We have a strong track record of delivering high-quality initial teaching training, professional/leadership development and school-to-school support.
When you train with us you will gain valuable school and classroom experience, and our training programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience to become an excellent teacher.
At Paradigm, we believe in providing diverse pathways into teaching to attract the best candidates and support individuals at every stage of their career. In partnership with the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) at Coventry University Group, we offer a range of high-quality training routes, including traditional placements and innovative teaching apprenticeships.
Our Routes into Teaching
We currently offer the following apprenticeship routes:
- Primary teaching
- Secondary teaching
- Special needs teaching
Teaching Apprenticeships
Our teaching apprenticeship route offers an excellent opportunity to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) while earning a salary. As an apprentice, you will be employed by Paradigm and will receive an unqualified teacher salary for the duration of the one-year program. This route combines practical, hands-on experience within our school with dedicated study and support from Coventry University. Coventry University has an innovative and successful virtual learning programme, so that 1:1 coaching meetings and training sessions can be delivered online.
Training with us means you’ll benefit from a program grounded in proven educational methods, designed to help you develop as a teacher. Our partnership with NITE at Coventry University ensures that you develop a firm theoretical understanding alongside practical classroom skills.
Key features of our teaching apprenticeships:
- Earn an unqualified teacher salary while you train.
- Gain practical experience from day one.
- Study for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
- Receive dedicated support from an in-school mentor and a university tutor.
- Learn through online discussion, webinars, podcasts, videos and research, with interactive digital platforms that enable independent and peer learning.
Our Schools
Paradigm Trust is a family of seven schools, offering a diverse environment for teacher training and development.
Our schools are located across London and Ipswich, Suffolk, providing opportunities to gain experience in a variety of contexts.
London:
- Old Ford Primary
- Culloden Primary
- Solebay Primary
Ipswich:
- Murrayfield Primary Academy
- Piper’s Vale Primary Academy
- Ipswich Academy (secondary)
- Woodbridge Road Academy: A special school for 9-16 year olds with complex communication and interaction difficulties.
Primary Teaching
Our primary teaching apprenticeship route prepares you for a career teaching young learners across the primary curriculum (4-11 age range).
Secondary Teaching
Our Secondary Teaching route allows you to specialise in a subject you are passionate about and prepares you for a career teaching 11-16 year olds.
Special Needs Teaching
Our Special Needs Teaching route, in partnership with Coventry University, focuses on developing the expertise to support students with a diverse range of learning needs.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for our routes into teaching, all candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Degree: A UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification).
- GCSEs: A pass (Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent) in GCSE English Language and mathematics. For those wishing to train for primary, a GCSE pass (or equivalent) in a science subject is also required.
- Right to Work: Demonstrate you hold the right to work and study in the UK and have been resident in the UK/EEA for the last 3 years.
For colleagues who don’t meet these requirements, we have other training routes into teaching. Please contact Ben Rogers to find out more.
For more information, please contact Kevin Jones (Principal, Old Ford Primary) for primary enquiries based in London or Ben Rogers (Ipswich Academy) for the Ipswich primaries, secondary and special school. If you are interested, we welcome and strongly encourage you to make contact prior to making an application. We would be very pleased to meet with you at any of our schools.