Routes into teaching
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 2026/27
Substantial tax-free bursaries are available, including:
| Subject Areas | DfE Bursary |
|---|---|
| Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics | £29,000 |
| Design and Technology, Languages (including ancient languages) | £20,000 |
| Biology, Geography | £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 region | [Kent/East Sussex/Bromley] |
| 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.