At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to teach children aged 3–7 or 5–11 in diverse school settings.
- Company: Join Chester Diocesan Academies Trust, a supportive multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Gain QTS and PGCE with hands-on training and mentorship.
- Other info: Small cohorts ensure personalised support and excellent teaching opportunities.
- Why this job: Start a fulfilling career in primary education and make a difference.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and GCSEs in English, maths, and science required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Primary Teacher Training – ages 3–7 or 5–11
Full-time, one-year course starting September 2026
£9,535 course fee | QTS with PGCE
Train to Teach with Chester Diocesan Academies Trust
Are you ready to begin a rewarding career in primary education? Chester Diocesan Academies Trust is recruiting graduates to join its fee-funded primary teacher training programme from September 2026. We offer two pathways, enabling trainees to specialise in teaching children aged 3–7 or 5–11.
CDAT is a growing multi-academy trust of primary schools across Cheshire, Wirral, Warrington, Halton, Stockport and Tameside. Our schools range from small rural primaries with around 50 pupils to larger urban schools of more than 400 pupils, giving trainees the opportunity to experience teaching in a wide variety of contexts.
Our one-year programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status and a PGCE. Training is heavily school-based and delivered through a combination of school experience, face-to-face training and online learning. Sessions are led by experienced serving teachers, school leaders and specialist advisers, alongside our accredited and university partners.
Trainees spend at least 24 weeks in school across a minimum of two contrasting placements. We work closely with each trainee when arranging placements and, because of the geographical spread of our schools, we can usually offer placements within reasonable travelling distance of their home. Most trainees are placed within approximately 30 minutes of their term-time address.
From the beginning of the course, trainees become active members of their school communities. Teaching responsibility builds gradually throughout the year, from working with individuals and small groups to taking responsibility for up to 80% of the timetable by the end of the programme. Each trainee is supported by a trained school-based mentor and receives regular guidance from an experienced quality-assurance tutor.
Our cohorts are deliberately small, typically involving no more than 20 trainees. This allows us to offer a highly personalised programme in which trainees are known well, supported closely and given regular opportunities to observe and learn from excellent practice across different schools.
CDAT has strong course-completion and employment rates, and many of our trainees go on to secure teaching posts within CDAT or one of our partner schools.
Entry requirements
- Applicants should normally have a bachelor’s degree, normally at Third-class honours or above, or an equivalent qualification;
- GCSE grade 4/C or above in English, mathematics and science, or an accepted equivalent. Applications from candidates awaiting GCSE or equivalency-test results will be considered.
- Applicants must have the right to study in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this course.
This is an opportunity to train in great schools, learn from excellent teachers and begin your career as part of a supportive and growing family of primary schools. We will be continuing recruitment until mid-August, ready for successful candidates to begin their training year in September 2026.
Fee-Funded Primary Teacher Training – Sept 2026 employer: CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST
Chester Diocesan Academies Trust is an exceptional employer for aspiring primary school teachers, offering a supportive and personalised training programme that prioritises hands-on experience in diverse school settings across Cheshire and surrounding areas. With small cohorts and dedicated mentors, trainees benefit from close guidance and the opportunity to develop their teaching skills in a nurturing environment, leading to strong employment prospects within the trust or partner schools upon completion of the course.
Contact Details:
CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fee-Funded Primary Teacher Training – Sept 2026
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and social media groups focused on digital learning and education like EdTech and instructional design. Not only can you learn a lot from others’ experiences, but you can also showcase your passion and make connections that might lead to opportunities at companies like CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST.
✨Attend Workshops and Conferences
Look out for events or workshops related to digital learning — places where educators and tech innovators gather. These are golden opportunities to network, gather insights, and even get noticed by hiring managers. Plus, it’s a chance to learn new skills that you can show off in your application for the trainee role!
✨Show Off Your Skills in the Real World
If you’ve got any projects or case studies related to digital learning, don’t keep them hidden! Create a portfolio or even a blog where you discuss your learnings and share your insights. This will give us at CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST a peek at your creativity and dedication when considering you for the trainee position.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're still in uni or just graduated, check out your university's career services. They often have exclusive internships or placements with companies like CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST. They can help connect you with opportunities that might not be on the broader job market yet.
We think you need these skills to ace Fee-Funded Primary Teacher Training – Sept 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion for Education Technology:When you're applying for a trainee role in digital learning and education, we want to see your enthusiasm! Include any relevant coursework, volunteer experiences, or side projects that highlight your interest and commitment to enhancing education through technology. This could be anything from developing a learning app to participating in online educational forums.
Tailor Your CV for the Digital Learning World:Make sure your CV stands out by showcasing any skills that relate directly to digital learning. Are you familiar with e-learning platforms? Have you created educational content or taught online? These are golden nuggets we’re looking for, so don’t shy away from diving into those experiences. Also, mentioning any relevant digital certifications or courses can give us an extra boost of confidence in your potential!
Craft a Cover Letter That Reflects Your Learning Journey:In your cover letter, focus on your desire to grow and learn in this exciting field. Share why a trainee role at CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST excites you and how it fits into your future goals. Let us know why you're eager to dive into the world of digital learning and education and what specific skills you hope to develop.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Since digital learning often involves teamwork, make sure to highlight any collaborative projects or experiences you've had. Whether it was group assignments at university or participation in online learning communities, showcasing your ability to work well with others in a digital context can really make a difference. We're all about building a supportive learning environment here at CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST
✨Show Your Passion for Digital Learning
When discussing your interest in the digital-learning-education field, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or experiences you've had, whether that’s creating online resources, volunteering in educational tech, or even personal projects. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into various digital learning tools and platforms, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) or educational software. Familiarise yourself with the key features of these tools beforehand, so you can confidently discuss how you've used them or how you would in your trainee role with CHESTER DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As this is a trainee position, highlight your eagerness to absorb knowledge and grow within the role. Talk about specific skills you’re hoping to develop, whether that's mastering new educational technologies or improving your instructional design capabilities. This helps us see you as a long-term asset!
✨Bring a Portfolio of Ideas
Although it’s a trainee role, consider putting together a small portfolio that showcases your ideas for digital learning projects or improvements. This could include concepts you've thought about or research on current trends in education technology that excite you. It’s a great way to stand out and demonstrate your creativity!
