Routes into teaching
Why choose us?
Train to teach with us and begin a fulfilling career in one of the South East's most ambitious multi-academy trusts. Whether you're a recent graduate, changing careers, or already working in education, we specialise in developing exceptional teachers and leaders across our family of schools in Kent, East Sussex and Bromley.
Key benefits of training with us include:
- Outstanding support from dedicated mentors
- Clear career progression across all our schools
- Collaborative and supportive working environment
- Desirable locations across our areas
- Research-engaged teaching practices
- Nationally-recognised training programmes
- Emphasis on vision, values and flexibility
- Extensive teacher training partnerships
Join our trust and experience 'teaching excellence' backed by comprehensive support. Our encouraging working environment and focus on wellbeing let you concentrate on what's essential - your progression as an educator and making a lasting difference in students' lives. With numerous career opportunities across our schools, we create the ideal setting for your teaching career to thrive.
Our training routes
1. School-based training (QTS with optional PGCE)
Perfect for graduates seeking hands-on classroom experience
- Blend practical teaching with academic study
- Potential to earn a PGCE alongside Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Choose from salaried and unsalaried options
- Train in partnership with prestigious universities
- Teach in your preferred phase and setting
- Expert mentorship from both school and university specialists
Apply here for teacher training - GOV.UK
2. Postgraduate teaching apprenticeship
Ideal for career changers or graduates seeking an employment-based route
- Earn a full salary whilst training
- Receive structured mentoring and support
- Partner with Teach in Kent or TES Apprenticeships
- Gain practical experience from day one
- 1 day a week release from timetable to undergo training
3. Assessment only route
Designed for experienced unqualified teachers
- Fast-track route to QTS
- Suitable for those with substantial classroom experience
- Requires minimum of 2 years' teaching experience
Financial support 2025/26
Substantial tax-free bursaries are available, including:
| Subject Areas | DfE Bursary |
|---|---|
| Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics | £29,000 |
| Biology, Design & Technology, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish) | £26,000 |
| Languages (Other, including ancient) | £26,000 |
| Art & Design, Music, Religious Education | £10,000 |
| English | £5,000 |
More information is available here: Teacher training bursaries - Get into Teaching GOV.UK
Start your journey
Application process
- Choose your preferred route and phase/subject
- Apply through DfE's Find Teacher Training service
- University interview (if applicable)
- School-based interview
- Offer and induction
Our partners
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- University of Sussex
- University of Brighton
- Kent Teaching School Hub
- Sussex Teacher Training
- Teach in Kent
- Teach First
- Teach Kent & Sussex
- KMT (Leigh Academies Trust)
Contact us
Ready to take the next step? Our team is here to help!
Email: teachertraining@swale.at
To help us provide you with the most relevant response, please provide the following information in your email:
| Information required | Your response |
|---|---|
| Full name | |
|
Contact number |
|
| Preferred phase | [Primary/Secondary] |
| (If Secondary) Subject interest | |
| Preferred training route/s | |
| Preferred training provider/university | |
| Current Status | [Current trainee/Prospective trainee/Career changer/Other] |
| How did you hear about us? |
Once we receive your email, a member of our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) team will aim to contact you within 2 working days to discuss your application and next steps.