Our broad and inclusive training programme enables us, alongside our partner schools, to ensure the next generation of outstanding teachers are prepared for the challenges and rewards of primary teaching. We are committed to providing a supportive and personalised programme.
Support
Our dedicated team is with you every step of the way to make the training process as smooth as possible. Our support team includes school-based mentors (trained and inducted by the University of Derby), experienced link tutor (who makes periodic visits to the student in their placement school), the University Link Tutor, our School Direct Lead and the wider team here at Fairfields. We work very closely together to support each individual trainee with their bespoke training plan – a characteristic feature of our course. We also encourage a network for our trainees, creating a peer-to-peer support environment.
I really must thank you for your support over the year – you have always shown that you were fighting our corner and I know from the group discussions that we have all been grateful for that and impressed with your commitment to us. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. It has also been a really rewarding and positive experience! - Trainee JC
Established Placement Partnerships
Alongside our excellent partnership with the University of Derby and our partner Rowan Gate Primary School, we work collaboratively with schools across Northamptonshire to provide effective school placements. We can match trainee to school intelligently, with connections to a wide range of schools across the county and beyond. This includes small and large primaries, special schools and units. Wherever possible, placements are made through consultation and we try to avoid long daily journeys (including during second placements).
Future Employment
Employment prospects at the end of our programme are excellent, due to our excellent relationship with a wide range of schools across the county and beyond. Historically, 100% of our trainees have been employed within 6 months of completing the programme.
Our track record
- 2014-2015: 20 students successfully qualified
- 2015-2016: 15 students successfully qualified
- 2016-2017: 15 trainees successfully qualified.
- 2017-2018: 13 trainees successfully qualified.
- 2018-2019: 25 students successfully completed their training year with 100% achieving good or better and 56% outstanding.
- 2019-2020: 17 students successfully qualified
- 2020-2021: 16 students successfully qualified
- 2021-2022: 19 students successfully qualified, we wish them every success as ECTs in their employing schools.
- 2022-2023 We look forward to welcoming our new cohort in September 2022.
This track record of success in providing School Direct at PGCE level is, we believe, a significant reason why aspiring teachers should consider training with us.
Teaching in Northamptonshire
There isnt a better place to train to be a primary teacher, and Northamptonshire needs incredible teachers. You can find further information on teacher training in the county by visiting http://www.teachnorthamptonshire.com/train-to-teach/. If you are thinking of coming to train with us from outside the County, it’s a great place to be: www.lovenorthamptonshire.com
Testimonials
Thank you for all your support this year. The course has been amazing and I feel incredibly prepared to go on to teach independently next year because of both the nature of the course and the incredible support from all involved - Trainee SP
One of our successful trainees offers her perspective on our programme in the video below:
The support I have received from my link tutor and mentor has passed my expectations. The Friday sessions have been great and as a team of students we have really built strong relationships with each other. I have had so much support from Derby with Level 7 work and can't them enough for replying to my 10000 emails! This is a course I will definitely recommend to others and one that I will really miss!! Thank you everyone! Trainee AM
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For further information you can call us on 01604 714777 or e-mail