Teacher Training

TRAIN TO BE A SECONDARY TEACHER IN WALTHAM FOREST 2025-6

Willowfield School, along with Walthamstow School for Girls, Kelmscott School, Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form, South Chingford Foundation School, Buxton School, and Norlington School for Boys work collaboratively in Waltham Forest.  We are working in collaboration as the Waltham Forest Partnership.  We are delighted to offer a range of subjects for in schoolteacher training on the School Direct Tuition Fee (unsalaried/PGCE) route. Trainees work alongside highly experienced classroom practitioners and spend the majority of their training in school, completing two placements in contrasting schools.

Willowfield is a former Training School and a UCL, Institute of Education Specialist Partner in Initial Teacher Training/UCL Platinum CPD Award holder and we have significant experience in working with our trainees to move them rapidly into becoming outstanding teachers and leaders of the future. Many of our trainees now hold positions in middle and senior leadership roles in local schools. We support our trainees to gain employment in local schools and continuing support and professional development pathways. 

Our School Direct training is delivered in partnership with UCL, The Institute of Education (University of London) and the University of East London.

Lead Direct Training Route

A full time Post Graduate Certificate of Education course with QTS awarded at the end.

1 year in length from September 2026.

Secondary School Direct Places and partner universities

• English  (Non-Salaried) UCL
• Maths (Non-Salaried) UCL
• Geography (Non-Salaried) UCL
• History (Non-Salaried) UCL

UCL IOE and UEL are the accredited providers. All courses are postgraduate and fee-funded.

Financial Incentives for the Academic Year 2024-25

The ITT bursaries, scholarships and Lead Direct grants for specific subjects for the academic year 2025 to 2026 are available on GOV.UK and Get Into Teaching.

Entry requirements

1. Degree classification: 2:2 or above
2. The degree must be in related academic subject area
3. Grade C/Level 4 or above in GCSE English and Mathematics (equivalency tests are overseen by UCL)
4. Trainees will be required to pass the skills tests/subject enhancement training before starting the course. This will need to be completed by August 2025 at the latest.

https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/

5. School experience (e.g. observation or previous work as a TA) before applying to the course is highly favourable

The application process will be open from October 4^th 2023 via https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training

Further information about the School Direct routes into teacher training can be found at: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/steps-to-become-a-teacher

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview within the partnership.

For all UEL courses, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview by UEL

Please note: Acceptance onto our programme is subject a second interview with either the University of East London or with UCL, the Institute of Education.

If you have any queries, you can contact

Raza.Mir@willowfield-school.co.uk

For more information about tuition fees and maintenance please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

We look forward to your application.