Teacher Training
Growing Educators of the Future
Gumley House works extensively with trainees at St. Mary's University, and we are also part of the West London Teacher Training Alliance (WLTTA) which is a network of schools which serve the West London boroughs of London and is in partnership with leading London universities. The WLSA offers a fantastic school-based opportunity to train in a supportive and aspirational environment.
We have successfully worked with trainee teachers for many years and offer candidates outstanding practical teacher training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Training at Gumley is truly an exceptional opportunity and the support received is outstanding.
Our Higher Education partners, St Mary's University in Twickenham, Roehampton University, UCL and the Institute of Education (IOE) are renowned as leaders in the field of teacher training. We have strong links with our university partners so that, together, we can ensure our trainees are supported and successful throughout the course.
What are the benefits of a school centred course (School Direct)?
Gumley is well known to grow, recruit and retain the teachers of tomorrow. You will be working with staff who have a proven record of training and professional development. You will be given the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the teacher’s role. You will develop the rigour, professional knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to become a skilful, innovative and reflective teacher. We will provide practical training underpinned by theoretical research.
About our Training Programme
Our core philosophy is to train the next generation of teachers to inspire, motivate and challenge our students. We will work with you, in partnership with our providers, to build a solid foundation from which you can embark upon a rewarding career. We work with the Core Content Framework (CCF) to create an environment in which teachers and students thrive and feel valued and supported. This follows on to our bespoke Early Career Framework (ECF) programme in partnership with UCL and the Teach West Hub.
Parents, teachers and students need excellent teachers in schools and our purpose is to provide them!
The Teaching Experience
Our trainees engage with a range of schools of varying contexts to develop their practice. There will be a wealth of opportunities available. You will engage in focused observations, professional study, subject workshops and importantly, time will be made available for reflection and planning. You will also work closely with your Subject Mentor, an Outstanding practitioner, to develop pedagogy and subject knowledge.
The Lesson Model
Our trainees join us from day one of the academic year and from the very beginning are treated as part of a team and attend staff meetings and training days. They also join the training sessions at their partner universities alongside PGCE students. Our staff are our most valuable asset and we work hard to create an environment in which they feel supported and valued.
Trainees spend most of their time in schools, working alongside their Subject Mentor and other dedicated staff. During the autumn and summer term you will be based here at Gumley (or in the event of multiple applications within the subject - at one of the schools in our partnership), but during the spring term you will complete a placement in another of our partner schools. Through a process of joint preparation, observation and reflection you will develop your subject knowledge and pedagogy across KS3 and KS4 with exposure to KS5.
Professional Study Sessions
To consolidate and deepen the classroom experience our trainees regularly receive a formal school based training programme delivered by experts in each field. The training sessions take into consideration and build upon prior experiences and learning.
Entry requirements:
You should be a graduate, preferably with a 1st or a 2:1 though we are willing to consider applicants who have a 2:2 who can demonstrate a real aptitude for teaching.
Please check the WLTTA website for the entry requirements for the secondary courses: