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Training to Teach

Waldegrave Training Alliance (WTA) is a group of local secondary schools led by Waldegrave 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 Lead Partner route PGCE training (unsalaried) courses for September 2025 as lead partners in association with The University of Sussex, the University of Roehampton, and St Mary’s University College.

All of the schools in our alliance have experience of teacher training and are already supporting trainees. To train teachers bring many advantages to a school and we fully embrace the energy, drive and enthusiasm they bring.  Our Alliance schools include: Waldegrave School, Orleans Park School, Christ’s School, Hampton High, Twickenham School, Richmond Park Academy, Turing House, The Richmond upon Thames School, Three Rivers Academy and St Richard Reynolds Catholic College.

We offer the following courses:

In Association with the University of Roehampton (1 year full time or 2 years part-time courses)

  • Art & Design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • Design & Technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Foreign Languages – French/Spanish
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Physical Education

In Association with St Mary's University College

  • Computing
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
  • Physical Education
  • Religious Education

Waldegrave Training Alliance with the University of Sussex

  • Computing and Business Studies – full time

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

How do I view courses that are available and when do applications open?

To view courses available with Waldegrave Training Alliance please visit Find postgraduate teacher training and search for Waldegrave Training Alliance (1FP) or Waldegrave Training Alliance with the University of Sussex (3FP).

1 October 2024 at 9am – candidates can view courses and start their applications.

8 October 2024 at 9am – candidates can apply for courses.

What qualifications do I need?

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 they are 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 4 (C) or above in both Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or approved equivalents).
  • For PE and Science subjects you will also need at least a grade 4 (C) 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, Sussex and St Marys University websites for further details.

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.

Further requirements

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

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.

How do I apply?

To apply for lead partner route school based PGCE courses you will need to use the Apply for teacher training service.

How do I get advice and support?

You can register with Get Into Teaching, the Department for Education’s free support and advice service.

A specialist adviser will help you prepare your application and advise you on funding options (including loans and tax-free bursaries and scholarships). You can also book school experience and access teaching events.

Further information about bursaries and scholarships can be found here.

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