Train To Teach

Why Train With Us

Future Generation Trust was established in 2015 and has grown carefully and strategically to include seven primary academies across Staffordshire, educating more than 3,000 pupils. Our deliberate focus on the primary phase enables us to specialise in nurturing strong foundations for lifelong learning, while ensuring every trainee benefits from expert guidance and a supportive professional network.

Together we grow thriving schools where learning, excellence and potential flourish – for every pupil, every staff member and the communities we serve.

This vision extends to our trainees. We are committed to helping you flourish professionally through high-quality mentoring, access to experienced leaders, and support of a well-established Central Team. With all academies located within a 30-minute commute of each other, collaboration and shared expertise are embedded in our daily practice.

Training with Future Generation Trust, you will join a values-driven organisation committed to excellence in primary education, where you are supported to become a confident, reflective, inspiring teacher.

How to choose a training provider

Your course will vary depending on whether the training provider is a university, a school or another organisation.

Find out how to choose a training provider.

Where you will train

You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks on school placements. This time is spread across at least 2 schools. You will also spend time in a location to study.

Nearest placement schools | View list of school placements

Where you will study | University of Staffordshire, College Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire , ST4 2DE

You will work within two of our seven Future Generation Trust academies.

You will select a preferred placement location, but there is no guarantee you will be placed in the academy you have chosen. The training provider will discuss your choice to help them select a location that suits you.

You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks on school placements. This time is spread across at least 2 schools.

You will spend time at the University of Staffordshire to study. This will include completing 20 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) days. These focus on key foundational areas of learning and are designed to further strengthen your classroom practice.

You will spend approximately 40 days studying on campus at the University of Staffordshire. This includes a three-week induction designed to prepare you for your first school placement, along with sessions to develop your curriculum knowledge.

Where your school placements will take place

The training provider will contact you to discuss your preferences, to help them select placement schools you can travel to.

Find out more about where your school placements will take place.

What you will do on school placements

Trainees on this course undertake two school-based placements. Your training will begin with observing a teacher and helping with group work. Then you will share the classes with the teacher and work towards teaching lessons independently. School-based placement one incrementally builds to a teaching commitment of 50%. School-based placement two incrementally builds to a teaching commitment of 80%.

Alongside your teaching responsibilities, you will take part in the wider life of the school. Each placement school provides a dedicated school-based (general) mentor who will help you understand the school’s ethos, pastoral systems, legal responsibilities, and wider support services.

You will meet weekly with your mentor to prepare for teaching, review your lessons, and continue developing your subject knowledge and professional practice.

What to expect on school placements

You will get hands-on experience of what it's like to be a teacher, and will have a dedicated mentor to support you throughout your training.

Find out what to expect on school placements.

What you will study

The theoretical element of the course will develop your understanding of the primary curriculum and introduce you to evidence-based pedagogical approaches to support your growth as a teacher. You will also explore inclusive practice and learn how to meet the diverse needs of learners in your classroom.

You will complete two written assignments linked to the theoretical content from university sessions. These assignments provide an opportunity to engage critically with key concepts and reflect on your own practice and experiences.

You will also compile two evidence portfolios to demonstrate your progress from placement-based learning and professional standards.

What to expect in teacher training

You'll spend most of your time teaching in a classroom, with some time dedicated to studying. This may include seminars, workshops and assignments.

Find out what to expect in teacher training.

Interview process

Following an initial screening to confirm that your application meets our entry requirements, it will be reviewed by subject staff. Successful applicants at this stage will be invited to attend an interview with colleagues from Future Generation Trust Hub and the University of Staffordshire.

The main purposes of the interview are to:

Understand

Help you gain a clear understanding of the course, the teaching profession, and the commitment required

Explore

Explore your subject knowledge, strengths, and areas for development

Assess

Assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English

Opportunity

Provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions

While prior school experience is not required to be invited to interview, successful candidates will demonstrate a sound understanding of student learning and progress. You may draw on experiences from your own education, as well as any paid or voluntary work in schools or with school-age children, to evidence your understanding.

Further details about interview tasks will be provided in your invitation. Please note that some activities may require preparation in advance of the interview.

Find out how to prepare for your interview.

Preparing for your interview

Interviews sometimes include a presentation, or maths or English tests to be completed in advance. The exact interview process will vary depending on the teacher training provider.

Find out how to prepare for your interview.

Fees and Financial Support

The course fees for 2026 to 2027 are as follows:

  • UK citizens £9,535

  • Non-UK citizens £17,500

Where to apply

The above information and application link can be found on the Gov UK website link here —>

Apply for our course (Gov UK website)
  • "Teacher training at Willows has changed my life: I have been given the privilege of being able to be part of a team where my job feels more like a hobby - something I thoroughly enjoy - rather than a necessity. The training I have received has allowed me to develop a secure understanding of the pedagogy behind great teaching and learning, and therefore means that I continue to learn and develop each and every day. "

    Former Trainee

  • "I completed my PGCE course through Willows in 2014 and I could not have asked for a better platform to begin my teaching journey. I have been teaching at Willows ever since and the links they have with schools in the local area and beyond is amazing and gives students an opportunity to gain their first teaching post in schools they know."

    Former Trainee

  • "I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my PGCE journey at Willows Primary School. All staff and mentors are highly experienced and supportive. Beginning your teaching journey can be daunting, but at Willows I instantly felt at ease, which enabled me to grow in confidence and really get stuck in! Being at willows is like being part of a big family"

    Former Trainee