Interested in becoming a Primary or Early Years Teacher?

  • Our inspirational Provider Led, School Based Programme is built on a long history of successful school based initial teacher training.  The majority of our schools are in Loughborough and the surrounding villages but we also have close links to other Leicestershire and Derbyshire Schools. See Our members for a list of member schools however we also work closely with other local schools who support us with placements.
  • We work alongside the University of Derby to enable trainees to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with 60 credits towards a Master’s degree too.
  • Trainees are placed in schools with high quality teachers, to acquire a wealth of practical experience in the classroom.

Why choose our course?

  • The Loughborough Learning Alliance has over 15 years experience in training teachers.
  • We have a fantastic track record of our trainees making excellent progress and achieving highly in their final assessments.
  • Practical teaching experience lies at the heart of all of our courses. High-quality placements in different educational settings which build skills in the classroom, supported by expert mentors.
  • We will support you every step of the way, with your own personal mentor and academic support from our partner University of Derby.
  • We also help you to prepare for and secure your first teaching role and many of the schools we work with are keen to employ our trainees.

What will the training be like?

  • Training lasts for one academic year starting at the end of August.
  • You can opt to focus on one of two different pathways: 3-7 or 5-11 pathway with the option of a SEND placement.
  • We organise 2 contrasting primary or special school placements to give you a range of experience over the year.
  • On average, you will be based for 4 days per week in your placement school, and the other day is spent at either St Botolph’s CofE Primary School doing Hub Sessions or the University of Derby undertaking core training.
  • The Hub Sessions are led by experienced and specialist leaders, including external facilitators, Headteachers, Specialist Leaders of Education and successful teachers.  During these sessions, you’ll learn about various subjects such as:
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Phonics
    • Classroom behaviour management
    • History
    • Art
    • Learning outside the classroom
    • Getting your first teaching job
    • Plus many more
  • While on the University of Derby days, you will be working towards your PGCE and QTS with lectures, seminars and tutorials taking place.
  • There is also the opportunity to complete Enhancement Placements in other types of schools.  If you’ve not spent time in a SEND setting, you will spend a week at Ashmount School, a Special School for Children from ages 4 to 19.  We work with lots of different schools to offer contrasting experiences.

What are the entry requirements?

  • You need a honours degree at a minimum of 2:2 or above.
  • GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics and Science.  If you’ve not got the grades, we accept equivalency tests taken through www.equivalencytesting.com.
  • Although not essential, we do recommend some recent experience of working within a School as this will help you to reflect on the profession and give you an understanding of the requirements needed to be an effective teacher.

How can I find out more?

  • To search for our course and to find out more, visit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training 
  • Formal applications need to be made via Apply for Teacher Training: https://www.apply-for-teacher-training.service.gov.uk/candidate/account
  • Once registered select Ashmount School as the lead school to apply for this Provider Led School Based programme with the LLA.
  • Successful candidates are invited to interview, more information regarding the interview process will be provided.
  • For an informal chat or to find out a bit more, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.

Here is what our past Beginning Teachers say about us….

  • “LLA went over and above to support me during my training year. The support, opportunities and experience they offered provided a holistic learning experience and being in school from day 1 provided so much practical experience which I still use on a daily basis.”
  • “Amazing support throughout my teacher training and through my NQT year. At hand throughout to ask questions and help. Very good for anyone interested din teaching as they have fantastic facilities and a great network of schools!”
  • “Training to teach with the LLA was a fantastic experience. I felt so supported by the both the LLA and in-school mentors, and made some great relationships with other trainee students. I would highly recommend this course as learning to teach is best with more time you spend in the classroom!”
  • “Doing my teacher training with the LLA was a great experience. Caring people all around, who truly wanted to champion each individual! Sessions with fellow trainees were great and also time with each other was so crucial to help us all develop as teachers!”
  • “The LLA, School Direct route was a brilliant way to develop on the job as a teacher in the classroom. During my training year I felt that the LLA staff and mentors were really supportive and willing to impart their expansive knowledge on the trainees. I was given many opportunities to enhance my pedagogy and put my new skills to practise within supportive school environments. The LLA encouraged us to flourish as teachers in the first stages of our career. I am very grateful for my time with them.”
  • “I spoke to several different providers, but the LLA came across as the most supportive experienced and caring. The best part of training on a School Direct course is you are on placement from day one to your last day of the course, this experience is invaluable, and I would highly recommend this route and the LLA as a provider. We were able to learn from experienced teachers both in school and in training sessions all of which I have put into practice in my first term as a new teacher.”