Train to Teach

Why train with us?

The Three Rivers Teaching School Hub is working in partnership with both Newcastle and Northumbria University to deliver Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and we are always looking for passionate and enthusiastic people to train to become teachers. You will be trained in a highly professional and supportive environment and will develop the skills, knowledge and expertise that will enable you to plan and deliver engaging learning experiences for pupils of all abilities and dispositions.

The Three Rivers Teaching School Hub has developed a strong network of schools to deliver a dynamic School Direct teacher training programme. We work in partnership with Newcastle and Northumbria Universities offering one year full time School Direct placements in primary and secondary settings leading to a full Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

You would become part of this long established partnership of schools that work closely together to share good practice and learn from each other. We are fortunate to be able to offer a wide variety of host schools including first, middle schools and high schools. In our schools trainees feel valued and supported. They have access to a high quality training programme and engage in a wide variety of experiences. Each trainee is assigned a mentor, an expert teacher carefully selected for their ability to develop the practice of new entrants to the profession, allowing them to fulfil their potential to become outstanding practitioners.

See the links below for more information

Teacher Training Information

  1. School Experience

    School experience is essential if you are interested in becoming a teacher. Before you apply for teacher training, it is beneficial to gain as much experience in the classroom as possible in order to strengthen your application and prepare you for potential interviews.

    Spending time in a classroom is the ideal way to strengthen your application for teacher training. School experience gives you the chance to watch lessons and see for yourself what it’s really like to be a teacher – and allows you to draw on your own examples in your application and interview.

    The Three Rivers Teaching School Hub can offer bespoke School experience days to suit your chosen subject. We also have various events running throughout the year including information open evenings and school experience taster mornings.

    Our events page will be updated soon with information

    Please check the eligibility requirements below before requesting school experience.

    For further information or to register your interest for school experience please email ITT@the3rivers.net

  2. Fees & Funding

    Tuition fees of £9,250 are payable to the university.

    Support is available to assist you with your training. For up to date information regarding grants, loans and bursaries please visit the Get Into Teaching website.

  3. Entry Requirements

    Our teacher training courses offer a school-based route to achieving a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and aims to attract the highest quality candidates.

    In order to apply for a place on our School Direct programme you must have:

    • A UK undergraduate degree with a first or 2:1 classification, or recognised equivalent (a 2:2 classification may be accepted for candidates who demonstrate exceptional aptitude or have long-term experience in a school setting)
    • A GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language and Maths
    • A GCSE grade C/4 or above in Science or a Science subject (Primary only)
    • Evidence of an interest and enthusiasm for teaching young people
    • Strong specialist knowledge of the subject you wish to teach (secondary candidates)

    You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to verify your suitability for working with children and young people.

    If you have studied outside the UK, you should visit the National Academic Recognition Centre (NARIC) website to find out whether your qualifications are the equivalent to UK GCSEs, A Levels and an undergraduate degree.

  4. How to Apply

    Applications are now open. Apply now.

    If you think you would like to train to be a teacher then please visit the 'Get into teaching website' for further advice and guidance on how and when to apply.

    Applications can be made via the DfE Apply for teacher training service. Prospective trainees need to register for the application process. You will be required to submit the following information:

    • Personal details
    • Choice of programme
    • Education history
    • School experience
    • Personal statement
    • References

    Apply now

    If you have any questions, please contact us on 01670 501537 or email ITT@the3rivers.net

  5. Primary Places

    Our primary partnership schools are inclusive and stretch across the age and ability range.

    Primary trainee teachers may be placed in one of the following host schools:

    • Abbeyfields First School, Morpeth
    • Cambo First School, Morpeth
    • Chantry Middle School, Morpeth
    • Holy Trinity First School, Berwick
    • Morpeth All Saints, Morpeth
    • Newminster Middle School, Morpeth
    • Ponteland Community Primary School, Ponteland
    • St Roberts RC First School, Morpeth
    • Swarland Primary School, Morpeth

    Applicants may express a preference for a placement at a specific school, but we cannot promise to meet such a request.

    Please visit the schools’ websites to get a flavour of the schools you may be working in.

    If you have any questions, please contact us on 01670 501 537 or email ITT@the3rivers.net

  6. Secondary Places

    Our secondary teacher training programme is ran in partnership with Newcastle University.

    We work with numerous schools across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside for both placements and training.

    We offer the following Secondary PGCE courses:

    • Computing
    • Design & Technology
    • English
    • Geography
    • History
    • Mathematics
    • French
    • French with German
    • French with Spanish
    • German with French
    • Spanish
    • Spanish with French
    • Spanish with German
    • Science with Biology Specialism
    • Science with Chemistry Specialism
    • Science with Physics Specialism

    Please visit the Newcastle University PGCE website to find out more information

    If you have any questions, please contact us on 01670 501 537 or email ITT@the3rivers.net

  7. Events

    We have various events running throughout the year including information open evenings and school experience taster mornings.

    Our events page will be updated soon with information

  8. Other providers in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland

    Within the region, there are various routes into teaching. Click here for a list of providers for both Primary and Secondary training in and around Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Child jumping in a playground wearing wellies and school uniform

Why offer a placement?

There are many benefits to hosting trainee teachers, including:

  • Professional development. Mentoring trainees is an excellent way to provide development opportunities to staff
  • The trainee teacher is an additional resource for the school
  • Financial support is provided for host schools
  • Playing a pivotal role in developing outstanding teachers
  • Trainees bring innovative, research based ideas into the classroom

We are looking to expand our partnership of schools and would welcome a conversation to discuss the benefits of hosting trainee teachers. 

Please read our School Direct blog post to see a trainee teachers perspective and get in touch if you are interested.

Get in touch

“Teachers are highly skilled and enthusiastic; they are relentless in their drive to help students to achieve their very best.”

Ofsted, 2014

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