UK first as University partners with Diocese in teacher training

Released: 07.04.15

The Diocese of Truro is working with the University to develop a School Direct initial teacher training scheme, the first of its kind in the country. 

Lead by senior headteachers, the first cohort of students are set to start in September and will undertake training places in schools and academies across the diocese. There are still places available for September and applications can be made through the UCAS website.

Simon Cade, Director of Education for the Diocese of Truro, said: “We believe we are the first diocese in the country to develop a School Direct partnership in this way with our local church-foundation university.

“School Direct is one of several routes now available to train to become a teacher. Our schools need a healthy flow of new entrants to the teaching profession, and those in the community who may feel their vocation is towards teaching in a church school environment need ways in which this calling can be expressed and developed.”

Revd Cade added: “Our faith underpins what we do and we are proud to offer Christian-based education to those who make this specific choice, but we welcome pupils from all faiths and none into our schools.”

There are 44 church schools and academies in the diocese ranging from very small village schools to larger town-based schools, and a range of school-to-school partnerships including several large multi-academy trusts. Trainees will be based at one lead school and will have the opportunity to work in at least one other, different setting during the course of their training year so that they gain a varied experience.

As well as an outstanding general training to become a primary teacher, the trainees will gain specific insight into teaching in schools whose values base is founded on their Christian ethos and distinctiveness.

There are still places available for September and applications can be made through the UCAS website.