ASPISIRING teachers are being invited along to information days at St John’s Academy in Marlborough after the recent announcement that a teacher training programme will be taking place from next year.

Excalibur Teaching School Alliance (TSA) will be offering the new courses from September 2017 at the Marlborough school. Following its designation as a National Teaching School Alliance in March, Excalibur TSA will be accepting applications for its new programme, looking to take on eager trainees.

Nicky Edmondson, principal of St John’s Academy, said: “Excalibur Teaching School Alliance is a really important step forward for St John’s because it means we can choose the very best talent and develop them into teachers. Being able to choose who we train as teachers helps us in delivering the best outcomes for the students.”

The programme by School Direct is open to recent graduates and to people looking for a career change, offering candidates the chance to become part of the education system from the very beginning with on-the-job training.

Sarah Frame, maths teacher at St John’s and director or Excalibur TSA, said: “If you want to help children and young people in your area to realise their ambitions and you feel you can inspire them to fulfil their potential, we want to hear from you.

“We are accepting applications from people who believe they have the potential to be brilliant teachers. Working in partnership with Bath Spa University and Bristol University, School Direct enables us to customise training to meet the needs of both the school and the trainee, who will gain practical experience from day one.”

Roughly 30,000 trainee teachers are needed to each year, with annual recruitment campaigns run by the National College of Teacher and Leadership (NCTL) there are hopes that more people will be taken on.

Kim Mitchell, a teaching and leadership advisor for NCTL, said: “Teaching is a fantastic career- it offers a competitive salary, flexibility and great opportunities for people seeking career progression. With the bursaries and scholarships on offer this year, more talented graduates will have the opportunity and support to become teachers and help young people reach their full potential.”

Regular events will be held at St John’s in Marlborough for people to find out more about becoming involved in the training programme. The first event is taking place next Friday from 10am-2.30pm. To book a place you can email admintsa@stjonhs.wilts.sch.uk