Windsor Academy Trust
Routes into Teaching with WAT
Your route to becoming a teacher with WAT
Building Your Future in Education
At Windsor Academy Trust (WAT), we believe that the strength of our education system is defined by the quality, passion, and dedication of its teachers. Our mission transcends the four walls of the classroom; we are committed to nurturing the educators of the future. By providing clear, accessible, and high-quality Initial Teacher Training (ITT) routes, we ensure that the education system and our family of schools is powered by professionals who are not only highly skilled but deeply invested in the success of every child.
The WAT Talent Institute serves as a beacon for aspiring educators at every stage of their journey. Whether you are a Sixth Form student discovering a passion for pedagogy through our Aspiring Educators programme, an undergraduate gaining “real life” classroom insight via our Internships, or an experienced professional seeking a career change, we provide the scaffolding for your success.
Our approach is rooted in the “full circle” philosophy: guiding students from their own desks back to the front of the classroom as qualified professionals. We offer diverse pathways tailored to individual needs, including:
Employment-Based Degrees
Allowing Teaching Assistants to earn a salary while studying for a BA (Hons) through the University of Buckingham.
Postgraduate Apprenticeships:
Providing a funded route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for existing staff.
Assessment Only Routes:
Recognising the expertise of experienced, unqualified teachers to fast-track their route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
By investing in our people through collaboration with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), we are shaping the future of education, one teacher at a time.
This document serves as a comprehensive guide to the various Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathways available through the Windsor Academy Trust (WAT). It is designed to navigate you through the specific routes tailored to your current position.
Specifically, the document outlines the following:
Early Career & Student Pathways
• Aspiring Educators: A strategic programme for Year 12 and 13 students that includes weekly enrichment and four-week block placements in primary schools.
• School Experience: An introductory route allowing participants to observe lessons and gain insight into daily classroom practice and professional expectations.
• Internships: A three-week summer programme for undergraduate or masters’ students, offering paid opportunities in subjects like Maths, Physics, and Computing.
Professional & Academic Routes
• TA to Teacher Degree: A three-year, employment-based fast-track degree (BA Hons) through the University of Buckingham, allowing staff to earn a salary while studying.
• Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA): A route for existing staff with degrees to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while maintaining a paid position.
• Assessment Only Route: A 12-week assessment period for experienced, unqualified teachers to demonstrate they meet Teachers’ Standards without further training.
Programme Details
For each route, the document provides essential logistical information, including:
• Entr y Requirements: Specific academic qualifications or experience levels needed to apply.
• Fees and Funding: Details on whether a course is free, salary-attracting, or requires tuition fees.
• Professional Benefits: The unique advantages of each path, such as guaranteed interviews, mentorship, and practical classroom experience.
Routes into Teaching with WAT
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Post Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) Sixth Form students Aspiring Educators
TA to Teacher Degree Salaried Routeemployed with us a TA
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with NIoT + WAT
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Assessment Only Route
Aspiring Educators
The Aspiring Educators programme at Windsor Academy Trust is a strategic talent pipeline designed to inspire Year 12 and Year 13 students to pursue teaching careers. Delivered as a weekly enrichment opportunity, the programme combines theoretical insights with practical experience through fourweek block placements across primary schools within the Trust. Students benefit from a bespoke curriculum that includes guest lectures on specialised topics like SEND and digital pedagogy, followed by structured reflection sessions. To ensure long-term engagement, WAT offers paid internships for undergraduates and supports alumni through their university years, creating a “full circle” pathway that guides students from their own desks back to the front of the classroom as qualified professionals.
Entry requirements
Must be a sixth form student at either Windsor High School and Sixth Form or Aspire Sixth.
Fees
There are no fees associated with this programme.
Benefits
Students gain “real life” classroom experience through practical primary school placements and expert-led lectures, providing a unique opportunity to cement their career goals while securing a clear pathway toward future paid internships and teacher training within WAT. This hands-on involvement allows them to learn professional principles and school processes firsthand, doubling their confidence and employability before they even finish sixth form.
School Experience
This programme allows participants to spend time observing lessons in one of our schools to gain first-hand insight into daily school life, classroom practice, and the realities of working with children and young people. It also gives participants the opportunity to talk to teaching and support staff, ask questions, and gain valuable advice about training routes and career progression.
Entry requirements
Open to anyone thinking about training to teach with WAT on any of our routes into teaching.
Fees
There are no fees associated with this programme.
Benefits
This programme allow participants to confirm motivation for teaching, develop confidence, and understand the professional expectations of the role. It is also offers the chance to gain experience before applying to teach and experience which can inform application personal statements.
Internships
The internship programme allows participants to spend 3 weeks in a school in the summer after the university year has finished. The internship includes observing lessons, supporting students, meeting with teachers and gaining experience of the wider role of teaching. The programme builds up to interns delivering a short teaching episode to a class. DfE Internships are offered in following subjects; maths, physics, computing, DT, MFL and chemistry. Interns are paid £425 per week by the DfE. Internships are also available in primary schools and other subjects but this would not attract a salary, however internship activities would be similar.
Entry requirements
Interns should be studying for their undergraduate or master’s degree; not have accepted a place on a teacher training course and be studying for a subject that would enable them to teach one of the subjects listed above.
Fees
There are no fees associated with this programme
Benefits
The internship allows participants to confirm motivation for teaching, develop confidence, and understand the professional expectations of the role. It is a chance to gain experience before applying to teach and an experience which informs application personal statements.
TA to Teacher Degree BA (Hons)Primary/Secondary Education
Opportunity to enrol on a 3-year BA (Hons)Primary/Secondary Education, fully online, degree programme through the University of Buckingham, with dedicated self-study time whilst earning a salary as a TA in one of our schools.
The BA (Hons) Primary Education and BA (Hons) Secondary Education (Maths and SEND) are employment-based degrees designed for those currently working in schools, such as teaching assistants or cover supervisors, to gain a degree while continuing their roles. These three-year, fast-track programmes combine online academic study with practical school-based experience, focusing on pedagogy, subject knowledge, and inclusive practices. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to progress onto the Post Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA) pathway to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Entry requirements
• Must be in employment in a Primary or Secondary WAT School.
• Your school will need to write a letter supporting your application.
• You cannot have a university degree already.
Two A-levels, or other level 3 courses worth 32 UCAS points, or equivalents, including a Foundation Degree (overseas qualifications must be checked through UK ENIC to show they are the same standard as British A-levels).
• GCSE maths minimum grade 6/B for the secondary BA.
• Complete a successful interview with a member of the Faculty of Education.
• It is not a requirement for the BA but to apply for a place on a QTS course you must have a pass in GCSE English (grade 4/C or above) or an equivalent for the Secondary QTS course and you must have GCSEs in English Language or Literature, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above or equivalent for the Primary QTS course
Sixth formers who are taking A-Levels may apply.
Fees
BA in Primary Education - £5000 per year, BA in Secondary Education (Maths & SEND)£6000 per year. Student finance is available. There is also a possibility of receiving partial funding for the fees for current employees who undertake the BA in Secondary Education (Maths & SEND), subsidised through WAT.
Benefits
Earn a salary while you learn and receive support with financing your degree. Guaranteed interview for our Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) after completing your BA. Great employability prospects due to vast school experience and increased chance of employment to a WAT school if accepted onto the PGTA following this degree.
Post Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship (PGTA)
This route allows trainees to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while retaining a paid position within a school. The programme follows the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum delivered by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT). Apprentices typically take on a slightly higher teaching load to reflect their prior experience. They have sole responsibility for the classes they teach, supported throughout by an experienced mentor. Apprentices may also choose to study towards a PGCE as part of this programme.
Entry requirements
Be an existing member of WAT staff; ideally have 2 years expeience in a school; hold a degree (for secondary education, the degree should be related to the subject you wish to teach); and English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
Fees
Fully funded through the apprenticeship levy (Apprentices have no fees to follow this course) Employers do have to fund their salary.
Benefits
Continue to receive a salary while you train; no tuition fees payable by the trainee; train in a familiar school setting with established support networks.
Assessment Only Route
The Assessment Only route to QTS is designed for experienced, unqualified teachers who are already working in schools. It allows candidates to demonstrate that they meet the Teachers’ Standards without undertaking further training. The assessment period typically lasts around 12 weeks, although this can vary. Assessment is through lesson observations, a portfolio of evidence, and professional discussions. Candidates are required to complete a short placement in a second school setting, often lasting around four weeks.
Entry requirements
This route is suitable for teachers with substantial classroom experience across two different school settings. They must hold a degree (for secondary education, the degree should be related to the subject you wish to teach); English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent, as well as Science GCSE at grade 4 or above for Primary trainees.
Fees
Fees vary but start at approximately £1500.
Benefits
Continue to receive a salary whilst training; shorter qualifying period; reduced costs the trainee; candidates are assessed in a familiar school setting with established support networks.
Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with NIoT + WAT
A one year school-centred ITT programme, leading to QTS and PGCE. It offers hands-on classroom experience; placements start from day 1 in September. Trainees teach regularly with mentor support in placement schools. Trainees undertake two placements to broaden skills.
Weekly central training: connecting theory with practice through structured sessions. Intensive training before the programme starts.
The course can be completed full or part time - if part time. Thursday is a non-negotiable day.
The PGCE compromises 3 assignments, 2 written and a presentation; each has been designed to support your development in the classroom
Entry requirements
A degree (for secondary education, the degree should be related to the subject you wish to teach); hold English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent, as well as Science GCSE at grade 4 or above for Primary trainees.
Fees
For full time trainees - £9790 per year, for part time trainees - £7,335 for year one and then another £7,335 pro rata according to how much of the second year is needed. Student finance is available for all eligible applicants and tax-free bursaries are available in some subject areas.
Benefits
Intensive and thorough training; trainees gain both QTS and a PGCE, join national and local trainee cohorts and local placements.
This focused programme ensures every trainee receives personalised guidance and support. Enhanced employability prospects with WAT; we actively recruit teachers from the teacher training programme.