Train to Teach

Train to Teach School Experience Days 2022

Who are we?

Welcome to the Two Counties Teacher Training Partnership, which comprises of Little Heath School, Prospect School, The Hurst Community College, Theale Green, The Wren, Denefield School and The Willink. 2 Counties works alongside the University of Reading in providing teacher training; this is a very well established alliance that is strong and successful.

Why choose the 2 Counties Partnership?

As a Partnership we pride ourselves on our teaching and the strength of our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme. We have many years of experience in mentoring trainee teachers with our dedicated coordinators and mentors who are supported by strong Leadership teams. Successful School Direct trainees will be largely based in one school (most often the one of their choice) with the added benefit of regularly meeting other trainees across the Partnership. Trainees also have a shorter placement in our variety of different educational settings in order to broaden their teaching experience yet further.

All of our schools are within a relatively small geographical area to the west and south-west of Reading; if you are keen to have some control over where you are based for your school experience then the School Direct route through us is ideal for you.

Many successful 2 Counties trainees continue as members of staff at our schools after their ITT year has been completed; quality support continues through their first two years as Early Career Teachers and beyond as their careers progress. Please do be aware that due to the nature of staffing in schools, we cannot guarantee a post will be available with 2 Counties schools on completion of your training.

How long will it take me to train?

School Direct is a one-year programme that enables aspiring teachers to train full-time in schools. To find out more please go to the following websites:

Get Into Teaching: Ways to train (education.gov.uk)

Secondary School Direct – University of Reading

If you would like to discuss any of this please contact traintoteach@willink.w-berks.sch.uk or attend one of our Drop In sessions (provisional dates: 20/10/21, 12/1/22, 9/3/22)

Two Counties Teacher Training Information Pack 2022/23

There are strict application criteria for applicants to this programme. All applicants must have GCSE A*-C passes in GCSE Mathematics and English; have a second class upper division degree (or better) in a relevant subject (certain subjects may have some flexibility on this).

School Experience Programme

The Willink Teaching School Alliance holds regular Train to Teach Information Drop-in sessions which are advertised through the DfE’s ‘Get Into Teaching’ website (https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/teaching-events) and include details on:

Training and assessment programme both with the University and in school
Entry requirements
Selection process
Finance options.

Candidates wishing to apply to this partnership will be given opportunities to arrange school experience days within one of our schools. Contact details are: