Your pathway to becoming a qualified teacher
Interested in a Career in Teaching?
Are you a recent graduate with a strong degree, eager to make a meaningful impact in the classroom and beyond?
At St Dunstan’s College, we believe that teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a profession that shapes young minds, ignites curiosity, and champions excellence.
Our SDCTeach pathway offers you a structured and supportive route into teaching; from initial training (PGCE sponsorship) through to your Early Career Teacher (ECT) years, you’ll be part of a programme designed to help you flourish professionally and personally.
Whether you bring expertise in a key subject or want to develop into a classroom leader, we provide the opportunity, mentorship and community you need to succeed.
Programme Overview
The SDCTeach pathway offers an integrated three-year route into teaching, designed to develop reflective, confident and well-supported educators within our forward-thinking community.
Our programme combines academic rigour with practical classroom experience, underpinned by the values that define teaching and learning at St Dunstan’s College – courage, creativity, curiosity, confidence, and compassion.
Already hold a PGCE or SCITT qualification?
We also welcome applications from those ready to begin their teaching career as an ECT. You will join directly into the ISTIP induction phase and benefit from the same developmental opportunities and professional culture that make St Dunstan’s a distinctive place to grow as a teacher.
“The whole school community is very warm and supportive. For PGCE and ECT candidates, there is also a strong sense of community among us; a group of lifelong learners from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for teaching and professional development.”
Chloe, ECT Psychology Teacher
Year 1 PGCE with the University of Buckingham
Join us as a PGCE Teacher whilst completing your PGCE with the University of Buckingham, fully funded by the College. You will gain immediate classroom experience under the guidance of an experienced subject mentor, supported by a teacher development programme and with access to our wider teaching and learning network.
• Full sponsorship of the PGCE (no fees borne by you), combined with real-time classroom teaching; theory and practice go hand-in-hand
• A buddy and mentoring framework from day one to support your transition into teaching
• Regular observations, feedback, and development meetings - with opportunities to visit peers’ classrooms, share good practice, and engage in our termly Teaching & Learning bulletin
• Support finding a suitable second placement school in the local area
“Since joining, I have found SDC to be exactly as I had hoped; a warm, ambitious and supportive environment where both students and staff are encouraged to thrive.”
Peter, Geography Teacher
Years 2–3 Early Career Teacher (ECT) with ISTIP
Upon successful completion of the PGCE, you will progress into your ECT years, supported through the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (ISTIP). During this phase, you will take on greater classroom responsibility, refine your craft, and deepen your pedagogical expertise through coaching, peer observation and collaborative enquiry.
Your ECT journey includes:
• A personalised coaching and mentoring programme
• Regular developmental observations and feedback
• Opportunities to contribute to our Teaching & Learning Bulletin, reflective enquiry projects and our annual ECT Symposium
• Access to our professional development framework, including the AIR Leadership Programme
• Autonomy within a structured and supportive environment: lead your class, plan and teach, but with clear channels of feedback and consultation
• Opportunities to contribute to curriculum development, co-curricular activities, and school initiatives
• Ongoing membership of our professional learning community: book-groups, mutual observation fortnights, learn-at-lunch sessions, and access to external courses
By the end of your ECT phase you will be well-positioned to continue as a fully independent teacher, and to consider future leadership or specialist roles.
“I
cannot recommend training at St Dunstan’s highly enough; the dynamism and energy of the staff body encourages me to continually reflect on my teaching, and makes this a really enjoyable and rewarding place to
work.”
Joseph, ECT English Teacher
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At St Dunstan’s, teaching goes far beyond the classroom. Our community thrives on curiosity, creativity and contribution - qualities we nurture not only in our students, but in our staff.
Mentoring And Coaching
From the outset you will be supported through structured mentoring and professional coaching. As your confidence develops, you will have opportunities to mentor others, contributing to our commitment to a coaching-led culture across the College.
Engagement In Our Teaching And Learning Community
Be part of a dynamic culture of professional enquiry. Participate in our Teaching & Learning Symposium, contribute to our Teaching & Learning Bulletin, and take part in mutual observation and peer feedback. We believe great teaching grows through shared reflection and open collaboration.
Leadership Pathways
Once your classroom practice is secure, you will have access to our AIR Leadership Programme. This bespoke in-house pathway supports aspiring middle leaders and includes workshops, recommended reading, coaching conversations, and project-based leadership experience.
Professional Research And Enquiry
Undertake a reflective enquiry project, exploring an aspect of your practice that interests you. Present your findings to colleagues, inform whole-school practice, and join a community of research-active teachers shaping the future of education at St Dunstan’s.
Enrichment Through Co-Curricular
Through our trailblazing Forder Curriculum, we champion the development of the whole person: courageous in thought, compassionate in action, and confident to make a difference. Whether running a club, leading a project, mentoring younger students, or coordinating events, your own interests and talents will help shape the breadth of what we offer.
“One
of the main reasons I joined SDC was the incredible breadth of opportunities available to get involved beyond the classroom – from dance and CCF to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award”.
Molly, ECT Geography Teacher
Hear From Our Current PGCE Trainees and ECTs
MOLLY P., Geography Teacher, joined St Dunstan’s as an ECT after completing an SCITT qualification following her degree at Lancaster University.
“Even as an Early Career Teacher, I was trusted with significant responsibility; allowing me to build strong relationships with students, support their wider personal development, and contribute meaningfully to the vibrant school community. During these years, I felt incredibly well supported – from fellow ECTs and Heads of Department across different subjects, to Heads of Year who ensured I felt involved, and members of SLT who offered regular feedback and guidance.
SDC is an amazing place to work. Not only do we strive for academic success and share that ambition with our students, but we also have a community of staff who genuinely care about one another and enjoy working together. This strong sense of community, shared purpose, and positivity among both staff and students is what truly makes SDC such a special place.”
CHLOE W., Psychology Teacher, joined the SDCTeach programme following an MSc in Education at Oxford University. She is currently an ECT1.
“As a new teacher, PGCE student, and now an ECT1, I have received consistent support through the dedicated Teacher Development Programme, covering both teaching and learning as well as pastoral areas. This included the opportunity to lead my own inquiry project as part of the PGCE and ECT programmes, which allowed me to investigate the impact of a targeted improvement I wanted to make.
We shared our projects during a symposium and whole-school CPL sessions, as well as contributing to the CPL bulletin. This was a highly rewarding experience, as it allowed me to both receive structured support and give back to the SDC community during my early career as a teacher.”
Hear From Our Current PGCE Trainees and ECTs
JOSEPH G., English teacher, joined the SDCTeach programme in 2024, having gained an English degree and primary school teaching experience.
“I really enjoy that there is a strong cohort of PGCE and ECTs at St Dunstan’s. Undergoing my training alongside colleagues meant that I formed fast friendships on the staff body. Specific training projects for early career teachers have given me the opportunity to speak at whole staff CPL, a daunting but rewarding experience.
St Dunstan’s have matched me with a mentor who is always encouraging and supportive, but also hugely insightful and specific when giving feedback. She is a genuinely inspirational teacher who has been there whenever I have needed her, no matter how silly the question or small the concern.”
REBEKAH E., Maths teacher, joined SDC as an ECT having completed a maths degree at Oxford University and a PGCE at Greenwich University.
“It’s amazing to work in a school where the students are inquisitive and hard working; to be able to show your students the true depth of your subject and to have them to respond positively with more questions and insights.
St Dunstan’s students are also incredibly well rounded and will usually be involved in sports, music and drama.
The house competitions are particularly lovely as the you get to see the students come together, disregard their year groups, and put together and amazing play, choir performance or band performance.”
Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking dynamic, thoughtful individuals who are excited about teaching and learning, and who bring:
• A good honours degree (2:1 or above preferred)
• Deep subject-knowledge in one or more key areas
• The ability to communicate clearly, relate authentically to young people, and inspire enthusiasm
• A desire to engage in reflective enquiry and to contribute to a collaborative teaching culture
• The confidence to adopt autonomy, drive innovation and build positive relationships
• A commitment to continuous professional development and the readiness to immerse yourself in induction, mentoring, and coaching from day one
If you are ambitious, motivated and ready to step into an environment where your development matters as much as your classroom performance, then SDCTeach could be the right move.
‘Joining SDCTeach means joining more than a school – it means becoming part of a thriving professional community, inspired by the same courage, creativity and compassion that defines our students.’
Helen, Director of Teaching & Learning
Is there a cost for SDCTeach? Will I get paid?
There is no cost; in fact, unlike a standard PGCE course, St Dunstan’s pay the PGCE course fees on your behalf. During years 2 and 3, when you have finished the PGCE course and are working as an Early Career Teacher at St Dunstan’s College, you will receive a competitive salary.
Where will I be based during year 1 (PGCE) and years 2&3 (ECT)?
You will be based at St Dunstan’s College for the majority of year 1, and for the duration of years 2 and 3. All of your classroom practice takes place here, except for a short second placement in year 1. We will support you in securing this placement in a location that’s convenient for you, whether nearby in the immediate area, or somewhere else in the UK that works for you.
How does SDCTeach differ from the traditional PGCE route?
If you were to apply for a PGCE course direct with a university, you would be required to pay the course fees, which are approx. £9,000 - £10,000. During the course, the university would then arrange your placements at two different secondary schools, which could be any location.
Following your PGCE completion, you would then be required to apply for and secure a 2-year ECT placement at a suitable school, in order to achieve your teaching qualification.
At SDCTeach, we sponsor you by paying the University of Buckingham course fees on your behalf. You then have the security and benefit of undertaking your first school placement here at St Dunstan’s College, experiencing life at a leading independent school and taking advantage of the exceptional support and development that we offer.
On successful completion of the PGCE, you then have a guaranteed place here at St Dunstan’s for your ECT placement, (year 2 and 3), again with the full advantages of our exceptional ECT support, professional training and being a part of our inclusive and passionate school community.
I already have a PGCE and so wish to apply to the ECT element only. Do I still apply to SDCTeach?
Yes you can – ensure you include this information on your application. Alternatively, keep an eye on our website, where we post standard teaching vacancies throughout the year; many of these do welcome ECT applicants and will stipulate accordingly.
FAQs
Do I have to teach the same subject that I studied for my degree?
In order to teach a subject, you are usually required to have a strong undergraduate degree in that, or a closely related, subject. However if you have other relevant experience in an alternative subject, for example time spent working professionally in the field or additional qualifications, then we would welcome your application and would be happy to discuss your options with you.
What subjects are available to teach?
At St Dunstan’s, we offer the SDCTeach programme across our whole curriculum: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Latin and Classics, French, German, Spanish, English, Maths,History, Geography, RPE (Religion Philosophy and Ethics), Art, Drama, Music, Design Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Economics, Politics, Psychology and Physical Education.
Can I apply if I am a career changer?
Yes! Teaching is a rewarding and meaningful career, and we are delighted to welcome applicants who have gained professional experience in the ‘real world’ and who are eager to share the benefits of that experience with our students. You will need to meet the criteria as outlined on page 9, including a good honours degree (2:1 or above).
“For a trainee or ECT, SDC provides the rare combination of high professional expectations and exceptional pastoral support, making it an ideal environment to grow as a confident, well rounded teacher.”
Joseph, ECT History Teacher
Application Process and Next Steps
Discovery Days
Check the St Dunstan’s College website www.stdunstans.org.uk/work-with-us/sdcteach to see if we are hosting an upcoming Discovery Day. This is the ideal opportunity to observe real-life lessons and hear more about SDCTeach.
Applying for SDCTeach
We open applications for SDCTeach in February of each year, and close them in April, for programme commencement in the following September. Notification of this will be posted on the SDCTeach page on our school website.
Join Our Talent Pool
At any time of year, you can sign up to our Talent Pool by completing the form on our website www.stdunstans.org.uk/work-with-us/sdcteach. This ensures you will receive notification of Discovery events and when applications for the programme open. You will also receive news for any ECT job openings at the College.
“St Dunstan’s is an inspiring place to train and teach because of its supportive culture, caring staff, and genuine commitment to innovative education.
The community is warm, reflective, and ambitious; teachers are trusted to try new ideas, and students respond with curiosity and maturity.”
Joseph, ECT History Teacher
