Train to Teach
Ascend School-Centred Initial Teacher Training.
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation and make a real difference, now is the time to train to teach with Ascend Learning Trust. Our school-based programme, delivered in partnership with Teach First, gives you the skills, support, and experience to thrive in the classroom from day one.
Make a real impact in your community?
Be in the classroom from day one?
Learn from national experts and be supported by experienced local teachers?
Who we are...
At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in creating a sense of belonging for everyone.
We deliver a holistic, world-class education to all young people, regardless of their background or challenges, so they leave us with the outcomes and confidence to thrive.
We’re looking for ambitious, compassionate, and dedicated individuals to join our team.
Together, we foster a culture of inclusivity, high expectations, and limitless horizons.
We support our people to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
We’re proud of the difference we make — together.
Belong. Believe. Become.
Why train with Ascend?
✅ Complete your training in just one year and start earning £30,000+ as a qualified teacher.
🏫 Train with Teach First, the UK’s largest and Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ provider.
🤝 Receive year-long support from a subject mentor and lead mentor.
🌱 Access high-quality professional development across the Ascend Learning Trust.
👩🏫 Learn by doing—gain real classroom experience from day one.
Where will you train and teach?
You’ll spend most of your training in real classrooms across at least two schools within the Ascend Learning Trust. These placements are carefully chosen to suit your subject, location, and training needs, with consideration for your work-life balance.
Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by expert in-school mentors and a dedicated central Trust team. You’ll be fully immersed in school life, gradually building your confidence and skills through observation, feedback, and hands-on teaching experience.
Our placement schools
Kingsbury Green Academy
Kingsbury Green Academy
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
Noremarsh Junior School
Noremarsh Junior School
Wellington Lions Primary Academy
Wellington Lions Primary Academy
The Wellington Academy
The Wellington Academy
Lawn Manor Academy
Lawn Manor Academy
Wellington Eagles Primary Academy
Wellington Eagles Primary Academy
What will your year look like?
Training with Ascend Learning Trust, in partnership with Teach First, leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE in just one year. The programme is built around Teach First’s expertly designed curriculum, which is carefully sequenced to support your development at every stage.
You’ll spend four days a week in your placement school from mid-September to July, supported by a dedicated mentor. One day a week is reserved for professional development, delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions. You’ll also complete six weeks in other educational settings to broaden your experience.
The year begins with two weeks of intensive training focused on core teaching skills, with two further intensive weeks later in the year. Throughout, you’ll work closely with experienced teachers, gradually building your confidence and expertise in the classroom
Experience it for yourself
Our programme is designed to build, gradually and all trainees are fully supported by expert colleagues to ensure their well-being and workload are prioritised and managed throughout.
If you’re considering a career in education, we invite you to spend a day in an Ascend school. You’ll observe lessons, meet students and staff, and get a real insight into what it’s like to train and teach with us.
📧 Email us: alt-scitt@ascendlearningtrust.org.uk
📞 Call: 01793 487286.
Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know
At Ascend, we are looking for individuals who will commit to our vision, to create a sense of belonging for everyone. So that all our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or what challenges they may have faced.
Trainees should agree with our values of Compassion, Aspiration, Respect, Dedication, and Integrity. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to upholding high expectations and high standards for all.
- You will need to hold an undergraduate degree, or equivalent.
- You will need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience.
- If you need to improve your subject knowledge, you may be asked to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.
- To teach secondary you will need to hold a Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification. To teach Primary, you will also need Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE.
- Sorry, we will not consider candidates with pending GCSEs. Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to Maths and English GCSEs.
- Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by ENIC to ensure they meet programme
The Department of Education (DfE) Teacher Training is for postgraduate teacher training programmes in England and Wales.
Click here to get started: Apply for teacher training – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This is where you need to search and select Ascend Learning Trust as your Initial Teacher Training provider.
Search for Ascends training programmes with the Department for Education’s Find postgraduate teacher training courses – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) service. You can search by typing in: Ascend Learning Trust (4A5) as a training provider.
You can visit Get Into Teaching, the Department for Education’s free support and advice service.
A specialist adviser will help you prepare your application and advise you on funding options (including loans and tax-free bursaries and scholarships). You can also book school experience and access teaching events.
Study mode: Full-time
Study level: Postgraduate
Course type: School-centred
Qualifications gained: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)
Student loans: Yes (Both for tuition fees and maintenance)
Application method: Find our programme here by searching – Ascend Learning Trust (4A5)
Classroom experience: Preferred Yes – but not essential
Fees: £9,250
Fees for International Students: £10,950
Funding: Click to find out about Funding your training
More information: Click to visit the Get into Teaching page
Apply now: Click for Postgraduate Teacher Training
In partnership with Teach First, we offer a one-year, school-centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE.
You can find more information here about Teach First: Become a Teacher in your local community with SCITT | Teach First
