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School Direct

At Upton Hall we are keen to hear from talented graduates who are thinking of a career in teaching. If you're looking for school-led training, School Direct is the option for you. You're not thrown in at the deep end, and you'll be part of an outstanding team from day one.

You can train in one of the best schools in the country partnered with Liverpool Hope University, recently recognised as one of the top universities in the UK for teaching excellence and the student experience. The training programme lasts for one year and for some subjects, financial support is available throughout your training. Successful completion of the programme will lead to the award of qualified teacher status (QTS), and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with masters-level credits on completion.

To find out more about what’s on offer at Upton Hall contact the Deputy Head, Mr Paul McAleese through email at schooldirect@uptonhall.org.

To learn more about the school-led routes into teaching, visit the UCAS Teacher Training website

Details of the subjects in which we will be recruiting for September 2020 will be posted once they are available.

Open Morning for potential School Direct candidates

We are intending to host on an Open Morning next term for anyone who would like to find out more about the School Direct programme. The morning will include a tour of the school and a presentation explaining the outstanding teacher training programme that we offer. You will also have the opportunity to meet with key members of staff and our current trainees. Details of the date will be published once it has been arranged.

Eligibility

School Direct offers a unique training route to achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) and aims to attract the highest quality candidates.

In order to apply for a place on School Direct, you must have:

  • A UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification.
  • A standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
  • A standard equivalent to a grade C in the GCSE examination in a science subject if you intend to train to teach pupils aged 3–11. A GCSE grade C or above in a science if you are applying to teach at primary level or key stage 2/3 (ages 7–14).

The School Direct Training Programme focuses on developing teaching skills. You should have a strong understanding of the subject you wish to teach before you start training. If your degree subject does not link closely to your chosen teaching subject, it is recommended that you undertake a subject knowledge enhancement course before you begin training.

In addition, all candidates applying for initial teacher training (ITT) courses are required to have passed the literacy and numeracy professional skills tests before starting teacher training.