Train to Teach
Kent Oaks Consortium Partnership offers three Teacher Training Routes:
- PGTA Post Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship
- Salaried School Direct
- School Choice.
Welcome to Kent Oaks Consortium
Knole Academy is proud to lead the Kent Oaks Consortium in partnership with the University of Sussex, offering a range of teacher training routes for aspiring educators. If you are passionate about becoming a teacher and want to gain practical, on-the-job training while earning a salary, we offer three pathways: the Post Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA), School Direct (Salaried), and School Choice (Tuition Fee-based).
Our consortium works closely with a network of outstanding schools, and we provide high-quality training led by experienced, inspiring and passionate teachers with outstanding pedagogical skills. The courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are an excellent pathway for those looking to start a rewarding career in teaching.
Available Teacher Training Routes for 2025-2026
Subjects Offered
Primary
- Early Years, KS1 & KS2
Secondary
- Art and Design
- English & Media
- Biology
- Geography
- Chemistry
- History
- Physics
- Latin & Classics
- Business Studies
- Mathematics
- Computing
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Design Technology
- Music
- Drama
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- English & Drama
Teacher Training Routes in Detail
What is a PGTA?
The PGTA is a work-based apprenticeship model where you will be employed as an unqualified teacher and study to earn your QTS. You’ll receive a salary while undertaking hands-on, school-based training. PGTA trainees often have prior experience as unqualified teachers or teaching assistants and will gradually take on more teaching responsibilities as their training progresses.
Training Structure
- On-the-job learning: Spend most of the year teaching in your main placement school, with a six-week second placement in a contrasting school.
- Off-the-job learning: One day a week at the University of Sussex for lectures, workshops, and seminars, plus self-study.
- Duration: 12 months
- Entry Requirements: Prior experience in education is beneficial, and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
- Funding: Schools may draw down the university tuition fee of £9,000 from the Apprenticeship Levy. For specific subjects, the DfE provides additional funding.
Subject-Specific Funding (2025-2026):
- £29,000 for Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics
- £26,000 for French, German, Spanish
- £17,000 for Biology, Design and Technology, Geography
- £1,000 for Art and Design, Music, Religious Studies
What is School Direct (Salaried)?
This route is for high-quality graduates with at least three years of work experience. You’ll be employed by a school as an unqualified teacher while training to achieve your QTS. This route is ideal for those who are looking to earn a salary while training.
Training Structure:
- On-the-job learning: Work four days a week at your school placement, with a second placement in another school in the spring term.
- Off-the-job learning: Attend the University of Sussex one day per week (Fridays) for training and reflection.
- Duration: 12 months
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a degree and relevant work experience. Right to Work in the UK is required.
- Funding: Schools may apply for grants from the DfE to cover the salary, on-costs, and university fees. The DfE also offers grants based on the subject taught.
Subject-Specific Funding (2025-2026):
- £29,000 for Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics
- £26,000 for Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Languages
- £10,000 for Art and Design, Music, Religious Education
- £5,000 for English
What is the School Choice Route?
The School Choice route is a tuition fee-based training model that combines school-based practice with academic learning at the University of Chichester. You’ll gain a deep understanding of teaching while working at a school four days a week and attending the university for training on Fridays.
Training Structure:
- Full-time: Four days a week in a school placement and one day at the University of Sussex.
- Part-time: In Year One, two days a week in school and one day at university. In Year Two, you’ll move to a second placement school for two days a week.
- Intensive Training and Practice Weeks (ITAP): Four weeks of intensive training throughout the course.
- Duration: 1-year full-time or 2 years part-time.
- Entry Requirements: Degree and passion for teaching. Right to Work in the UK is required.
- Funding: Trainees pay tuition fees, but bursaries and scholarships are available for certain subjects.
Bursaries and Scholarships (2025-2026):
- £29,000 for Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics
- £26,000 for Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Languages
- £10,000 for Art and Design, Music, Religious Education
- £5,000 for English
Further Funding & Support
- School Placement Funding: Schools hosting trainees can receive financial support, including placement payments of £2,000 per trainee and supply cover for mentors.
- Visa Sponsorship: The University of Sussex does not offer visa sponsorship for Apprenticeship or School Direct (Salaried) applicants, but may offer it for School Choice applicants.