Trent Valley Teaching School Alliance

The Trent Valley Teaching School Alliance (TVTSA) was formed in 2013 and is a Designated OLEVI Centre of Excellence based at Tuxford Academy – an Ofsted Outstanding, National Teaching School, which is part of the Diverse Academies. Its many programmes are developed and delivered by colleagues across the trust’s academies.

Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to both new and experienced staff. TVTSA currently has eight secondary and 32 primary school alliance members – the vast majority of which are rated Good or better by Ofsted.

Train to teach

If you are considering a career in teaching, each year our teaching school offers a number of places on the School Direct programme, which allows you to train to teach in a school of your choosing – with the expectation that you’ll then go on to work there on completion of the programme.

All TVTSA School Direct places lead to qualified teacher status (QTS).

You’ll gain a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) validated by Nottingham Trent University and credits towards a masters qualification.

You’ll spend the majority of your time training in the classroom, alongside outstanding teachers and supported by specialist mentors, helping you to build your confidence in a school environment.

Courses are generally one year, full-time, and available across secondary and primary phases.

Dependent on experience, places are offered on either a salaried and non-salaried basis. Non-salaried UK or EU trainees are eligible to apply for a loan to cover the cost of tuition fees.

Substantial tax-free bursaries are also available to trainees in certain subject areas.

‘The support from my mentor was fantastic, although the year was intense I knew I could always ask for advice and I wasn’t pressured to take responsibility for classes until I was ready.’
James Lillyman, former School Direct maths trainee

Gain classroom experience

If you’re not sure whether teaching is the right choice for you or perhaps you need more classroom experience, then you could apply for the School Experience Programme (SEP). TVTSA’s school experience days involve observations of lessons, the opportunity to meet current trainees and mentors, and discuss the various routes into teaching.

Find out more about getting into teaching

If you’d like to find out more about your options or book to attend a school experience day then get in touch with us at getintoteaching@tvtsa.co.uk or visit the TVTSA website for more information.