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What is Initial Teacher Training?
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is a comprehensive program designed to equip aspiring teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to begin their teaching careers.
Trainees learn about pedagogy, classroom management, subject-specific teaching strategies, and the broader educational context.
Successful completion of ITT leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), allowing you to teach in schools across England and Wales.
ITTECF
In January 2024, the Department for Education announced a new framework that will help ensure high-quality teaching and improve pupil outcomes.
This new Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) combines and updates the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (CCF) and the Early Career Framework (ECF). It will ensure that all new teachers receive three or more years of training underpinned by the best available evidence.
Our ITT Offer
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is provided in partnership with Ambition Institute, England’s largest professional development provider.
We provide Initial Teacher Training in Wearside and Teesside, providing a unique school-based learning opportunity where you will train in a highly personal, supportive and creative environment, with purpose and challenge at the heart of it all
Our partnership with Ambition Institute combines an evidence-based curriculum, designed by educational experts, with immersive classroom experience. Trainees will also have the support of expert mentors to aid their development on the programme, joining us in our mission to help all young people fulfil their potential and get the best possible start in life.
Trainees will complete most of their training in their main placement school and gain further skills and experience in a contrasting school. This school-based approach will give trainees immediate opportunities to practise the theory they’ve learnt in a classroom and allow them to build relationships with their pupils, teachers, staff, and the wider school community. By the end of their 12-month training, they’ll have the confidence to teach in a classroom independently.
Upon completion of the programme, you will gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and 60 credits towards a Master’s Degree, awarded in partnership with Liverpool Hope University, ready to kickstart your career and find your place in teaching.
These qualifications will help you thrive in the classroom and start earning a minimum starting salary of £30,000 once qualified.
Tuition fees and maintenance loan for 2025 to 2026
All trainees will need to pay tuition fees unless you are a salaried trainee and your school has explicitly offered to pay your fees. Tuition fees for our Teacher Training programme are £9,535. If you are enrolled on an unsalaried place, you may be able to apply for government funding to cover the costs of your tuition fees.
You may also apply for a maintenance loan of up to £13,762 to help with your living costs. You can do this even if you already have a student loan, regardless of whether you get a teaching bursary or scholarship. You will then only have to make loan repayments once you are earning.
To check if you’re eligible to apply for tuition fees and maintenance loans, please visit Gov.uk
Bursaries for 2025 to 2026
£29,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
£26,000 in biology, geography and languages
£10,000 in art and design
£5,000 in English
Scholarships for 2025 to 2026
£31,000 in chemistry, computing, mathematics and physics
£28,000 in French, German and Spanish (no other languages)
You do not need to pay back a bursary or scholarship.
Eligibility
Check your eligibility for bursaries and scholarships here. You must be eligible for student finance to receive a bursary or scholarship. The only exception to this is if you are training to teach physics or languages.
You cannot receive both a teaching bursary and a scholarship. Additionally, you cannot receive a bursary, scholarship or student loan if you’re on a salaried teacher training placement.
You can get a bursary or scholarship as well as any tuition fee loan and maintenance loan.
Non-UK citizens
Most non-UK citizens will not be eligible for financial support from the UK government. However, if you are applying to train to teach languages or physics you may be entitled to a bursary up to the value of £29,000 or a scholarship worth up to £31,000 for physics or £28,000 for French, German and Spanish. You cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship.
If you are not eligible for financial support, you will need to cover the cost of your tuition fees and living costs for the duration of the training programme.
For non-UK citizens and salaried placements, the tuition fee can be paid in three instalments across the school terms.
Full-time trainees: £9,535
Broken into 3 payments (October: 25%, February: 25%, May: 50%)
Payments will be due at the end of the month in October, February, and May.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the course last?
Your training programme will be a full time, 1 year course. Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded with Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Level 7) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). We have an excellent track record in professional career support to enable you to progress to your first teaching post.
When will I start?
The course is full time and runs from September until the end of June. The majority of that time will be spent in schools and classrooms, putting theory into practice through engaging with pupils and staff.
Will I have a home school where I will spend most of my time?
You will spend a substantial amount of time in your ‘home’ school where an induction programme will ensure that you understand the key systems and processes and help you to feel part of the school. You will be treated as a member of staff from the first day, joining in with the routines set by the school. Alongside being school based, trainees also attend Professional Studies sessions to develop their knowledge of theory behind classroom practice.
How will I access my study?
At the start of the year, you will receive extensive training to prepare you for your time in the classroom. Throughout your training year you will take part in school-based sessions and workshops with fellow trainees to embed the key pedagogical strategies that underpin the work of successful teachers. Your mentor will support you with bespoke feedback and guidance that will help you to reflect on what you have learned and develop further your understanding of effective classroom practice.
Will I have a mentor to support me?
Yes! You will be assigned a mentor within your training school who support you, offer advice and act as a further source of professional advice.
Alternative Training Paths
In our region, there are numerous routes into teaching, offering a variety of options for aspiring educators. Below, you’ll find information on various providers for both Primary and Secondary training in and around Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside.
In addition to our own Initial Teacher Training programme—Northern Lights ITT —we collaborate with a range of local and national providers to deliver exceptional teacher training opportunities. Together, we strive to inspire and equip future teachers for a successful career in education. Remember, you can apply to more than one provider to find the best fit for your aspirations.
Within the region, there are various routes into teaching. Click here for a list of providers for both Primary and Secondary training in and around Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside.
Grants and bursaries are available for many students, including to support with childcare if required. Please contact us to find out more.
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Get in touch
If you have an enquiry, please get in touch with us via email tshinfo@nllt.co.uk or by phone, or fill in the form below.
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Contact
Seaham Site: Spectrum Business Park,
Building 2, Lighthouse View, Seaham,
SR 7 7PR
tshinfo@nllt.co.uk
0191 9336771
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