Teacher Training

We offer the School Direct teacher training programme, both salaried and tuition fee, in partnership with the Alban Federation.

School Direct (Tuition Fee)

What is School Direct?

School Direct is an initial teacher training programme based in schools as opposed to university. Although trainees are released one day a week most of the training is delivered in school. As a result, the School Direct training route gives trainee teachers a more ‘hands-on’ teaching experience than traditional university-based routes into teaching. There are two School Direct programmes offered; these are fee paying and salaried. Both routes award Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon successful completion of the respective programme.

School Direct (Fee-Paying)

On the School Direct (fee-paying) route you will need to pay tuition fees, which have been frozen by the Alban Federation at £6900, but vary from provider to provider. UK and EU students are eligible for a student loan to cover 100% of the fees. However, although you will have to pay fees, there are generous bursaries available for a number of subjects.  All trainees with the Alban Federation will receive expert tuition on learning and teaching and will gain invaluable experience from colleagues at school.

Course Requirements

• GCSE English (or equivalent) at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• PRIMARY only GCSE Science (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK university or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by NARIC.
• Usually we would expect the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.

Advantages

As a fee-paying trainee you will:

• Work alongside expert and experienced practitioners
• Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
• Receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the course
• Could get your fees covered by a student loan

Could be eligible for a bursary (limited to certain secondary subjects)

School Direct (Salaried)

The School Direct (salaried) means you will be employed by Samuel Ryder Academy and receive a salary while you train. These places are usually offered to candidates who are already working in schools and are starting the course with some classroom experience. This route is only available for the subjects that the DfE designate as high or other priority. Currently the Alban Federation offers:

Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, MFL and Physics.

Course Requirements

• GCSE English (or equivalent) at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• PRIMARY only GCSE Science (or equivalent) Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
• An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK university or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by NARIC.
• Usually we would expect the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.

Advantages

As a salaried trainee you will:

• Receive a salary as an unqualified teacher while you train (you will be paid and taxed as an unqualified teacher).
• Work alongside experienced and expert practitioners
• Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
• Receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the course

Why Train with Us?

Samuel Ryder Academy is fantastic places to train, work and learn. We provide a unique school-based learning opportunity in partnership with the Alban Federation. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful; to ensure the delivery of high-quality initial teacher training that meets the needs of our local area.

We have established an environment in which staff, students and trainee teachers alike feel valued and supported. We have all worked with trainee teachers for many years and fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our school community.

Importantly, we see our staff as our most valuable resource and have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.

For more information please visit https://albanfederation.com/ or email afgtpenquiries@sandringham.herts.sch.uk to request a call back.

Applications, via UCAS, open on the 4th October 2022 for a September 2023 start.