School Direct is a school-led teacher training course that gives the you the chance to learn ‘on the job’ in a school. You will work as part of the teaching team from day one, learning from experienced colleagues and immediately putting your new skills into practice.

The School Direct teacher training course runs for an academic year and leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) and 60 masters-level credits.

Shireland recruits the very best trainees for our schools and, working in partnership with both the University of Warwick and Newman University, provides you with training of the highest quality to equip you to become outstanding teachers.

The programme will prepare you fully for the practical demands of teaching, learning from experienced outstanding teachers and immediately putting your new skills into practice.

  1. You have graduated, or are about to graduate, from a British university or College of Higher Education with an honours degree of a 2:2 or above. This includes overseas students with a qualification recognised as equivalent to a British honours degree in the above mentioned classifications.
  2. A significant proportion of your degree must be in your chosen subject.
  3. On application you hold at least Grade C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (and Science when applying for Primary Training). Other qualifications may be considered for equivalency.
  4. Candidates should have some experience of mainstream UK schools/early years settings to become familiar with the atmosphere and demands of the age phase they are applying for. All applicants are required to have passed the Professional Skills Tests prior to commencement of training.
  5. In relation to any course, should you have left university within the last 5 years, one of your referees MUST be from your university.

Salaried:

You will earn a salary of between £16,000 to £21,000 whilst you train depending on the subject. You will be employed as an unqualified teacher by the school on a one year contract, tuition fees will be paid for by the Alliance. You will need to fund the PGCE fee, which is currently £2000.

Training:

University tuition fees are currently £9,250 and you will be able to access the standard financial package of student support available to all students in England.

Depending on your subject you may be eligible for a tax-free bursary of up to £30,000 whilst you train.

Teach Primary

Teaching younger children gives you the opportunity to make a hugely positive impact on their lives and education.

At primary level you’ll get to teach a diverse curriculum that touches upon a wide range of subjects, your training will equip you with the skills you need to respond to your pupils’ individual needs.

Younger children can be loud and need lots of attention, but they are also hilarious!  You’ll need lots of energy and a good sense of humour to teach Primary.

Once qualified you’ll be ensured job security, and benefit from a competitive starting salary.  Additionally, teaching offers access to a wealth of other benefits – from a generous pension to enjoying the flexibility of school holidays.

Teach Secondary

As a Secondary teacher, you have an opportunity to share your knowledge and passion for one particular subject, with pupils aged 11 to 18.  Rather than teaching the same class of children all year, you will be teaching a variety of ages and abilities.  No two days are ever the same!

Whatever subject you are teaching, you need to be committed to keeping up to date with the relevant research and information.

Teaching teenagers can offer its own set of challenges but during your training with us we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you will need in order to manage your classroom.

Once qualified you’ll be ensured job security, and benefit from a competitive starting salary.  Additionally, teaching offers access to a wealth of other benefits – from a generous pension to enjoying the flexibility of school holidays.

Our Partner Schools

  • Barford Primary School – Birmingham
  • Belle Vue Primary School – Dudley
  • Brindley Heath Junior School – Staffordshire
  • Cherry Orchard Primary School – Birmingham
  • Cradley CofE Primary School – Dudley
  • George Betts Primary Academy – Sandwell
  • Halesowen CofE Primary School – Dudley
  • Hurst Green Primary School – Dudley
  • Meadows Sports College – Sandwell
  • Pitmaston Primary School – Worcestershire
  • Shireland Hall Primary Academy – Sandwell
  • St Margaret’s at Hasbury CofE Primary School – Dudley
  • Uplands Manor Primary School – Sandwell
  • Holyhead Primary – Wednesbury
  • Tameside Primary – Wednesbury
  • Shireland Collegiate Academy – Sandwell
  • Rockwood Academy – Birmingham
  • Thorns Collegiate Academy – Dudley