Schools Direct

School Direct applications for September 2023

Why train with the ALP?

The ALP is a group of schools in Hertfordshire and north London who have worked very closely over many years to train teachers via the School Direct route, and have developed a clear and distinctive ethos.

The Lead School is Watford Grammar School for Girls and initial enquiries can be made to Jane Hart j.hart@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk or via any of the schools in the group.

We very much welcome enquiries prior to application and aim to offer a bespoke service of consultation.

• The Schools in our partnership are wonderful places to train, work and learn. Working in Partnership with 7 Schools in South West Hertfordshire and North London we offer training in a diverse range of schools including a number of schools listed in the top 100 best achieving state schools in the country. We can also offer experiences in single sex, mixed, selective and community schools.
• As a consortium we have worked together for many years and have trained well over 100 teachers in partnership with Hertfordshire University.
• Our schools are passionate about training and development of new staff; we believe that it takes a whole school to train a teacher and nurture their development.
• All the schools in the consortium have substantial numbers of former trainees working with them, some of whom are now in middle and senior leadership roles.
• Whilst employment in the training school cannot be guaranteed, we have an excellent record of our trainees finding employment in a post which suits them.
• We pride ourselves that our teachers are inspiring, enthusiastic and experts in their field and as such are excellent role models and mentors for our trainees.
• Our training is based on supporting trainees to develop their academic subject knowledge as well as their understanding of pedagogy in a supportive atmosphere tailoring experiences to the needs and prior experience of the individual.
• All trainees are viewed as individuals and placement school, courses of study, choice of mentor and speed of progression is all tailored to individual needs.

What do we offer?

• Unsalaried School Direct training places offered in a very wide range of subjects trainees gain QTS and a PGCE.
• A smaller range of salaried training posts may also be offered leading to QTS. The opportunity to observe lessons before application.
• Several of the schools offer the opportunity to work as an LSA or Cover Supervisor ahead of application.
• You will be based at school for 4 days a week and spend one day of the week at university. You will be introduced to the principles and theories of secondary teaching through both subject studies and a developing professional practice course. Training is undertaken in partnership with Hertfordshire University.
• Tutor led sessions at University which will include lectures, seminars and workshops and where active participation is encouraged.
• In School trainees are supported by both a subject mentor and a professional mentor with weekly meetings to support the individual needs of the trainee. There are a wide range of opportunities for observation, training and complementary experiences within our consortium. You will be based for the majority of the time in a single, named school, but will also spend 6 weeks on a second placement to broaden school experience. 
• For information on aspects of the masters credits please consult the University of Hertfordshire website.
• You could be eligible for a bursary (limited to certain subjects)

Course requirements

• GCSE English at Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure). Requires ENIC if taken overseas. If this is taken as a second language candidates will need to take an IELTS test.
• GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure). Requires ENIC if taken overseas.
• An honours degree (2.2 or above), awarded by a UK university or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by ENIC.
• Usually we would expect the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.

 What do people say about us?

 “This is a fantastic school to learn and teach in, I have had the privilege of carrying out hands-on training on site by opting for the School Direct route. The increased engagement and participation enabled me to link theory with practice, practising teaching in a safe environment with dedicated mentors guiding me every step of the way.”

“I loved training here because the staff gave me the confidence and supportiveness to teach lessons from the outset. There's a different topic to discuss each week with the training team and you can bounce ideas off other like-minded trainees.”

“Training here was a hugely positive experience. I greatly benefited from observing a variety of subjects and learning from many outstanding teachers. I am extremely grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunities I received throughout the year and very much look forward to continuing my career in education with the new skills I have developed.”

Useful links

Lead School coordinator: Jane Hart Watford Grammar School for Girls: j.hart@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk

Working in partnership with Hertfordshire University School of Education -- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB  |  herts.ac.uk

Courses for the 2023 to 2024 academic year will be published on Find postgraduate teacher training on 4th October 2022, at www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses.

Much more information and support are available from, with advice on how to apply, Get Into Teaching: Inspire the next generation.

The URL for Apply for teacher training is: gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training.

Get ready to apply

• Candidates can find courses on Find postgraduate teacher training courses from 4th  October 2022.
• Candidates can submit an application on Apply for teacher training from 11th  October 2022 at 9am
• Closing date for applications 26th July 2023.
• We reserve the right to close courses before this date once we have reached capacity.
• We would always prefer an initial expression of interest and conversation prior to application through ‘Apply’.