Teaching in Lincolnshire
Why Teach /Introduction?
'A Career with Impact’ : A career where every day matters and no two days are ever the same.
If you are considering hosting a trainee or you are an aspirant teacher who is eager to shape the lives of pupils in Lincolnshire, then we are eager to support you in understanding the options which are available to you. Across the region there are a number of providers who offer teacher training. To ensure that the pathway into teaching is as successful as possible, L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub is committed to working with providers, supporting the highest quality training from the outset and a seamless transition across to the Early Career Framework afterwards.
Getting into Teaching and How to Apply?
A good place to start for general information on becoming a teacher is the DfE Get into Teaching website. This offers good general information from how to:
- Set up a school experience visit, identifying what primary/secondary school life is like
- Check if you have the correct qualifications to apply for a teacher training programme
- Guidance on the application for a place on a teacher training programme
- Funding which may be available to support you
There is also a step-by-step guide to the process, from thinking about training to teach through to application.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with Charlotte Smith who works on behalf of the Hub to lead Initial Teacher Training across Lincolnshire : charlotte@leadtshub.co.uk (01522 214459) to find out more or have a further discussion about your circumstances and future options.
The Joy of Teaching
Being a teacher is a real privilege and it brings great joy. On a daily basis you positively influence the lives of young people, helping them to reach their true potential, breaking down their barriers to achievement. No other job allows you to impact so positively on young people’s lives, helping to shape their futures. Working as a teacher is extremely rewarding and a school is a dynamic and exciting workplace, where no two days are never the same.
Please read the case study below, from a Lincolnshire trainee teacher, who describes the joy she has found in teaching and learning:
Do you need help gaining school experience?
Committing to a career in teaching is a big decision to make and this can be hard if you haven’t had any recent experience in a school environment. School experience is important for those who are looking to become teachers, as it offers them an opportunity to work with children and young people within a real school environment, so you can be sure you are making the right decision about your future. You should also speak to the teaching staff about the challenges and rewards of teaching and ensure you understand both the nature and demands of the job. This will not only help you make your decision but will ensure you are stronger in the interview process. L.E.A.D Teaching School Hub is happy to arrange an ‘Experience Day’ for you in local primary and secondary schools, so you can make an informed decision. If you are interested in an ‘Experience day’ in a school please contact Charlotte Smith on: charlotte@leadtshub.co.uk (01522 214459).
Alternatively, the Department for Education, has a website called ‘Get School Experience’ where candidates can apply to local schools offering experience days and work with the school more directly.
How can schools offer ‘Experience days’ to potential ITT candidates?:
Schools can sign up a free DfE service called Manage School Experience where they can advertise dates of year groups and subjects where they can host a candidate for the day. This service helps schools:
- advertise the experience they offer candidates at their school
- manage bookings and cancellations
- communicate with candidates
To set up a profile, schools will be asked to:
- describe your school
- outline the experience available
- outline any candidate requirements
- list your available school experience dates and subjects
- add other details such as dress code and parking details
Funding/Bursaries
Funding and fees will look different depending on whether you are applying employment or a fee-paying route. More information about these different routes can be found at GetintoTeaching. The tuition fee for 2024/25 is £9,250. If you need help covering the tuition fee or require a maintenance loan please visit www.gov.uk/student-finance for further information. There is a useful calculator on this page that will help you to assess how much financial support you may be entitled to, as each application is means tested on individual household income.
You could also qualify for a scholarship or tax-free bursary depending on your degree subject and qualification, please see the 2024/25 figures here. Bursaries and scholarships are available to trainees on a fee-based teacher training course in England that leads to the award of QTS. Additional financial support is also available if you're a parent, have an adult dependent or have a disability.
We would strongly recommend that you apply for student finance at an early stage to ensure funding; once you've accepted your place, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan.
It is advisable to discuss this further with your chosen ITT provider to ensure that you are fully aware of the funding model before accessing the programme.
Support for career changers
Now Teach is the professional network for career changers in teaching. Their advice and guidance has supported over 850 people around England to retrain as teachers. Now Teach will help you as a career changer to enter teaching.
Click here for more information
FOR SCHOOLS: Why Host a Trainee?/School Experience
Having ownership of ITT means that you can influence what teachers learn and what they experience from the very beginning of their career. Over time, trainees not only become experts within their subjects, but also become expert in your trust or school’s context, giving you a pipeline of talent for roles across the trust or local network of schools. That’s why every teacher should have access to high-quality professional development from the very outset of their career. Hosting a trainee can offer a number of benefits including:
- Tackling recruitment challenges
- Improving teacher retention
- Supporting and fulfilling your schools' education mission
In the meantime, we thank you all for the work you do in your schools to support trainees to become effective practitioners who make a positive difference to the life chances of Lincolnshire’s young people.
ITT Directory for Headteachers:
L.E.A.D. Teaching School Hub has created this ITT Directory to outline all of the courses in Lincolnshire that lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is the qualification teachers must have to be a primary or secondary teacher in England or Wales. For further information, please contact admin@leadtshub.co.uk