Start your teacher training journey with Lift Schools: Train to teach primary

Are you looking to become a Primary Teacher and start a rewarding career in education?

Our school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme gives you the opportunity to learn directly in the classroom, supported by experienced teachers and mentors. Delivered in partnership with Ark Teacher Training, working towards your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You will spend the majority of your time gaining practical classroom experience, putting pedagogical theory into practice, and building your teaching confidence throughout the school year.

Programme key details

Role title: Trainee Primary Teacher (Tuition Fee)
Qualifications earned: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) & Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Programme duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
Key dates: Summer School (2 – 13 August 2027)

Why choose our Initial Teacher Training Programme?

Our school-based teacher training gives you the perfect balance of practical classroom experience and expert academic grounding:

£3,000 Lift Schools bursary: to support your training costs we offer our primary trainees a unique non-repayable bursary
Practical classroom experience: Gain hands-on teaching practice as an unqualified primary teacher, backed by dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring.
Fully supported progression: Your personal tutor and in-school coach guide you as you gradually take on more independent teaching responsibility.
Network & community: Spend half a day every week in dedicated training sessions alongside fellow trainees from across the Ark Teacher Training and Lift Schools networks.

What the Teacher Training Programme includes

Two-week Summer School (August 2027)

Prepare for your training year with two weeks of focused learning. Our Summer School (2 – 13 August 2027) helps you enter the classroom with a strong foundation in educational theory, lesson planning, and behaviour management.

Personalised mentoring & coaching

You will never feel on your own. A dedicated subject tutor and in-school mentor provide ongoing advice, weekly feedback, and tailored career support.

Targeted weekly training

Weekly training modules enhance the practical teaching skills you apply in the classroom every day.

Nationwide support network

Connect with current trainees and alumni across our 62 schools nationwide. As part of Lift Schools, you will benefit from a collaborative peer network throughout your training year and into your Early Career Framework (ECF) years.

Recognised PGCE & QTS qualifications

Graduate with both a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for our Primary Teacher Training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Degree: An undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or equivalent) by the start of the programme.
GCSEs: Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English, Mathematics & Science (or equivalent).
Status: Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
Teaching status: Must not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

About our school

Lift Berkeley is a forward-thinking, innovative school that recognises children's personal strengths and talents and creates opportunities to help maximize their potential. Our children are positive and enthusiastic learners and our staff are welcoming, caring, hard-working and supportive. Our school is a thriving, relational school, with a strong culture for cultivating joy. Our school moto is that ‘if children are happy, they will achieve' and this can be felt throughout our team.

Our commitment to equal opportunities

We are committed to building a diverse teaching workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We provide robust support systems to ensure every trainee teacher reaches their full potential regardless of background.

Ready to train to teach?

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education. Join our Primary Teacher Training Programme:

Lift Berkeley

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Trainee Primary Teacher (Initial Teacher Training) - Tuition Fee route (H655)