Teacher Training - Testimonials
Are you considering a career in teaching? The best way to find out if it's for you is to experience it first-hand.
We are pleased to offer a series of School Experience Mornings across our Trust. See below the schools and the links to book your place.
Read More About the School Experience Days
These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to:
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Observe lessons in a real classroom environment.
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Talk with experienced teachers and staff about their roles.
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Tour the school and see our facilities.
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Ask questions about teacher training and life in our schools.
Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
You are welcome to attend one or more of these sessions to get a feel for different settings, from primary through to secondary and the local UTC.
To book your place now!
"As Teacher Development Trust Lead, I see first-hand the transformative impact the United Teacher Training Programme has on educators at every stage of their journey. It’s particularly well-suited to individuals who are passionate about developing their practice, open to reflection, and ready to deepen both their confidence and their impact in the classroom.
What makes the Programme stand out is that it doesn’t just offer theory - it provides practical, structured development that can be immediately applied. Trainees are supported, challenged and equipped with tools that strengthen not only their teaching skills, but also their leadership presence and professional identity.
The United Teaching Training Programme, in collaboration with Northern Schools Trust, is ideal for individuals who want sustained growth, meaningful collaboration and a clear pathway for progression. It creates reflective, skilled practitioners who are ready to make a lasting difference for their learners."
- Katie Small, Teacher Development Trust Lead
The decision to train as a teacher raises many questions: What is the training really like? How will I be supported? Will I manage the workload? The testimonials below answer these questions directly, through the words of our current trainees. They speak openly about their motivations for choosing a school-led route, the mentorship they receive, and how the programme balances professional demands with wellbeing.
About Your Background and Motivation
Q: What attracted you to the United Teaching programme with Northern Schools Trust?
"Whilst completing a PhD, I came to realise that my favourite part of it was not the research, but the teaching responsibilities. I wanted a programme that would allow me to get teaching as soon as possible, and one where I could earn whilst I learnt. The United Teaching programme has allowed me to do this. I have been able to learn, quickly, how to be an effective educator, running and planning lessons totally independently from almost day one."
- KP, Science Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School
Experience of the Training Programme
Q: How would you describe your overall experience of the programme so far?
"Training with the NST has been a challenging experience, certainly, but incredibly rewarding at the same time. I’ve been able to work alongside experienced and knowledgeable colleagues who have helped me to develop my practice every day. There is also a really nice sense of community among the trainees at the NST; we’re all very much in this together, and having other people around you with whom you can talk, vent, and share ideas, is so helpful. Most importantly, working with the amazing pupils at NST schools has been such a privilege; they are endlessly talented and curious, and getting to know them as pupils and as people has been a wonderful experience."
- AC, History Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School
Mentoring and Support
Q: How does the programme support trainee wellbeing and work–life balance?
"Being paired with a mentor has helped me gain confidence in my teaching through regular observations and meetings. Outside of this formal relationship, I really appreciate having someone I can go to to discuss any issues with who will patiently discuss the next steps with me. My mentor also ensures that I am getting the support I need from the wider school community, helps me keep track of deadlines, and ensures that my workload is manageable."
- KP, Science Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School
Professional Development and Classroom Practice
Q: What key skills have you developed during your training so far?
"The training programme has enabled me to develop a clear understanding of certain pedagogical approaches and behaviour management strategies. The weekly sessions are informative, and my mentors are excellent at providing clear and practicable advice on how to solve problems and improve my performance in the classroom. Each week, trainees are introduced to a new element of effective teaching practice and are given plenty of opportunities to practice these techniques before applying them in the classroom. For example, I am now much more confident in scaffolding knowledge for pupils with SEND, modelling key skills, and maintaining consistent routines; all of these techniques were explicitly taught during the training sessions, so I can see my practice improving week-by-week."
- AC, History Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School
Reflections and Advice
Q: What has been the highlight of your training year so far?
"Although teaching, like any job, has its ups and downs, I have really felt myself grow as an educator. This programme has made me work on specific skills, that one by one, are becoming second nature to me. Although I have not been teaching for long, I can already see a steady, measurable, improvement in my abilities."
- KP, Science Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School
"My advice to anyone considering an application is to go for it. The best way to learn to teach is by throwing yourself into the classroom. It’s not easy; you will make mistakes. But every single mistake I have made this year (and there have been many, many mistakes!) has made me a better, more resilient teacher. You will have the specialist training to develop your practice, and the support around you to help you through the tough days. I’m very thankful to have had such a positive training year, and I’d encourage anyone considering teacher training to apply."
- AC, History Trainee Teacher at Gateacre School