FAQ's & Contact Us

The Laidlaw Teacher Training programme is open to both recent graduates and career-changers.

You must have:

- an undergraduate degree in your chosen subject area, 50% of which should be relevant to the subject you will teach. If your degree is from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC.

- GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above (or suitable equivalent) in both English Language and Mathematics.  If your equivalent qualifications are from an overseas institution, you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC.

If your undergraduate degree is not in the subject you are looking to teach, but you do hold an A-Level in your chosen subject, you may be able to apply for the course subject to successful completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. These courses are offered in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Languages, and English. If your chosen subject does not offer a SKE, you must meet the normal subject-specific entry requirements as listed above.

Please see the application page for more details about eligibility.

If you would like to visit one of our partner schools before applying, please contact the school directly. All applicants offered a place to train will also be invited to visit their placement school.

For up to date information about funding options, please visit this Get Into Teaching page.

No, we do not offer salaried placements. However, funding may be available to you. For up to date information about funding options please visit this Get Into Teaching page.

Choose Where You Want to Be Based
Your placement Academy plays a key role in shaping your initial teacher training experience—and your future career. At Laidlaw Teacher Training, you’re in control. You can choose a school that aligns with your goals, values, and location preferences. If you'd like to visit one of our Academies before applying, feel free to contact the school directly—we’d love to welcome you.

The Perfect Balance of Practice and Theory
Want to be in the classroom from day one? Or dive deep into academic theory?
With Laidlaw Teacher Training, you don’t have to choose. Our postgraduate teacher training programme blends evidence-based theory with hands-on classroom practice, giving you the confidence and skills to thrive from the start.

Laidlaw Teaching & Leadership Centre
You’ll also benefit from access to our state-of-the-art Teaching and Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College. This £3.2 million facility, which opened in September 2021, offers a dynamic and immersive environment where you can collaborate with future school leaders, share best practice, and grow together in an Outstanding school setting.

About the Programme
Laidlaw Teacher Training is a school-led route into Initial Teacher Training (ITT), delivered in partnership with a lead school, partner schools, and an accredited teacher training provider. It allows you to apply directly to your chosen placement school, ensuring you become a valued member of that school community from day one.

A Qualification from Sunderland University
Upon successful completion of your training, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Sunderland—a well-respected institution ranked among the Top 50 universities in the UK.

Outstanding Support Throughout Your Journey
During each of your school placements, you’ll be guided by experienced subject mentors—educators who are actively engaged in the day-to-day life of schools and fully invested in your development. This school-based approach ensures your training is practical, relevant, and deeply rooted in real classroom experience.

At Laidlaw Teacher Training, you’ll be treated as a valued member of the school community from the start. You’ll build meaningful relationships with colleagues, families, and pupils, and gain a true sense of the impact you're making in children’s lives. Alongside that, you'll form a professional network with fellow trainees and staff that will support and inspire you throughout your teaching career.

Yes, although this varies by subject. Courses close once filled and so we recommend applying early.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a legal requirement to teach in all maintained schools in England. A Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) is designed to increase academic knowledge and provides trainees with the flexibility to teach internationally. It combines experience from school placements with studying the theory behind teaching and learning. All Laidlaw Trainees complete a PGCE with the University of Sunderland.

Yes! All of our trainees take part in training provided by the University of Sunderland and receive the benefits of a University of Sunderland student. As such, you will have access to their world-class university resources including online resources, student and library services.

The majority of the year is spent in your main placement school. Some of your training throughout the year will be delivered by the University of Sunderland. Some of the training may take place remotely.

The course takes 10 months to complete, full time.

If your degree doesn’t link closely to your chosen teaching subject, you may still be able to apply for one of our training programmes by completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course. For more information about SKE courses, please visit this Get Into Teaching page.

Our team is happy to help you with any questions and help you decide if the Laidlaw Teacher Training programme is right for you.

Please reach out to us at TeacherTraining@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk.