School Direct at Aston Community Education Trust

Aston is the Lead School in two School Direct partnerships. The terms of each partnership are different from each other, so applicants are advised to read them very carefully before applying. One partnership is with the University of Sheffield and the other is with Sheffield Hallam University.

The Sheffield Hallam University Partnership

The School Direct route into teaching gives trainees a different experience from a traditional University led PGCE. The course is much more school based and school led by current teachers and leaders in the school.

• Most of the programme, 85%, is spent in schools with two main placements and the opportunity to experience others. This time would be teaching lessons, observing lessons and being involved in the day to day life in school from the very start.
• During the time in school, this is highly personalised and tailored to the needs of the individual.
• 15% of the time is spent at Sheffield Hallam University. This will include studying professional studies units, looking at theory and practice. This study will lead to the PGCE element of the course.  
• Throughout the course trainees are fully supported by both their lead school and the University.
• On graduation trainees achieve PGCE with QTS

At Aston Academy we have a close working relationship with Sheffield Hallam University. Through our cluster of partner schools we are able to offer places in secondary Computer Science, PE, Design and Technology, Business Studies, Spanish with French, English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We also offer primary placements.

Primary Schools
Aughton Junior Academy, Sheffield: http://www.aughtonacademy.org/
Springwood Junior Academy, Sheffield: http://www.springwoodacademy.org/
Thurcroft Junior Academy, Rotherham: http://www.thurcroftacademy.org/
Listerdale Junior Academy, Rotherham: http://www.listerdaleacademy.org/
Lowedges Junior Academy, Sheffield: http://www.lowedgesacademy.org/
Brookfield Junior Academy, Rotherham: http://www.brookfieldjunioracademy.org/
Temple Normanton Junior Academy, Derbyshire: http://www.templenormantonacademy.org/
Langwith Bassett Junior Academy, Derbyshire: http://www.langwithbassettacademy.org/

Secondary Schools
Shirebrook Academy, Mansfield: https://www.shirebrookacademy.org/
Tupton Hall, Derbyshire: http://www.tuptonhall.derbyshire.sch.uk/
Swinton Academy, Rotherham: http://www.swintonacademy.org/
Whittington Green, Chesterfield: https://www.wgs.derbyshire.sch.uk/
Dinnington High School, Sheffield: http://www.dinningtonhigh.co.uk/
Ecclesfield School, Sheffield: https://ecclesfield-school.com/
Heritage High School, Derbyshire: https://heritagederbyshireschuk.wordpress.com/
Oakwood High School, Rotherham: https://www.oakwood.ac/
Wales High School, Rotherham: https://www.waleshigh.com/
Wingfield Academy, Rotherham: https://wingfieldacademy.org/

The secondary places are on the School Direct Training Programme and successful applicants will have to pay tuition fees to Sheffield Hallam University. However, bursaries are available from the Teaching Agency (TA). http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding.aspx

We are committed to providing the training placements required for successful applicants to achieve QTS status, including a full PGCE qualification. Although we cannot guarantee employment for the NQT year we will endeavour to assist successful trainees in securing a job as far as we can.

More information about the courses can be found on the UCAS Teacher Training website. http://www.ucas.com/apply/teacher-training or on the Sheffield Hallam University website: http://www.shu.ac.uk/teach/schooldirect.html

If you would like to apply for a School Direct place at Aston Academy, please click on the “How to apply” link from this page.