There are a range of options in our hub area for those who are interested in training as a teacher.  These include university and school providers.  You can also search for ITT programmes via the DfE website here.

University of Reading

Our main university provider is the University of Reading, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) courses across the full age range from the Early Years through to Primary and Secondary. You can find out about the range of programmes offered here.

If your school would like to know more about hosting a trainee, get in touch with the TSH or the University via ioe@reading.ac.uk

Applications opened for postgraduate initial teacher training places for 2023-2024 on the 11^th October 2022. The University hosts regular information events for anyone interested in getting into teaching, so if you have colleagues within your school or members of your wider school community wanting to find out more, encourage them to book onto the next event here.

The university also have a range of short, online courses available through FutureLearn.  For more information see here.

Windsor and Maidenhead SCITT

RBWM offer a SCITT (school centred initial teacher training) programme which leads to qualified teacher status (QTS).  This is a school-based training programme, run as a partnership between the local authority and schools across the borough.  In addition to QTS, trainees have the opportunity to gain a PGCE. 

For more information, see their website here.

School Direct Programmes

Several of our partner schools also act as lead schools for school direct programmes.  These schools operate in partnership with a university provider (either Reading or Oxford Brookes) to offer QTS and also the opportunity to gain a PGCE.

• Teach Slough based at Upton Court Grammar School, Slough
• Forest Learning Alliance based at Uplands Primary School, Bracknell Forest
• Maiden Erlegh Institute   based at Maiden Erlegh School, Wokingham
• The Downland Alliance based at The Downs school, West Berkshire.
• The Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership based at The Willink School, West Berkshire.

Assessment Only Route

If you already have teaching experience, it may be possible to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) through the Assessment-only route validated by the University of Reading Institute of Education. This route is available to teachers who have substantial experience of teaching in either the public or private sector but do not already have QTS or ETYS.

You can apply for the Assessment Only route at any point in the year and will need the support of your school. You will be assessed for QTS against the national Teacher's Standards through a portfolio of evidence including lesson observations carried out by colleagues in school and an assessor at the University.

If you are recommended for QTS you will subsequently be required to meet the latest induction regulations for Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

For more information about the Assessment-only route please see the University of Reading website by clicking here.

The following guidance document may also be helpful: Guidance Document