Initial Teacher Training

Welcome to Teacher Training with RLT

The Rutland Learning Trust are delighted to continue to run Primary School Direct training opportunities in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. We have been part of the successful programme for the several years now. 

Our academy trust brings together 11 schools, across the counties of Rutland and Northamptonshire, to give trainee teachers an opportunity to train in a wide range of schools. Our Trust brings together a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise at all levels including those of National Leaders of Education. We are committed to our team and therefore offer a wide range of Professional Development training to support our staff. We deliver a range of high-quality professional development courses for teachers at all career stages. We work in close partnership with Nottingham Trent University to significantly increase the number of ITT places in the region through our successful School Direct scheme. Within our trust we have appointed a strong team of Specialist Leaders in Education and Lead Practitioners who work in partnership with all of our schools.

At The Rutland Learning Trust we are developing a culture of action research, so that educational change is closely linked to evidence on the ground and this is written through all of the work we do.

For more information please contact Hazel Glassford on hglassford@rltschools.com 

THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN RLT TRAINEE

School Direct is a unique route into teacher training. It is designed to ensure that trainees spend the maximum amount of time in the classroom developing the key skills required. The Trust will provide a tailored Professional Development course throughout the year, in addition to the training received at the university.

School Direct Route

• Working alongside outstanding teachers in an environment where students want to learn, and facilities are fit for purpose.
• Being mentored by experienced colleagues.
• Qualifying with a PGCE from Nottingham Trent University, recognised by Ofsted as an Outstanding provider of Teacher Training.
• Opportunities to observe and take part in cross-phase teaching within our partner schools

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

If you are an applicant to an initial teacher training (ITT) course and need to improve your existing knowledge in maths, physics, chemistry, computing, design and technology or a language, please visit their website by clicking Subject knowledge enhancement: an introduction - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Partnership with Nottingham Trent University

RLT is working in partnership with the Nottingham Trent University, recognised as an Outstanding provider of Initial Teacher Training. Together we offer School Direct applicants the opportunity to qualify with the internationally recognised PGCE. All trainees will spend one day a week at the university working with experienced tutors and trainees from around the area. This will be the time to learn more deeply about philosophies linked to education and key pedagogy. For further details about Nottingham please visit their website by clicking Home | Nottingham Trent University

Frequently Asked Questions 

WHAT DOES PRIMARY SCHOOL DIRECT COVER?
During the Primary School Direct ITT year, trainees will have experience in two key stages.  This can be EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) or Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) to gain Qualified Teacher Status.
During the interview process with the RLT, there will be the opportunity to discuss preferences for Key Stages for the base placement. 
Another requirement of the course is that trainees complete a full day in a range of other settings that include a secondary school, a Special Educational Needs setting and a school that has high numbers of pupils with English as an Additional Language. This provides trainees with an invaluable insight into how learning progresses in post-primary education and how to support pupils with additional needs.

How will I be supported during the year?
The year is designed to help trainees build up to the equivalent teaching requirements of a Early Career Teacher (ECT). Trainees receive information on teaching percentages to work towards at the end of the previous term, along with information about university tasks or assignments.
In a placement (both base school and second school), trainees will have a mentor. The mentor is there for day-to-day support, to help with planning and suggestions for university tasks, answering any questions that may arise during the year and will conduct regular observations and provide structured feedback. Trainees will also be provided with a University Link Tutor who will conduct visits during the year and provide feedback and support. Furthermore, trainees will have access to the ITT Coordinator from the RLT who will conduct two visits a year and be available to answer questions and provide support where needed.

WHAT ARE THE COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA?

Entry requirements:
• A 2:1 honours degree is preferred, but strong applicants with a 2:2 degree related to National Curriculum subjects, or to education or child development, will be considered.
• GCSE Mathematics, English and Science at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. Strong applicants with pending grades will be considered. For more information on equivalent grades, please go to NTU’s entry requirement page.
• It may strengthen your application to have had some experience in a UK classroom in the age range of your choice. The RLT offer a School Experience Programme to assist with this.
• Two references, preferably one from an education setting.

Selection process and criteria:
There will be an interview with both the RLT and NTU. Teaching is a demanding but hugely rewarding career that requires a range of skills, knowledge and experience. Interviewers are looking for candidates who are excited about the prospect of starting their teacher training and demonstrate these qualities:
• A genuine commitment and understanding of teaching
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to reflect on experience and practice
• Shows an awareness of the National Curriculum at the chosen age range
• Enthusiasm and a sense of humour!

How do I apply?
Applications are through DfE Publish and Apply which is now open for September 2023 start. Please choose Whissendine Primary (the lead school provider for RLT) as the placement school option. However, this will not mean that you will be placed in this school.

For more information please contact Hazel Glassford on hglassford@rltschools.com