The Downland Alliance
Why Teach? Discover the Impact of Becoming a Teacher
"If you look behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher." – Stephen Hawking
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers out there. It's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people, shaping the future by inspiring them to fulfil their potential. At The Downs School & Sixth Form, we believe teaching is not just a profession—it's a calling, and we are proud to support aspiring teachers through innovative, school-led training.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for a change, here are just a few reasons why you should consider teaching:
- Change a young person’s life for the better: Teachers don’t just deliver lessons—they shape futures.
- Go home each day knowing you’ve made a difference: Every day is an opportunity to impact a student’s life, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.
- Excellent employment prospects: Good teachers are always in demand, and the profession offers fantastic job security and opportunities for career progression.
- Inspire young people to fulfil their potential: Helping students find their passion and purpose can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Train With Us: School-Led Teacher Training at The Downs School with the OTT-SCITT
At The Downs School & Sixth Form, we’re excited to be a leading partner in the West Berkshire Hub for the OTT SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).
What makes this school led route into teacher training unique?
Choosing the right route into teacher training is a big decision!
One of the most appealing options of our programmes is the chance to be embedded in a school environment from day one.
Real-World Experience from the Get-Go in Two Placement Schools
- Traditional teacher training programs often involve classroom-based study before any hands-on experience. During your training year with the West Berkshire Hub of the OTT-SCITT, you'll complete placements in two different schools in schools across the Newbury area. For secondary schools, this includes The Downs School, Kennet School, St Bartholomew’s School or Trinity School. For primary schools, this includes primary schools from The Downland Federation and other schools across West Berkshire.
- So, there are local connections, and our close-knit community means you’ll benefit from excellent support, networking, and opportunities for collaboration. And we always ensure that your journey to your placement school is practical and doesn’t involve a long commute.
Exposure to Outstanding Practice
- Being part of a school community early on also means you'll have access to a broad spectrum of excellent teaching practices. Whether it's in the form of mentorship, observation, or collaborative planning, this exposure helps you learn best practices, innovative teaching strategies, and classroom management techniques that are proven to work.
- The chance to observe how experienced educators tailor their lessons to diverse learning needs, engage students, and maintain positive classroom environments is invaluable. You’ll be able to integrate these practices into your own teaching style, setting you up for success long after the training is over.
A Supportive Learning Environment
- This route offers more than just exposure to great teaching practices—it’s about becoming part of a supportive, collaborative school culture. Right from the start, you’ll have access to a network of mentors, peers, and school staff who are there to guide you through challenges, offer feedback, and celebrate your progress.
- Being part of this community means you’re never alone in your journey. Whether you’re navigating a difficult classroom situation or brainstorming lesson ideas, you’ll have the support of a school environment that prioritizes professional development and growth.
Involvement in a Range of Activities and Routines
- One of the most valuable aspects of this immersion-based route is the variety of activities and routines you’ll experience. Teaching doesn’t just happen between the bells—it’s a dynamic role that includes planning, classroom setup, extracurricular involvement, parent meetings, staff collaboration, and more.
- As a trainee, you won’t just be confined to the classroom. You’ll have the chance to participate in school events, support students’ extracurricular development, and engage with the broader school community. These experiences not only enrich your training but also help you build relationships with students, teachers, and parents, all of which are key to becoming a well-rounded educator.
A Steady Transition into Teaching
- Unlike some traditional training models, this approach offers a smooth and steady transition into full-time teaching. Because you’re gradually integrated into the school community, you’ll be able to build your confidence, competence, and understanding of the role over time.
- By the time you’re ready to take on a classroom of your own, you’ll feel fully prepared —armed with real-world experience and a deep understanding of the school's culture, expectations, and routines. This gradual build-up ensures that when you step into your own teaching role, you do so with the experience and confidence of someone who has truly learned the ropes.
The Best Way to Become the Best Teacher
Becoming an effective educator requires more than just knowledge—it takes hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work alongside exceptional colleagues in a dynamic, real-world setting.
This route into teacher training offers all of that and more. By immersing you in a school community right from the start, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best, practice your craft in a supportive environment, and build lasting relationships with those who will help shape your teaching career.
If you’re ready to take the leap and start your journey toward becoming the best possible teacher, this school-led approach will be the perfect fit for you!
We offer two main post-graduate programs:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Gain the necessary qualification to teach in schools.
- QTS with Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Alongside QTS, earn an academic qualification to enhance your teaching credentials.
There are full or part time options available. An apprenticeship route and Assessment Only route will be available shortly.
Find Out More: Attend an Information Event
If you’re interested in training with the OTT-SCITT, we invite you to attend one of our Train to Teach - “Get into Teaching” Information Evenings. These events, available both online or in-person, provide valuable insight into the programs we offer, the application process, and what it’s really like to be a teacher.
Visit the OTT SCITT events page or the West Berkshire Hub events page to learn more about upcoming information evenings.
Get Classroom Experience to Support Your Application
Not sure if teaching is the right fit for you? We can help you gain valuable classroom experience to make sure teaching is the right path before you apply. Our school experience days allow you to spend time in the classroom and see firsthand what the role involves. Register for these days through the DFE School Experience portal.
APPLY NOW: Your Teacher Training Journey Starts Here
Applications for our teacher training programs are open now! You can submit your application through the Department for Education’s ITT application service, Apply. Simply use the OTT-SCITT provider code 24T to find the SCITT’s courses.
If you're ready to start your teacher training journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Together, we will make a difference.
