The routes into teaching have become a minefield of different options available. All very similar in many ways. School Direct is an option that was introduced in September 2013 as a school based PGCE route into teaching that can achieve the full amount of qualifications that a normal PGCE can.
The route allows you to be immersed within school life from day one. It is a very ‘hands on’ route into teaching that allows trainees to feel as though they are part of the school team from day one joining in a period with new staff and ECTs. School Direct Hubs work in partnership with a University which in essence gives you the best of both worlds. You get the support with assignments and library facilities from the University as well as the support from practicing practitioners within the school. Sessions will be a mixture of University tutors and school based teachers offering a mixture of research based theories and tried and tested strategies. The amount of support doubles with this option.
The School Direct Hub team will work with a group of schools that they are close to and have good communication with. This means that if the trainee needs support, the Hub and placement school will work hard together to provide this and make the course bespoke for your needs.
An obvious benefit to School Direct is the two options it can offer: unsalaried and salaried. Unsalaried is a route into teaching using bursaries and scholarships. Salaried options can be offered by schools that work with the Hub to employ a trainee and offer an unqualified teacher salary and the payment of tuition fees.
Entry requirements are the same as a University but School Direct can offer school experience for those who need confirmation that it is the right career for them or if they need support with personal statements and interviews. Placements can vary in length with different School Direct providers but you will usually receive two contrasting placements.
School Direct is a great route because of the connections they have and the feeling of being part of a team – not just with peers on the course but also within the school you are placed in.
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