The first cohort of primary school teachers who have studied part-time through the Poole-headquartered Castleman Learning Network (CLN) is about to graduate.

The network is part of the Southern Education Trust (SET) and has seen well over 60 new teachers pass through its programme. They graduate from the University of Worcester with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Some of the part-time students have already got jobs for the new term in September.

Trainee teachers work in a variety of schools during the qualification period and are taught by highly experienced professionals. Now CLN is looking for others who might wish to change career and become primary school teachers.

Lou Evans, director, said:

“This is our first cohort who have been through the part-time course and they qualify in July. It takes five terms or about 18 months and enables them to continue working and to better juggle family life. Our trainees spend two days in school and one day training with us."

“They are based in schools near their homes enabling them to join the course from across Dorset as well as parts of Wiltshire and Somerset. There is a shortage of primary school teachers in the country and we offer the only part time course in our area. It allows those in other jobs to make a career change and we welcome mature students as well as recent graduates."

“Being part of Southern Education Trust means we have great relationships with lots of schools and our students are able to take on a variety of placements. In the group about to qualify we have those who have worked as teaching assistants, in hospitality, retail, child care and administration."

“Those who study to be teachers a bit later in life often bring valuable skills and experiences to the classroom – and this benefits the schools. Our recruitment cycle is now open and we’d like to hear from anyone who would like to consider becoming a primary school teacher.”

Trainee Abi Vakatawa said:

“This course has been carefully designed to offer lots of opportunities to work alongside a wide range of inspirational experienced colleagues."

“We are constantly encouraged to stretch beyond our comfort zone but we always feel supported”.

For more information contact: info@castlemanlearning.co.uk

Photo: (l-r) Lou Evans, director, and to-be teachers Abi Vakatawa, Tuesday Phillips-Kiddle, Georgina Baker, Smanatha Cordwell, Brianda Byrne