🌟 Trainee Teacher Opportunity – London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Croydon.

GLF Schools in Partnership with Inspiring Future Teachers

Are you a passionate graduate based in or near the Croydon and Wandsworth region, and ready to begin your teaching career?

GLF Schools is a Multi-Academy Trust comprising 43 schools, with a presence in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Croydon. GLF Schools include both primary and secondary schools. Through our partnership with Inspiring Future Teachers (IFT), we offer a variety of locally delivered teacher training routes — from salaried options to fee-funded pathways.

We are committed to training, developing, and employing our trainee teachers as Early Career Teachers (ECTs) across our schools, including those in and around the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Croydon.

🏫 About the Trainee Teacher Programme.

We are excited to offer aspiring teachers a fantastic opportunity to train within GLF’s schools, supported by a choice of Teacher Training Hubs. You’ll benefit from:

• High-quality, school-based training
• A choice of training hubs
• Placement in GLF Schools within the Croydon and Wandsworth region
• Mentorship from experienced teachers committed to your development

You’ll also gain practical, hands-on experience across a variety of settings, including Early Years, Primary, or Secondary (depending on your chosen phase).

🎓 Qualifications Required

To be eligible to apply, you’ll need:

• A UK bachelor's degree (2:2 or above, although some 3rd class degrees may be considered)
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above (plus Science for primary)
• Right to work and study in the UK, with 3+ years of residency in the UK/EEA
• (For employment-based routes) Some relevant school experience and a host school

💷 Funding & Training Route Options

We offer both salaried and fee-funded routes.

🔹 Salaried Route (Employment-Based)

• You are employed full-time (32.5 hrs/week) on the Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale
• The school pays tuition fees for QTS
• Option to add PGCE for £500 (trainee-funded)

🔹 Fee-Funded Route

Unpaid training placement, but eligible for:

• Tuition Fee Loan (up to full cost)
• Maintenance Loan (up to ~£13,000)
• Tax-free DfE bursaries (for shortage secondary subjects)

Training fee costs:

• £9,535 (QTS + PGCE)
• £9,035 (QTS only)

🔹 Part-Time Route (over two years) This is a pilot route for 26-27 and available for some subjects/routes

• Year 1: £7,145 | Year 2: £4,762
• PGCE is not available on this route

🔹 Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship

• Employed by the school
• £9,000 fee funded by the employer's levy- assuming eligibility
• Leads to QTS (PGCE not included)

🌱 Why Train with GLF Schools in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Croydon?

Work in a Trust that cares, where all grow, learn and flourish

• Quality training: Receive weekly training led by expert practitioners
• Collaborative Trust: Work alongside a network of professionals across the region within GLF schools based in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Croydon.
• Personalised support: Your wellbeing and workload are prioritised
• Career progression: Many trainees secure ECT positions in our Croydon and Wandsworth schools.

📍Placement Schools in and across our 43 GLF Schools and other partner schools.

Placement schools are carefully matched to ensure reasonable travel and the right fit for your training needs.

At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.

GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:

• Everyone is respected and valued.
• Discrimination is never tolerated.
• Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
• Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.

We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.

To help us manage applications efficiently:

• We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.