What is Train to Teach?

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) is a key component of the Department for Education’s ‘Golden Thread’ of professional development, designed to equip aspiring teachers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in the classroom.

At Invictus Education Trust, we provide school-centred teacher training through the School Direct route, which offers a more immersive, hands-on approach to learning. Unlike university-led courses, School Direct training places you in the heart of the classroom from day one, ensuring you gain extensive real-world teaching experience while being fully supported by experienced teachers and dedicated mentors.

Why Choose School-Based Training?

Learn on the Job – Gain 120 days of practical classroom experience across two contrasting schools, giving you a comprehensive insight into teaching.

Be Part of a Team – From the very start, you’ll be fully integrated into school life, working alongside experienced teachers who will guide and mentor you every step of the way.

Expert-Led Academic Support – Our collaboration with Haybridge SCITT and Barr Beacon SCITT ensures that alongside practical training, you receive high-quality academic study, equipping you with the theory, research, and pedagogy to become an outstanding educator.

Specialist Mentoring & Assessment – You’ll receive expert guidance in classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment, with ongoing evaluations leading up to your final assessment against the Teachers' Standards, enabling you to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

A Seamless Career Progression – The knowledge and skills you develop during your training year will be further refined and supported through the Early Career Framework (ECF), ensuring a smooth transition into your first teaching role.

Building a Strong Teaching Workforce

At Invictus Education Trust, our goal is to train and retain the very best teachers to work within our local schools and the wider region. We collaborate with Primary and Secondary schools not only within our own trust but also across the West Midlands, offering impartial guidance and personalised support to help you explore the best teacher training options.

Our primary objective is simple:
To provide high-quality training and support that empowers our trainees to become exceptional educators, making a real impact in the communities they serve.

Start Your Teaching Journey with Invictus

Training to teach is more than just a course—it’s the start of a lifelong career of inspiration, ambition, and transformation. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take the next step, we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Discover your future in teaching—apply today!
 

How to Apply – A Simple and Streamlined Process

We understand that choosing to train as a teacher is a significant step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our application process is straightforward, efficient, and designed to help you get started on your teaching journey with confidence.

Step 1: Get in Touch for a Personalised Discussion

We encourage all prospective trainees to contact us for an informal conversation about your ambitions to train as a teacher. This allows us to provide tailored advice and guidance to support your application.

As part of this initial stage, we offer a half-day experience tailored to your needs, which may include:
✔ An overview of our training programme – Learn about what we offer and how our programme will prepare you for a successful teaching career.
✔ Classroom Observation – Experience the school environment first-hand by observing teachers and students in action.
✔ Support in arranging a ‘School Experience’ week – If you need more time in the classroom, we can help organise valuable experience within our schools.
✔ Q&A Session – Get answers to any questions that may influence your decision to pursue teacher training.

Need additional classroom experience?
If you have limited experience in schools, we recommend the School Experience Programme run by the Department for Education, which can provide valuable insight into school life before you apply.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you're ready to apply, your application will be reviewed by Invictus Education Trust to ensure you meet the necessary selection criteria before moving to the next stage.

As part of your application, we require:
✔ Two references – One must be an academic reference from your university, and the second can be from an employer or a teacher from a school where you have completed school experience.
✔ Evidence of meeting entry requirements – Including relevant qualifications and subject knowledge.

Step 3: Interview & Offer Decision

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with our experienced selection panel. If successful, final offers will be made by the school.

From initial enquiry to interview, we make the process clear, supportive, and designed to help you succeed.

Ready to start your teaching journey? Contact us today!

Funding Your Training

Embarking on a teaching career not only offers the chance to inspire young minds but also comes with financial incentives to support your journey. The Department for Education provides tax-free bursaries and scholarships for trainees in specific subjects for the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

Bursaries:

• £29,000: Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics
• £26,000: Biology, Design and Technology, Geography, Languages (including ancient languages)
• £10,000: Art and Design, Music, Religious Education
• £5,000: English

Scholarships:

• £31,000: Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Physics
• £28,000: French, German, Spanish

Scholarships are awarded by professional bodies and offer additional benefits such as subject-specific support, mentoring, and networking opportunities. They are typically available to applicants with at least a 2:1 honours degree, though those with a 2:2 and significant relevant experience may also be considered.

Please note that trainees cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship. Eligibility depends on your highest relevant academic award and the subject you plan to teach. For detailed information on eligibility criteria and application processes, visit the Get Into Teaching website.

By choosing to train with Invictus, you'll not only benefit from our comprehensive programmes but also have the opportunity to access these substantial financial supports, paving the way for a fulfilling and impactful teaching career.
 

Teacher Pension Scheme

The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) stands as one of the most generous and secure pension arrangements in the UK, offering educators a robust foundation for their retirement. As of 2025, the TPS provides a defined benefit pension plan, ensuring predictable and stable income upon retirement.

Key Features of the Teachers' Pension Scheme:

• Salary-Based Benefits: Your pension is calculated based on your teaching salary, not the amount you've contributed, ensuring a reliable income that reflects your career earnings.
• Tax Efficiency: Contributions to the TPS are deducted from your salary before tax, reducing your taxable income and making your pension savings tax-efficient.
• Flexible Retirement Options: The scheme offers flexibility, allowing you to take a portion of your pension as a tax-free lump sum upon retirement.

Contribution Rates:

As of April 2025, the contribution rates are structured to ensure the scheme's sustainability while remaining affordable for members. The rates are tiered based on your annual salary, with higher earners contributing a slightly higher percentage. For instance, those earning up to £34,289.99 contribute at a rate of 7.4%, while salaries above £98,909.00 are subject to a 12% contribution rate.

Pension Increases:

Pensions in payment are adjusted in line with inflation to maintain their value over time. For the 2024-2025 scheme year, pensions saw an increase of 6.7%, reflecting the rise in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).

Retirement Planning:

The TPS offers resources to help you plan your retirement effectively. Tools like the Benefit Statement RSS, available through the My Pension Online (MPO) portal from February 2025, allow you to project your pension benefits and make informed decisions about your retirement.

By participating in the Teachers' Pension Scheme, you're investing in a secure and rewarding future, ensuring peace of mind as you dedicate your career to educating others.