A group of schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool is offering people the opportunity to join a training programme and become a teacher within just ten months.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella, is appealing for people to come forward for its ‘Train to Teach’ programme for the 2027/28 academic year.

Under the scheme, participants train on the job rather than go to university and no previous teaching experience is required.

The programme has an impressive success rate with the large majority of previous trainees acquiring teaching jobs at the end of the ten-month scheme.

Helen Durnion, School Improvement Lead for Ad Astra Academy Trust and the course lead, said: “The programme offers an alternative to going to university to obtain a teaching degree. There is also the advantage that people train on the job four days of the week in the classroom which is great preparation for when they become newly qualified teachers.”

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Sam Marino, Deputy Headteacher at Hartlepool’s West Park Primary School, who is involved in the programme, said: “We’re really passionate about attracting the next generation of teachers and showcasing the fantastic training opportunities we offer across our local schools.

“Trainees are supported every step of the way as they gain valuable experience across our group of schools. Once qualified, our new teachers can start earning at least £32,000 and build a meaningful career inspiring children and young people.

One of last year’s trainees – Caroline Hall – who secured a job at Hartlepool’s Barnard Grove Primary School said: “Completing the Train to Teach programme has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has challenged me, supported me and given me the knowledge and confidence to become a qualified teacher. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my teaching career.”

Trainees graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Applicants need to have a degree and a GCSE (grade 4 or higher) in Maths, English and Science for the Train to Teach programme.

Anyone interested in the Train to Teach programme can apply by visiting www.adastraschools.org/about-us/scitt/apply