We are looking for people who are keen to train through the School Direct (fee-paying) route in order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) + Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  The Willink is lead school for the Two Counties Teaching Partnership. Between us we are offering places to people wishing to train in: Computing, DT, English, Geography, Maths, MFL, RE and Science.

If you are interested in finding out more about training to teach through the School Direct route, please contact The Willink traintoteach@willink.w-berks.sch.uk or Kathryn Elsdon at: kelson@littleheath.org.uk. You can also download the leaflet at the bottom of this page. 

Why choose the Two Counties Partnership?

We have a strong history of providing top quality Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and work in close partnership with the excellent Institute of Education at the University of Reading. All of our schools are within a relatively small geographical area to the west and south-west of Reading; if you are keen to have some control over where you are based for your school experience then the School Direct route through us is ideal for you.  

Many successful Two Counties trainees continue as members of staff at our schools after their ITT year has been completed; quality support continues through their first two years as Early Career Teachers and beyond.  Please do be aware that due to the nature of staffing in schools, we cannot guarantee a post will be available with Two Counties schools on completion of your training.

How will you train?

Qualifying with a PGCE and QTS through School Direct is a one-year programme that enables aspiring teachers to train full-time in schools.  As a trainee you will be largely based in one school (most often the one of your choice) with the added benefit of regularly meeting other trainees across the Partnership.  You will also have a shorter placement another of our partnership schools so you can broaden your teaching experience even further.

 What are we looking for in a candidate?

We are looking to recruit talented candidates who have the qualities suited to a career in teaching and the drive to make it happen. The main personal qualities we seek are:

• Good interpersonal, organisation and time management skills
• A positive outlook with a passion for their subject
• Creativeness, a willingness to try new ideas and to take a risk
• A high degree of motivation and resilience
• The ability to be reflective

Our entry Requirements are as follows: We would normally expect you to have at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject that is related to the subject that you intend to teach*. You will also need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.

* At least 50% of your degree should be in the subject (or related to the subject) for which you are applying or successful completion of the Subject Enhancement Course at the University of Reading

If you would like to discuss any of this please contact traintoteach@willink.w-berks.sch.uk. 

'Get School Experience' Days

School experience allows you to learn more about teaching by visiting schools. If you would like to join a 'Get School Experience' Days at another school in the Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership, please visit their school websites for details. 

'Get School Experience' days will help you decide: if you want to train to be a teacher; experience a secondary school environment; and build a relationship with a school you might want to work with later. 

You can request to 'Get School Experience' if you:

•  are aged 18 or over
•  have a degree (or are studying for one)
•  have the right to work in the UK

To apply, please register here: https://schoolexperience.education.gov.uk