School-Led Primary Teacher Training

The Heath Academy Trust offers a school‑led PGCE programme that provides a personalised, nurturing and fully supported route into primary teaching. Working in partnership with the University of Winchester, the programme blends real classroom experience with high‑quality academic study—preparing you with confidence for the start of your teaching career.

Across our Trust of six schools, you will learn from outstanding, innovative and deeply committed teachers who are passionate about raising achievement and transforming children’s lives.

Our Partnership Schools

Trainees undertake placements across our six schools in Dorset:

• St Ives Primary and Nursery School
• St Mary’s CE First School and Nursery
• Oakhurst Community First and Nursery School
• Sixpenny Handley First School and Nursery
• Three Legged Cross First and Nursery School
• St James’ CE First School and Nursery

Where possible, we take travel considerations and your preferred key stages into account when allocating placements.

Why Train with Heath Academy Trust?

Immersive Classroom Experience

You will spend four days per week in school, experiencing real classroom life from the very start. This hands‑on approach enables you to learn directly from skilled practitioners, build strong relationships with pupils, and receive regular, supportive feedback to help you develop.

A Personalised and Well‑Supported Programme

Our school‑led route adapts to your individual needs, experience and confidence. Teaching responsibility increases gradually throughout the course, ensuring you develop competence and confidence at a pace that suits you.

Strong Academic and Professional Preparation

The programme prepares you to teach across the 5–11 primary age range. You will explore essential aspects of primary education, including:

• learning and teaching
• curriculum breadth and progression
• behaviour and classroom management
• assessment and inclusion
• the professional responsibilities of teaching

You will complete three assignments during the year, each closely linked to your school placements so that theory and practice work hand in hand. Academic and pastoral support is provided throughout.

Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP)

Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) are focussed weeks on placement which enable a deeper connection between theory and practice.  The ItaP weeks are strategically timed to focus on aspects of practice at influential points in the curriculum.  These foci are granular aspects of:  Behaviour Management, Modelling, Dialogic Teaching and Formative Assessment.

A Supportive, Caring Community

Your wellbeing is central to our approach. Trainees join a collaborative and inclusive environment where they are valued as part of the school community.

Ofsted

At its most recent Ofsted Inspection, The University of Winchester celebrated Exceptional grades for the categories of Inclusion and Professional Behaviours, personal development and wellbeing, as well as Strong grades for Achievement, Curriculum Teaching and Training and Leadership.  

Entry Requirements

You will need:

• A 2:2 Honours degree or above
• GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade C/4 or above

Previous classroom experience is useful but not essential. If you secure a place and wish to gain experience, we can help you arrange this within our partnership schools.

What We Look For

We welcome applicants who demonstrate:

• enthusiasm for teaching and working with children
• a genuine desire to nurture pupils and help them become the best they can be
• commitment to learning, reflection and professional growth
• interest in educational issues
• readiness to embrace the professional expectations of teaching

Qualifications

On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded by the University of Winchester:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Safer Recruitment

Heath Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, student teachers and volunteers to share this commitment. All applications are subject to rigorous safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, identity verification, reference checks, and scrutiny of employment history. Any gaps in employment will be explored at interview. Providing false information is an offence.   

How to Apply

Applications are made through the government’s Apply for Teacher Training website:
www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training

• Provider name: St Ives Primary School
• Course code: 3DJZ

For any questions or further information, please email office@stivesprimary.com or call 01425 475478.