience, and show how you can contribute to our school communities.

After being accepted into our programme, you’ll begin your teacher training year. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a school setting while working towards your PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). During this year, you’ll be supported by experienced mentors who will guide your development every step of the way.

As part of our ITE (initial teacher education) programme, you’ll earn a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have the opportunity to gain master’s credits in areas such as primary, special education, or secondary teaching.

We don’t stop at training. Our focus is on long-term success, so we provide relevant continued professional development (CPD) to help you thrive in your Early Career Teaching (ECT) year and beyond. With our support, you’ll have the confidence and tools to excel as a teacher.

If you’re training to teach certain subjects in secondary education, you may be eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship. The amount varies depending on the subject and your degree classification. High-demand subjects like mathematics, physics, and languages tend to offer higher bursaries.

Scholarships are also available in specific subjects, which offer an additional financial reward along with access to mentoring and professional development throughout your career.

You can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of your PGCE tuition. The loan is repayable once you start earning over a certain threshold, and you’ll only begin repaying once your income reaches the repayment level.

In addition, you may be eligible for a maintenance loan to help with living costs during your training year. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you live while training.

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for additional support. This could include grants to help with the cost of specialist equipment, travel, or other needs.

Once you’ve successfully completed your PGCE and gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), there are also opportunities for additional financial incentives in the first years of your teaching career. Some schools and regions offer extra payments to attract and retain talented teachers, especially in high-demand subjects or areas with teacher shortages.

You can apply for most of the financial support options, such as bursaries and loans, through the Student Loans Centre (SLC) or via your university when you apply for your PGCE. For more specific advice and eligibility, it’s always a good idea to check with the funding body or speak to our team for guidance, or check here on the GOV.UK site.

If you need help navigating the financial support options available, we’re here to assist you. Reach out to us at getintoteaching@diverse-ac.org.uk for personalised advice and support throughout your teacher training journey.