Stephen Mitchell

In 2012, I made the decision to train to be a primary school teacher.  I had spent a significant amount of time in primary schools as an unqualified teacher, so the move into formal teaching was a natural step and something I was very excited about.  Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with exceptional leaders who have provided amazing CPD opportunities for me.  I took up my first Headteacher in September 2023. 

When considering my own training options for teacher training, I decided that School’s Direct was the route which was most appealing to me.  I was excited by the prospect of training alongside a class for the entire year.  I was also delighted to be able to train at a school which had a set of values which resonated with me: in my case, it was a school which placed the arts in a position of extreme importance.  I was inspired by their leadership and wanted to be like the other teachers in the setting.

What is it all about?

School’s Direct involves teaching from the very first moment; working alongside a qualified, experienced teacher to deliver small sections of lessons.  My mentor was outstanding, and to this day, I can see how her style of teaching has inspired my own vision for education.  As a trainee, your teaching responsibility gradually builds up until you plan and delivery around 80% of the week.  The ‘on-the-job’ training is complimented by theory and pedagogy input from a dedicated university provider. 

Now, the first thing to say is that it is one of the most intense routes into teaching.  Having had the opportunity to support students who are on other training routes into the profession, I can see how traditional PGCEs and BEd. courses provide the much-needed time to perfect your teaching craft.  They also allow greater opportunities to observe experienced practitioners and to reflect on their lesson delivery.  This isn’t something that School’s Direct allows much time for.  The year very quickly progresses!  If you feel you need additional time to observe others, you’ll need to find a way to make the time for it alongside your other training requirements.  Likewise, with the theory and pedagogical understanding – if you have a knowledge gap, you’ll need to find the time to do your homework! 

I would recommend School’s Direct to candidates who are ambitious and exceptionally motivated, but also inherently humble.  When you gain QTS, you really do not stop learning and you need to feel comfortable in continuing to learn from peers who have trained through alternative routes.  There is a reason that the BEd. is 3 years long and although you will have gained QTS, recognising some of the limitations of this route are essential for success.

Join us at King’s Cross Academy

I am so proud to offer this route into the profession at King’s Cross Academy. 

If you want to work at an Academy where:

• Leadership is exceptionally supportive of trainee teachers;
• We value professional development at all levels;
• We have outstanding facilities and an inspirational learning environment;
• The children are eager to learn from skilled practitioners;

… then we want to hear from you!

To find out more about our partnership with the London South Teaching Hub, visit: https://www.find-postgraduate-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/course/8L5/N795

or check out: https://kingscrossacademy.org.uk/join-the-academy-team