Train to Teach with School Direct

Richmond Secondary Teaching Schools Alliance: School Direct Programme

Richmond Teaching Schools Alliance (RTSA) is a group of local secondary schools led by Waldegrave School, supported by Orleans Park School.  The Alliance offers an outstanding place to work and learn and provides a supportive and tailored learning opportunity in partnership with our partner universities. The Alliance is pleased to be offering School Direct training again in 2021/22.

The new recruitment cycle begins on 6 October 2020 and courses will be visible on UCAS Find from this date.  Applicants will be able to submit an application from 13 October 2020.

All of the RTSA schools have experience of teacher training and are already supporting School Direct trainees. To train teachers bring many advantages to a school and we fully embrace the energy, drive and enthusiasm they bring.  School Direct (unsalaried) vacancies for 2021/22 are available at Waldegrave School, Orleans Park School, Christ’s School, Hampton High, Twickenham School, Richmond Park Academy, Turing House, The Richmond upon Thames School and St Richard Reynolds Catholic College.

We will be recruiting for the following School Direct (unsalaried) courses:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Drama
• English
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physics
• Religious Education

Successful completion of this course leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) and a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) with Masters credits.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Remember, if your degree isn’t in the subject you wish to teach, you may be eligible for a funded course to increase your subject knowledge before starting your training.

Please check our school website and twitter feed for information on recruitment events and observation days or contact rtsa@waldegrave.org.uk.  

Secondary Schools

Please see the list below of the secondary schools in this partnership offering School Direct places for 2021 entry. For further information on all of our Alliance schools see their websites below:

• Waldegrave School
• Orleans Park School
• Christs’ School
• Richmond Park Academy
• Teddington School
• St Richard Reynolds Roman Catholic College
• Hampton High School
• Twickenham School
• Turing House School

General information about the School Direct Programme (training and salaried routes) from the Department for Education can be found here.

Partner Universities:

Roehampton University is our partner HEI for the following subjects (training routes): Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Drama, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Physics. Click here to view the School Direct page on their website

St Mary's University is our partner HEI for  Religious Education - Click here to view their website

Qualifications:

The teaching profession looks for the highest quality candidates, so you will need to meet the following requirements before you can be accepted for teacher training.

• Hold and be able to provide certificated evidence of having an undergraduate degree conferred by a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Most successful applicants will have 2:1 degree classification or better, a candidate with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered, if he or she is able to provide additional evidence of potential, such as the award of a higher degree or substantial relevant professional experience.

• Have achieved at least a grade C or above in both Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or approved equivalents). If you do not currently hold a GCSE grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language, please note that we accept the equivalency tests in both Mathematics and English offered by Equivalency Testing.

• For PE and Science subjects you will also need at least a C grade in GCSE Science.

• Teaching is physically and mentally demanding, and there are fitness requirements set by the Department for Education for applicants to initial teacher training programmes. Please see the Roehampton and St Marys University websites for further details.

Further requirements

If you studied outside of the UK, you should visit the National Academic Recognition Centre (NARIC) to find out whether your qualifications are of an equivalent level to UK GCSEs, A levels and an undergraduate degree.

References

You will need to provide two references to accompany your UCAS application. Your application cannot be processed without them. We recommend that you start your references early as often this element of the application process is the slowest.

School Observations

We recommend that applicants spend some time observing lessons in a UK secondary school.  All observational experience should provide an opportunity to gain insight into teaching, learning and reflection upon the professional responsibilities of teachers.