Teacher Training in the North West
Transform the future and lives of young children in your local community with our expert-led, in-school teacher training course across the North West.
Train to Teach with Forward as One
Train to Teach with Forward as One and develop the knowledge, skills and classroom experience you need to become a confident, qualified teacher.
Our school-based teacher training programme gives you the opportunity to learn in real school environments, supported by experienced mentors and educational professionals. You'll combine practical classroom experience with high-quality professional studies as you work towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Whether you're a graduate taking your first steps in the classroom, or you're already working in a school and looking to progress your career, we're here to support you.
Why choose Forward as One?
At Forward as One, we're passionate about helping you flourish throughout all of you teaching career, even at the beginning. With one team, one mission and one family at the heart of everything we do, you'll join a supportive community that is committed to developing and retaining great teachers.
In partnership with Ambition Institute, our school-based ITT programme combines high-quality training with hands-on classroom experience, helping you to gain the skills you need to begin your career as a teacher.
Our support doesn't just stop when your teacher training ends. As you progress into an Early Career Teacher, you can continue your professional development with our Learn team.
Teacher Training across Greater Manchester
Looking for teacher training near you? At Forward as One, we have a variety of our own trust schools across Greater Manchester, as well as some fantastic partner schools, allowing you to develop your teaching experience within a community local to you.
Our placement school network is based across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Radcliffe, Tameside, Accrington, Preston and South Ribble.
We will work with you to identify suitable placement opportunities based on your location and programme requirements.
From Teaching Assistant to Teacher
Through supporting pupils, working alongside teachers and being part of school life, you will have already developed the valuable skills and experience needed to become a great teacher.
With our teacher training programme, you can build on this experience and make an even bigger difference in the lives of children in your community.
What is School-Based Teacher Training?
School-based teacher training is a type of formal education that gives you the opportunity to learn in an environment where you can put your skills into practice: the classroom.
Throughout the programme, you will combine hands-on classroom experience with high-quality professional development. This will allow you to learn from professional, all while putting your growing knowledge to practice.
School-based training is a practical and supportive route into teaching, helping you to flourish in real life classroom environments.
Your Teacher Training at a Glance
Our school-based teacher training combines practical classroom experience with dedicated training, mentoring and ongoing support, helping you gradually build the skills you need to be a great teacher.
4 Days in a School
You will spend four days each week in a school, gaining hands-on classroom experience and putting your learning into practice.
1 Dedicated Training Day
One day each week will be focused on professional development, building on the skills that underpin great teaching.
11 Months of Training
Complete your training in just 11 months! You will grow from a trainee to a confident classroom practitioner.
Regular Mentoring
Receive ongoing support from an experience mentor, with opportunities to discuss your progress, challenges and next steps.
Feedback to Help You Grow
Receive regular, constructive feedback throughout your training, helping you reflect on your practice and continually develop.
Expert Guidance & Support
Throughout your training, you will be supported by experienced teachers and professionals who are invested in helping you flourish.
Do I Need to do Teacher Training to Become a Teacher?
If you're looking to begin a career in teaching, completing an approved teacher training programmes is one of the main routes to obtaining QTS.
If you have already completed a university course that included teacher training and led to QTS, you won't need to complete an ITT programme.
If you didn't achieve QTS, you will likely need to complete an approved teacher training programme to become a qualified teacher, although it is worth noting that QTS is not a legally required in every type of school in England.
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Teacher Training Entry Requirements
Thinking about applying for our teacher training programme? Before you begin your application, there are a few entry requirements you'll need to meet:
A degree of 2:2 or higher
You'll need a UK bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification of 2:2 or higher.
Your degree does not have to be in education. While this would be beneficial for you on the course, it is not a necessity.
GCSE Qualifications
You will need a grade 4/C or above in GCSE English, Maths and Science, or an accepted equivalent qualification.
If you don't have the required GCSE, you can still apply, but you will need to complete an equivalency test in your missing GCSE.
International Qualifications:
If you completed your qualifications outside of the UK, you may need to apply for a Statement of Comparability from UK ENIC to show how your qualifications compare with UK ones. UK ENIC Is the official UK service for recognising and comparing international qualifications.
We high recommend you look into equivalency tests and Statements of Comparability before you apply.
Your Experience and References
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details about your work history and experience.
If you already work in a school, your experience can provide you with valuable insights into the education sector.
You will also need to provide at least two references. These will likely include professional and character references. If you have already worked in a school, or you have just graduated from university, you may also need academic and school-experience references.
Right to Study and Work in the UK
Your eligibility to train will depend on your UK residency, immigration or Visa status where applicable.
Applications from outside of the UK and Ireland should always check whether they require a Visa before applying.
Please note, we cannot provide Visa Sponsorships.
Not sure you meet the requirements?
If you're not sure if you meet he requirements, don't let that stop you from exploring your options. If you're unsure whether your experience or qualifications meet the entry requirements, please feel free to get in touch with our team. We can talk through your specific circumstances and help outline what your next steps would be.
How to Apply for Teacher Training
Ready to start your teaching journey with Forward as One? All applications for teacher training in England are made through the Department for Educations' Apply for Teacher Training service, but getting started with us is simple.
Create an Account with Ambition Institute
When you're ready to apply, you can create an account on Ambition Institute's portal.
Once your account is set-up, you can then apply on the DfE website and choose Learn with FA1 as your preferred training provider.
Alternatively, you can apply to us directly on the DfE site.
Submit Your Application to Us
Once you're happy with your application, submit it through the DfE service.
We highly recommend applying as soon as you're ready rather than waiting until later in the recruitment cycle. Teacher training spaces usually fill up quickly!
Your Next Steps with Forward as One
Once we've received your application, our team will review it and if you are successful, we will be in touch to arrange an interview.
From application to training and beyond, we're here to support you as you take the first steps towards becoming a fully qualified primary teacher.
Frequently asked questions:
Who are Ambition Institute?
Ambition Institute is a national educational charity, providing training and professional development based on the most rigorous research and evidence about what works to shape the future of education.
Their programmes are designed to equip educators to tackle the challenges they face. Ambition Institute's approach is based on sound evidence of what works, providing practical tools to make an even bigger impact in the classroom and across the school. They firmly believe in ensuring we Keep Getting Better.
Is there an age limit on training to teach?
There is no upper age limit to becoming a teacher! As long as you meet the entry requirements, you age is not factored in when you apply for teacher training.
We see trainees coming into teaching at different stages of their lives, and the skills and experience older applicants bring can oftentimes be extremely beneficial.
Whether you've been working as a TA for many years, or you're looking to change your career, we welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds.
How long does training take?
The length of your training will depend on the duration of the course.
The full-time route is 11 months long, and part-time is 22 months as it is spread across two academic years rather than just one.
Is funding available for teacher training?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for student finance and other financial support schemes.
Get Into Teaching has a handy guide on maintenance loans that you can check before you apply.
Do I need previous classroom experience to apply for teacher training?
Do I need to live in the North West to train with Forward as One?
Our teacher training is delivered through our network of partner schools across the North West, so you will need to be able to travel to your training and school placements.
If you're unsure whether your location would be suitable, get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss the areas in which we currently offer training.
Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey?
If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take the next steps towards becoming a teacher, we'd love you to begin your journey with us!
Your classroom. Your career. Your next chapter.
Need some more guidance? Complete our short form below and our team will get back to you!