Train to Teach

SCHOOL BASED ROUTES

What are the school based routes?

School based routes are an initial teacher training programme based in schools as opposed to university. Trainees do spend one day a week with our higher education partner, the University of Hertfordshire and must therefore have access to travel there. The remaining four days a week take place in school. The idea is to give trainee teachers more ‘hands-on’ teaching experience than traditional university-based routes into teaching. There are two programmes offered by the East Herts partnership: these are the salaried and fee-paying routes.

For more information about the University of Hertfordshire school-based routes, click on the link below: 
School-based ITT | Study | Uni of Herts

School Based Training (Salaried)

The School Direct (salaried) means you will be employed by the school and receive a salary while you train.

Course Requirements

  • GCSE or IGCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure). (English literature is not an accepted alternative).
  • GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
  • Please note that we do not accept equivalency qualifications for GCSE English and Maths,
  • An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK university or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by ENIC.
  • 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
  • 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

School Based Training (Fee-Paying)

In the School Direct (fee-paying) route, you will need to pay tuition fees, which is £9,250 but vary from subject to subject. UK and EU students are eligible for a student loan to cover 100% of the fees. However, although you will have to pay fees, you will receive expert tuition on learning and teaching from the University of Hertfordshire and will gain invaluable experience from your colleagues at school. At the end of the programme, you will receive a post graduate certificate in education (PGCE) as well as QTS.

Course Requirements

  • GCSE or IGCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure). (English literature is not an accepted alternative).
  • GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure).
  • Please note that we do not accept equivalency qualifications for GCSE English and Maths,
  • 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
  • Gain QTS and a PGCE at the end of the course
  • Get a real feel for the profession by being immediately immersed in school life
  • Could get your fees covered by a student loan
  • Could be eligible for a bursary (limited to certain subjects)

Please click on the link below for information on bursaries:

Initial teacher training bursaries funding manual: 2024 to 2025 academic year - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Why Train With Us?

Our schools are fantastic places to train, work and learn. They provide a unique school-based learning opportunity in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, which is our higher education partner. Our partnership’s vision is simple but powerful we prepare our teachers and students to be respectful of others, to be confident in all that they do and to achieve their full potential.

Also, all partnership schools endeavour to create an environment in which staff, pupils and trainee teachers alike feel valued and supported. We have all worked with trainee teachers for many years and we fully recognise how much vibrancy, enthusiasm and drive they can offer our respective school communities.

Importantly, the partnership sees its staff as its most valuable resource and its schools have a proven track record in training and professional development. Our teachers are excellent practitioners with exemplary behaviour management skills and are eager to share their skills, knowledge and practice with the next generation of teachers.

Partnership Schools

The partnerships are all located in East Hertfordshire.  Namely, Goffs Academy, Goffs-Churchgate Academy, Haileybury Turnford,  Robert Barclay Academy, Burleigh Primary, Dewhurst St Mary's C of E Primary School, Goffs Oak Primary, Hunsdon Primary and St. Andrews Primary., 

Where to Find Our Schools

All schools in the partnership are strategically positioned a few miles from Junction 25 of the M25 and are all close to the A1. The nearest mainline railway stations are in Cheshunt and Broxbourne. Goffs Oak Primary is quite close to Cuffley station. The University of Hertfordshire is in Hatfield, which is well served by rail from London Kings Cross and is on the A1. Full directions to the university and schools can be found on their websites.

Special Features

All schools in the partnership offer a variety of special features. Each school has its unique ethos and student vibe. One of the benefits of the partnership is the ability to work in Hertfordshire, but have excellent access to London.

Student Facilities

All schools have a variety of extra-curricular activities that enrich student life. The pastoral care at each school is excellent and each school offers child protection training and advice on safeguarding.

Study Facilities

All schools have a variety of extra-curricular activities that enrich student life. The pastoral care at each school is excellent and each school offers child protection training and advice on safeguarding.

Accommodation

East Herts Schools Direct Partnership does not provide any accommodation for trainee teachers. However, the area the schools are situated in have plenty of opportunities for those seeking to rent accommodation. The schools also have good rail and road links with London.

Child Care Facilities

The University of Hertfordshire has child care facilities which can be used by School Direct trainees when they are studying on the university site as part of their programme. However, partnership schools cannot provide trainees with child care facilities and this will have to be organised by the trainee and at their own expense.

Disability Access

The University of Hertfordshire has full disabled access. It would, however, be useful if applicants who would benefit from disabled access could let the training schools know on their application, so that schools can ensure that they can access the school and can fully participate in the interview process.

Vacancies/Training Places for 2025/2026

Applications for the courses listed below are now open!

You will need to apply via the link below in addition to letting the partnership know you are submitting an application.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses-in-england

  • Early Years Foundation Stage and Reception Stage
  • Primary (Key Stages 1 and 2)
  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Business Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Physics

Contact

Goffs Academy

The East Herts School Direct Partnership is run by Goffs Academy on behalf of all schools in the partnership. Goffs deals with the administration of the partnership, including recruitment, selection of candidates and maintenance of the partnership’s DfE portal. Goffs can advise on your eligibility for teacher training, the courses on offer and the locations of those courses. You are also welcome to contact partner schools directly (please see below).  Contact details for Goffs are:

Goffs-Churchgate Academy

Burleigh Primary School

Dewhurst St Mary C of E Primary School

Downfield Primary School

Goffs Oak Primary

St Andrew's CE Primary School, Much Hadham

Haileybury Turnford

Hunsdon JMI School

Robert Barclay Academy (RBA)