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- Tasks: Train to become a teacher in various secondary subjects at Highdown School.
- Company: Join Highdown School, part of the GLF Schools Trust, known for innovation and high standards.
- Benefits: Receive mentorship, hands-on experience, and support for your teaching career.
- Why this job: Kickstart your teaching journey in a supportive environment with excellent career progression.
- Qualifications: A UK bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) and GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above.
- Other info: 96% of trainees secure Early Career Teacher positions with our support.
Join to apply for the Trainee Teacher role at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre. Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is looking for a trainee to train in a range of Secondary Subjects on the fee-funded route: Business, Chemistry, Computing, English, Geography, Drama, Design and Technology, History, and Maths.
Are you a passionate graduate based in or near Reading and ready to begin your teaching career at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre?
About Highdown School And Sixth Form Centre
Highdown School is a place where tradition meets innovation, from the 16th-century tythe barn to the state-of-the-art computing facilities. This rich heritage, coupled with our dynamic teachers, means that Highdown is a place where pupils achieve more than they thought possible. Highdown has high academic standards, with passionate specialist teachers in every department. This summer, 80% of the pupils passed English and Maths at GCSE, and over 20% of A-Levels were graded at A or A*. Highdown’s co-curricular offer is where the school comes alive, there is something for every child to excel in and to develop their resources, skills and resilience so they can feel confident in embracing their future. Highdown’s recent Ofsted report in 2024 confirms it is a ‘good’ school.
About GLF Schools
Highdown School is part of GLF Schools, a Multi-Academy Trust comprising 43 schools, with a strong presence in the South East region. Through our partnership with Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT), we offer a variety of locally delivered teacher training routes — from employment-based options to fee-funded pathways. We are committed to training, developing, and employing our trainee teachers as Early Career Teachers (ECTs) across all our GLF schools.
About The Trainee Teacher Programme
We are excited to offer aspiring teachers a fantastic opportunity to train at Highdown School, supported by our expert GLF Teacher Training Hub. You’ll benefit from:
- High-quality, school-based training and placement at Highdown School
- Locally delivered training sessions
- Mentorship from experienced teachers committed to your development
You’ll also gain practical, hands-on experience across your chosen age range.
Qualifications Required
To be eligible to apply, you’ll need:
- A UK bachelor's degree (2:2 or above, although some 3rd class degrees may be considered)
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above (plus Science for primary)
- Right to work and study in the UK, with 3+ years of residency in the UK/EEA
Fee-Funded Route
Unpaid Training Placement, But Eligible For:
- Tuition Fee Loan (up to the full cost of the training)
- Maintenance Loan (up to ~£13,000 – means tested)
Training Fee Costs
- £9,535 (QTS + PGCE)
- £9,035 (QTS only)
Part-Time Route (over two years)
This is a pilot route for 26-27 and available for some subjects/routes.
- Year 1: £7,145
- Year 2: £4,762
- PGCE is not available on this route
Why Train with GLF Teacher Training?
- Local training: Receive weekly training in your area by local expert practitioners — no long commutes!
- Collaborative Trust: Work alongside a network of professionals across the region within GLF schools
- Personalised support: Your wellbeing and workload are prioritised
- Career progression: Many trainees secure ECT positions in our GLF Schools. 96% of last year’s trainees secured an ECT position with our support.
Placement School
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre. All trainees have two placement schools, and GLF Teacher Training ensures your second placement school is carefully matched to ensure reasonable travel and the right fit for your training needs.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Education and Training
Trainee Teacher in Reading employer: Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
Contact Detail:
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Teacher in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current teachers or alumni from your university who are working in schools. They can give you insider tips and might even know about openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Highdown School and its values. Show them you’re not just passionate about teaching, but that you understand their ethos and how you can contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your teaching skills! Consider volunteering or tutoring to gain experience. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you real examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Teacher in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see why you're excited about becoming a Trainee Teacher and how you can inspire students at Highdown School.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Teacher role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the subjects you’re interested in teaching. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
✨Know Your Subjects
Make sure you brush up on the subjects you'll be teaching. Highdown School offers a range of subjects, so be prepared to discuss your passion and knowledge in areas like English, Maths, or Science. Think about how you can engage students and make learning fun!
✨Show Your Passion for Teaching
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Share personal experiences that sparked your interest in education and how you plan to inspire your future students. Schools like Highdown value candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, training opportunities, and support for new teachers. This shows you're serious about your future role and helps you determine if Highdown is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Teaching Style
Think about how you would approach a lesson and be ready to demonstrate your teaching style. You might be asked to explain a concept or share how you'd handle a classroom situation. Practising this beforehand will help you feel more confident during the interview.