Life as a Trainee

Our Training

We pride ourselves on providing our trainees with the highest quality of support and care. This way of working starts from the very beginning of the programme where we build our trainees up, preparing them to teach and ensuring that everyone feels confident and prepared before they are expected to stand in front of a whole class.

The programme is developed to ensure that it is manageable, not too hard but with definite challenges from the start; think of us as the Goldilocks teacher training course that always strives to find the ‘just right’ balance for all individuals.

A Typical Week

Throughout the year, our trainees come together weekly for expert-led training and coaching designed to help them become outstanding teachers. This dedicated training takes place at our specialist centre in Elland, providing a supportive environment to deepen knowledge, refine skills, and share experiences with peers.

A typical week follows a structured yet practical approach. On Mondays, trainees participate in professional learning sessions led by experienced educators, covering key teaching strategies and subject-specific pedagogy. From Tuesday to Friday, they apply this learning directly in their school placements, gaining hands-on experience and developing their teaching practice in a real classroom setting. This balance of theory and practice ensures our trainees grow in confidence and capability, fully prepared for the realities of teaching.

Example Primary Trainee Timetable

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Support and student perks

Help, support and guidance

Trainees have access to Great Heights Academy Trust’s employee assistance programme: Education Support and can also access Huddersfield University’s student support team and resources.

Student discounts

Trainees are entitled to student discounts and benefits, visit the National Union of Students (NUS) website for further details.

Study resources

Whilst on the programme, trainees will be offered a laptop for their sole use. They will also have access to the library at The University of Huddersfield.