Why train with the Ashmount & Encompass Alliance?

• The Ashmount & Encompass Alliance comprises a consortium of schools in the East Midlands, led by Ashmount School, with considerable experience and expertise in initial teacher training.  The University of Derby, with its outstanding reputation in the field of initial teacher education and training, is the consortium’s higher education partner. University tutors will contribute to the academic and professional guidance available to trainees. 

• Together with our partner schools, we have a proven track record in school based initial teacher training.  We have 23 trainees currently on the School Direct programme and have over ten years’ experience of initial teacher training through Loughborough Encompass Partnership’s GTP.
• According to Teaching Agency statistics, our trainee retention and employment data is amongst the best in the sector.
• We have access to a diverse range of outstanding and good schools.
• The University of Derby, which will have responsibility for quality assuring the programme and delivering the M level curriculum, is an outstanding and highly experienced provider of initial teacher education and training.

What will the training involve?

• The training will last for an academic year starting in August and will involve considerable school based experience, typically four days a week, supported by a University Link Tutor
• Trainees will spend Terms 1 and 3 in their main school focusing on a specific key stage and will train in a contrasting context and key stage during Term 2. 
• Central training and M level teaching will be scheduled for one day a week throughout the year and will take place in Loughborough and at the University of Derby.
• All trainees will work with an experienced mentor.
• All trainees will spend one week in a special school.

What personal attributes, qualifications and experience are we looking for?

• Applicants should have motivation, commitment, resilience and an ability to inspire a love of learning, as these are key characteristics of successful completion of an initial teacher training programme and subsequent career progression. 
• Applicants will need to have GCSE grade C minimum (or equivalent) in English, maths and science;
• Applicants will be expected to have, or anticipate being awarded, a first degree at a minimum  of lower second class honours;
• Applicants should have a minimum of twenty days  recent observation and/or employment experience in primary schools;
• Applicants should be aware that DfE skills test passes in mathematics and English are an entry requirement.

How is the programme financed?

• Our 25 places are non-salaried.
• The programme fees are £9,000.
• Training bursaries of £9,000 for candidates with a first class degree and £4,000 for an upper second are available. Trainees can also access maintenance grants (see DfE website for further details - http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding).