School Direct
School Direct is a programme whereby schools recruit trainees directly and select them to train and work within their partnership schools. Schools, therefore, have more control over the quality of training provided and how it is delivered. We guarantee an interview for any relevant post in a partnership school for those who are successful on the programme with us.
What are the Routes?
There are two routes into School Direct: Salaried and non-salaried.
The salaried route is aimed at graduates with at least 3 years of work experience and is an employment-based route into teaching. The non-salaried route is open to all graduates and is funded by bursaries and tuition fees paid by the graduate through the student loan scheme. Our School Direct programmes will lead you to gain a PGCE in conjunction with our partnership universities.
Who is in our Partnership?
- The Warwick School
- Reigate College
- Royal Alexandra and Albert School
- Oxted School
- The Ashcombe School (Lead School)
- University of Sussex
- University of Brighton
We have a very successful and long-standing tradition of working with these schools and universities. In the past seven years, we have been fortunate enough to offer permanent employment to most of our school-direct trainees.
What kind of training can we offer you?
Our training model will primarily focus on training in the classroom and regular focused training days delivered by outstanding practitioners. We believe it is important to be in an innovative environment where you are supported and challenged to reach your potential.
Surrey Downs Partnership will deliver all training and professional development to those on the School Direct programme. We believe this will give you a rich and varied experience that will prepare you for a highly successful teaching career.
Training Supported by Sussex & Brighton Universities
Both universities have a long and successful tradition in teacher education. The university works with us to provide quality input on how to teach different secondary subjects or across the curriculum in primary schools. It also provides a comprehensive programme of Professional Studies, which complements the sessions offered across our partnership.
University sessions take place on the university campus and include a mix of lectures, workshops and tutorials led by the Faculty of Education, excellent teachers from partnership schools and other educational experts. These sessions also allow you to share your experiences with other trainee teachers and reflect upon the learning and teaching trainees do in schools.
Every trainee is expected to complete a number of academic assignments at Masters Level, which are designed to develop knowledge and understanding, encourage reflection and assess progress against the Teachers’ Standards. The university works in partnership with the school to organise a final assessment and make a recommendation for QTS. A university tutor will be assigned to support you whilst on the programme and you will be eligible to access a range of support services provided by the university.
School Direct Training Route
Candidates on a School Direct Training place will be automatically registered on the PGCE, which offers up to 90 Master credits and enables progression onto an MEd in the NQT year.
School Direct Salaried Route
Candidates on the School Direct (salaried) route are awarded QTS and a PGCE.
To find out more about our partnership with the universities please visit:
Entry Criteria
- UK university degree (2:2 or above) or a recognised equivalent qualification.
- Grade C (4) above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.
- You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check to verify you are suitable for working with young people.