Trainee Secondary Teacher - UK locations

Trainee Secondary Teacher

One-year QTS and PGCE programme | September 2027

Locations: Birmingham, Hastings, London, Milton Keynes, Pontefract, Portsmouth and Tunbridge Wells

Format: One year, school-based. QTS and PGCE awarded on successful completion.

Funding and fees: Postgraduate Apprenticeship route available in subjects outside of STEM, which allows you to earn while you learn. You’ll receive a salary on the unqualified teacher pay scale from £23,157, depending on location

Apply by: ASAP

Use what you know. Help young people discover what they can do.

Looking for a career that combines your subject knowledge with working with young people? Ark Teacher Training brings together classroom practice and teaching theory to help you take your first steps into secondary teaching.

Whether you’re finishing university, have already graduated or are changing careers, explore the subject route that fits your qualifications. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with maths and science-related backgrounds, alongside applicants for other available subjects.

Your training

Train at an Ark or partner school, with daily professional development to build your teaching skills. Work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in one year.

Ark is an education charity working to transform children’s lives. Train in an Ark or partner school and help make its ambition a reality: a great education for every child, regardless of background.

What you’ll learn and do

• Learn to plan, prepare and teach lessons that make your subject accessible and help pupils progress.
• Create a supportive classroom for pupils with different backgrounds and learning needs.
• Develop your approach to classroom behaviour and contribute to a positive school environment.
• Take part in daily professional development and contribute to the wider school.

What you’ll need

• A bachelor’s degree, completed before August 2027.
• A degree or A level in the subject you want to teach, or a related subject.
• GCSE Maths and English Language at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
• The right to work in the UK until the programme ends in August 2028.

You’ll also bring a genuine interest in teaching, commitment to young people, a strong work ethic, resilience and high personal and professional standards.

Not sure which teaching subject fits your background? Start with Ark’s subject guidance.

Ready to explore teaching? Check Ark’s subject guidance and application process, then apply through the Department for Education, selecting Ark Teacher Training and your intended subject and location.

Ark welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.