Six newly qualified teachers attended a special graduation ceremony at Hartlepool’s West Park Primary School after completing Ad Astra Academy Trust’s Train to Teach programme.
Under the scheme, participants train on the job rather than go to university and no previous teaching experience is required.
One of the graduates – Caroline Hall – who previously worked in the financial sector for 30 years – has secured a job at Barnard Grove Primary School.
She said: “Completing the Train to Teach programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has challenged me, supported me and given me the knowledge and confidence to become a qualified teacher. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my teaching career.”
Fellow graduate Kayleigh Brown added: “My training journey has been incredibly rewarding. The guidance of experienced teachers and supportive mentors, combined with daily classroom experience, has given me the confidence and skills to begin my teaching career.”
Under the scheme, trainees graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust and the Train to Teach lead, said: “The graduation ceremony was a wonderful, celebratory occasion. All of our trainees have been totally committed to the programme over the last 10 months, and many have already secured teaching roles.”
There are four primary schools in Hartlepool under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View.
Anyone interested in the Train to Teach programme can apply from September 2027 by visiting www.adastraschools.org/about-us/scitt/
Alternatively, for more information, call 01429 282090 or email [email protected]
