Secondary QTS (School Direct)

Entry requirements

• Degree awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution (or recognised equivalent qualification)
• At least a Level 4/ Grade C in GCSE English and mathematics, or equivalent (a pass in an equivalency test from A* Equivalency https://astarequivalency.co.uk/ )
• Strong subject knowledge in the subject you wish to teach at secondary level
• Eligibility to work in the UK

If your degree is from outside the UK, please contact UK NARIC to check if your qualifications are recognised in the UK.

Months of entry

September

Course content

School Direct gives you the chance to learn ‘on the job’ in a school.

You work as part of the teaching team from day one, learning from experienced, practising colleagues and immediately putting your new skills into practice.

The course combines an intensive programme of initial teacher training with real experience and responsibility. The aim is to develop your competence, confidence and skills in the classroom and with students in secondary school. The course will give you teaching experience across at least two key stages of the 11-18 age range.

On the non-salaried route, you will either be given classroom responsibilities right from the start or slowly be introduced to classroom responsibilities. You will generally teach up to 80% of a teacher's timetable.

For any trainees who are on a salaried route, you will be employed by your host school for the duration of the course, and be given classroom responsibilities right from the start. You will teach up to 80% of a teacher’s timetable.

After the year, when you have successfully completed your assignments, observations and portfolio, and met the Teachers Standards, you will gain Qualified Teacher Status.

This option is perfect if you are already working in a school without QTS e.g. TAs looking to train as a teacher or someone thinking of a career change.

Train on the job via the Secondary Jewish school led School Direct programme.

Key Points:

• Become a qualified teacher in one year.
• Train in high-performing schools.
• Be taught by experts and school leaders.

Subjects covered: LSJS can currently train you as a teacher of History, Jewish Studies (Kodesh), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematics, MFL (Modern Hebrew, French, Spanish, German), English, PE and Art. We can usually run other subjects on request.

Why Choose Us?

1. The School Direct programme has a near 100% employment record giving you the best start to your career in teaching.
2. You will learn in a small, nurturing community with personalised support and mentoring. You will have the opportunity to train in high-performing schools.
3. Ofsted rated - "Good"

Ofsted recently reported 23/03/2023:

"Leaders have a passion for preparing trainees for a career in teaching, both in schools with a Jewish ethos as well as those with no religious character. Leaders welcome trainees of all faiths or none to train with them. They ensure that trainees experience three contrasting placements during the course, including at least one in a non-faith setting.

Trainees hold the courses in high regard. They feel well supported by leaders and course tutors at the centre, including with well-being. Trainees appreciate the small size of LSJS, especially the close contact that they have with their tutors."

Some quotes from recent graduates:

"I am delighted with the quality of the training provided to our School Direct candidates over the last few years. We have a whole cadre of qualified Jewish Studies and Ivrit teachers because of our partnership with LSJS which is making a real difference in this essential area of teacher training."

Mr S Lewis, Executive Headteacher, Yavneh College

A year of growth, progress and understanding of what makes an outstanding teacher!
A huge thank you!

S Gaffney, Graduate

The course gave me an opportunity to learn from many experts in the Education field.

I was inspired to explore new teaching techniques and reflect on my teaching journey

through constructive feedback from Mentors.

S Simons, Graduate

With the School Direct Route, by the time you gain QTS, you will have had substantial work experienceand in-school face to face time with students.

Learning with LSJS is proven to prepare trainees for teaching positions. The majority of our graduates are successfully employed on completion of the course (in either the trainee's host school or a different school)

You will be ready to take on additional responsibilities as a teacher and our track record has shown that many of our graduates have progressed quickly into middle and senior leadership roles.

A starting salary for a Qualified Teacher is £26,000.

The programme at LSJS is an enriching and stimulating course that I would highly recommend to anyone wishing to go into teaching

S Walmer, Graduate

'As a mentor I have found that the LSJS course prepares aspiring teachers really well for the rigours of the classroom'.

Mrs H Simon, Mentor

Programme Structure

You will work in your chosen school full time (or part time as agreed with your host school) and be responsible for both planning and assessment of your classes.

The course includes:

• 1 week at your host school
• 1 day per week at LSJS during term time
• bespoke 1-1 mentoring
• regular lectures
• weekly observations
• a swap to teach in a different partnership school
• subject specific sessions (behaviour management, assessment techniques, differentiation in the classroom etc.)
• general pedagogy sessions
• a placement in another school
• a primary school visit
• a special needs school visit
• an additional programme for Jewish Studies trainees

‘I can honestly say that the School Direct training programme is the quintessential course for teachers to become outstanding educational practitioners. Trainees are given the necessary care and guidance and are effectively nurtured to become the best they can be by the team on the programme.

S Rinkoff, Mentor

Fees and funding

Our School Direct courses cost £6,200.

Most School Direct trainees will be unsalaried with access to student loans which cover the tuition fee, maintenance loans and other types of financing.

Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Modern Foreign Languages and Geography trainees with a First, 2:1, 2:2, Masters or PHD are usually also eligible for an untaxed Bursary (the amount for which is dependent on subject).

Trainees in Chemistry, Maths and Physics are able to apply for a teacher training scholarship with the appropriate professional body (awarded in place of a Bursary). Each of the professional scholarship bodies sets its own eligibility criteria.

LSJS has additional support packages available for unsalaried Religious (Jewish) Studies trainees. Please contact us for details.

There may be a salaried route available for a very small number of our Religious (Jewish) Education and English trainees usually those who are already working for the school which they plan to train in; under this route the trainee receives an unqualified teacher salary, either paying for their own tuition fees from their salary (no student financing available) or having these paid for by their school.

Please see Get into Teaching for information on loans, financing, bursaries and scholarships.

Assessment