Aspire Teacher Training
"I recently completed the Aspire teacher training course and it was such a positive experience. The content was practical, clear, and really easy to relate to what actually happens in the classroom.
My mentors were so supportive, approachable, and clearly very experienced, and the same goes for my tutors at Sheffield Hallam University. Julie, our Lead Mentor, was always there for advice and support whenever I needed it, which made a huge difference. I felt comfortable asking questions, sharing challenges, and learning without feeling judged.
Overall, the course gave me lots of practical strategies and ideas that I’m already using in my teaching. It was encouraging, well-paced, and has helped me grow so much, both professionally and personally". (Justine, 2025 Graduate)
Why choose teacher training with us?
You won't be a "student". You'll be an Associate Teacher, working in the classroom alongside the teacher in one of the Aspire schools, taking on some of the roles of a class teacher from the start.
The lead school of Aspire Teacher Training is Ash Grove Academy, an "Outstanding" school in Macclesfield.
We work with schools in the Macclesfield area, Wilmslow, Manchester (Fallowfield), Sandbach, Crewe, Northwich and Buxton.
We are a lead partner with Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and we have co designed a programme with them which is school based - Associate Teachers spend the vast majority of their time in the classroom - but supported by high quality professional development both at Aspire and SHU.
We work in close partnership with SHU, sharing the teaching and assessment of Associate Teachers with them. The last OFSTED inspection of teacher training at SHU rated the provision, including the Primary and Early Years School Direct partnership as "Outstanding", saying, "Attainment of trainees across the primary phase and in all routes, is consistently high", that trainees are," very well prepared for their future careers" and that there is,"excellent support provided to trainees to help them seek their first jobs, ensuring that employment rates have been consistently very high".
"This course prepared me exceptionally well for my career in teaching. I was well supported throughout both placements by skilled and experienced mentors, and I received guidance during the application process, which led to me successfully securing a role.
This course gave me the confidence and skills I needed to be an effective teacher. I would highly recommend Aspire training to anyone looking to begin their journey towards becoming a primary school teacher". (Olivia, 2025 Graduate)
"I recently graduated from the Aspire Teaching course in 2023 and couldn’t recommend it enough!
Very supportive training sessions with Aspire and with Sheffield Hallam.
Placement schools within the Aspire Trust are fantastic. I could clearly see that what we were learning on the theory side was being implemented in the classrooms as a whole trust approach which was great to see and made it much easier to understand. Everyone involved with the course and in schools were very supportive. I always felt like part of a team whilst working with everyone". (Hannah, 2023 Graduate)
Our link with the Aspirer Research School also means that Associate Teachers have a direct link to the most up-to-date research about teaching improvements and internationally respected researchers.
Successful completion of the course will award you a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Masters Credits from Sheffield Hallam University.
"I recently completed my Teacher Training with the Aspire Educational Trust and can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The course covered a wide range of topics essential for effective teaching. From pedagogical theories to practical classroom strategies, the content is well-structured and delivered in a clear, engaging manner. Mark and Julie had a bank of knowledge that they passed on to us every week. Their passion for teaching and education shone through. All feedback given was constructive and personalised, enhancing my learning experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone passionate about making a positive impact in the field of education". (Caitlyn, 2023 Graduate)
You will:
- spend the entire year learning how to teach in a real classroom;
- work towards being an outstanding teacher;
- have experience of working in two contrasting schools and key stages over the course of the year;
- be mentored by your Learning Coach, who will be an experienced, expert and outstanding teacher;
- have a good expectation of employment in an Aspire school at the end of the course;
- follow a rigorous but rewarding programme of professional development;
- have lots of opportunity to collaborate with other Associate Teachers.
- have access to the most up to date research evidence through the Aspirer Research School
To apply please click HERE and you will be taken to information about the courses that we run Primary (5-11), Primary Early Years (3-7) and Primary (5-11) Physical Education Specialism. Click on "Recruitment and Selection" on this page for lots of helpful information that you will need before you apply.
For more information before applying, please contact Julie White (Lead Partner Mentor) on JWhite@thewilmslowacademy.co.uk or telephone 01625 466914.
