Trainee Teacher (Primary) in Colchester

Join our Teacher Training Programme to become a much‑needed teacher and pass on your passion for learning. A classroom‑based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme based in one of our 57 schools. Lift Schools is one of the largest trusts nationwide and is partnered with Ark Teacher Training to deliver our programme. You’ll gain a PGCE (Post‑Graduate Certificate of Education) and your Qualified Teacher Status while working hands‑on in the classroom as a trainee teacher. Immediately having impact, your tutor and coach will support you to build up your independent teaching time during the year.

Programme Includes:

• School Orientation Experience: a 5‑day introductory placement before Summer term ends where you get to know the school, pupils, colleagues, the community and where you’ll be working so you can hit the ground running in September.
• Summer School: highly rated by our trainees as the perfect start to their training and a great way to prepare for their first few weeks in school. Our Summer School brings trainees together for two weeks in August (5th‑16th) to learn about the programme, educational theory and practice.
• Weekly Coaching and Planning Sessions: Your in‑school coach will observe your progress every week, supporting you by providing constructive feedback and helping you set achievable improvement goals.
• Allocated Mentor: a trained lead planner who will help you create effective lessons, developing your planning skills and giving you the opportunity to ask detailed subject‑knowledge questions.
• Weekly Training Sessions: Participate in‑person/virtual training sessions with your tutors and peers. These sessions provide valuable learning experiences and encourage a collaborative environment for professional growth.

The training programme itself is school‑based and you will spend half a day every week in a session with your Ark tutor and other trainees from the network. We will support you to become brilliant educators and, in time, leaders within our network – we offer unrivalled career opportunities for professional growth. We’re looking for talented people who will have successful careers within the Trust.

This is a Tuition Fee‑Paying Training Route. PGCE tuition fees are £9,250. Lift Schools offers a £3,000 bursary to help with training costs, subject to eligibility. Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must have Right to Work in the UK (full‑time) from July 2025 until September 2026.

Information about the School: Lift Hamford, part of Lift Schools, is a welcoming two‑form entry school in the coastal town of Walton‑on‑the‑Naze. We are committed to giving every child the very best opportunities to thrive, with high‑quality learning at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to unlock potential, nurture curiosity, and instil a lifelong love of learning. We want every child to feel inspired, supported and challenged, developing the skills and confidence to succeed in the modern world while creating lasting memories.

Hamford continues to grow and evolve. We are proud to have a new nursery for 2–4 year olds and facilities that include a modern building for upper Key Stage 2, a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, extensive outdoor grounds, and an Autism Support Centre funded by Essex County Council. Our strong team culture is central to our success. With passionate teachers, skilled teaching assistants in every year group, and a committed leadership team, pupils are at the heart of every decision we make. Staff benefit from supportive colleagues, professional development opportunities, and a working environment that values wellbeing and collaboration.

Who is Lift Schools? Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our Mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.