Teach First Teacher Training Programme

Empowering Future Educators at INOVA Multi-Academy Trust

At INOVA Multi-Academy Trust, we believe in the transformative power of education. As one of Sheffield's longest-established Multi-Academy Trusts (formerly Tapton School Academy Trust), we are committed to nurturing the next generation of educators who will inspire and lead our diverse communities.

In partnership with Teach First, a national charity dedicated to developing teachers and leaders who are determined to make a difference, we offer a comprehensive one-year teacher training programme.

The programme combines self-directed learning, live training sessions, and one-to-one support, culminating in the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Why Choose INOVA Multi-Academy Trust for Your Teacher Training?

  • Established Excellence: With a proud history of providing high-quality initial teacher training, we offer education from early years through to sixth form, serving a diverse range of communities.
  • Comprehensive Training: Our structured one-year programme includes face-to-face and online expert training modules, ensuring a well-rounded development experience.
  • Hands-On Experience: Trainees will gain practical experience by teaching in two of our schools, including placements in both primary and secondary settings, to ensure broad teaching experience. We are currently the only Teach First partner offering training in a primary setting.
  • Supportive Community: At INOVA Multi-Academy Trust, you're not just a trainee; you're a valued member of our team, included in cross-trust training and collaborative projects.

Apply Now

Join us at INOVA Multi-Academy Trust and take the first step towards a rewarding career in education, where you can make a lasting impact on the lives of young learners.


Primary Phase

Subject Places Available Course Information (and application portal)
Early Years 5 Wisewood
Hillsborough - CLOSED
Southey - CLOSED
Meynell
Hallam

Secondary Phase 

Subject Places Available Course Information (and application portal)
Science 3 Biology - CLOSED
Chemistry
Physics - CLOSED
Maths 2 Mathematics
Mathematics - CLOSED
English 2 English
English
Business Studies 2 Business Studies
Business Studies - CLOSED
Modern Foreign Languages 3 Spanish
Spanish
French - CLOSED
Religious Education 2 Religious Education
Religious Education
History 2 History - CLOSED
History - CLOSED

The course fees for UK students in 2022 to 2023 are £9,250.

The tuition fees for UK/EU students are typically: Full-Time, £9,250 per year.

Bursaries and scholarships are available to trainees. For more information visit the DfE webpage on: 

  • An undergraduate degree, or equivalent.
  • You will need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience. 
  • Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths, or equivalent qualification.
  • To teach Primary, you will also need Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE.
  • We will not consider candidates with pending GCSE's. Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to Maths and English GCSE's.
  • We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to have passed your GCSE equivalency test before applying to our programme; we will not be able to process your application until you have passed.
  • Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by ENIC to ensure they meet programme requirements.

Personal Qualities

This is a challenging course. To succeed, for both yourself and your pupils, you need determination and a commitment to education. A passion for your subject or phase is essential; a wide range of skills, knowledge, experiences - and an aptitude for teaching others, of course - all help. 

Flexibility and independent problem-solving skills are crucial qualities. 

Your capacity to form positive relationships with your pupils and colleagues is paramount in teaching, providing you with the emotional and practical support network you need under pressure.

Is the programme right for me?

Our programme is for future teachers looking for full-time, 'hands-on' training in at least two local INOVA schools. You'll be in school from September and benefit from the support of a trained mentor throughout your training.

Our research led course will give you plenty of practical experience. Our curriculum focusses on supporting you to put learning into practice and places you in school from early September until the end of June, with four classroom based days per week. The programme balances excellent subject specific expertise with a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and includes an emphasis on teacher well-being. 

Our programme also includes a six-week placement in a second educational setting later in the year to ensure that you qualify with a broad teaching experience. 

You will undertake six modules across the year - one per half-term. In each module you will have self-directed study sessions, live seminars and time to collaborate with other trainees within our programme. The modules cover all areas of the Core Content Framework providing an integrated understanding of common teaching practice and subject/phase methodology. Each module will provide you with an opportunity to practice and apply your learning in the classroom.

At the end of the programme you will achieve a PGCE (Post-graduate certificate in education (from Sheffield Hallam University - our partner University)) and Teach First will accredit your QTS (qualified teacher status). 

What are the training commitments?

Before you enter the classroom we will give you two weeks of intensive training with a focus on areas of core pedagogy such as behaviour management and working with pupils with additional needs. You will have a further two weeks of intensive training later in the year. 

Once you start your placement you will have weekly training sessions with us - designed by Teach First's expert curriculum designers - and sequenced to make sure you are focussed on the areas of teaching that are most relevant to that point in the academic year. These weekly sessions will be a mixture of online and in-person training, supported by online self-directed study content.

What mentoring will I receive?

As an unsalaried trainee you will ease into teaching by shadowing other teachers, before leading your own lessons with guidance from your more experienced colleagues.

You will work with a range of skilled and knowledgable colleagues (known as subject mentors and lead mentors) who will ensure that you are well supported across your training. Your mentors also receive support and training from us and Teach First to ensure that they are briefed on the latest research and can tailor their coaching to suit your needs.

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