Initial Teacher Training

Why train at DGS?

Here at DGS we pride ourselves on building a curriculum and ethos that creates a learning community that develops international citizens. We offer a unique curriculum based on the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). This consists of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the lower school and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the Sixth Form. This diverse and exciting curriculum provides trainee teachers with an opportunity to training in a unique and highly successful school setting.

We have an excellent record of training and retaining outstanding schools direct trainees. We have a comprehensive Early Career Teacher programme, which includes high quality coaching, CPD and Wellbeing support.

For 2023/24, we have non-salaried vacancies in:

• Computer Science
• Design Technology
• English
• Geography
• Physics
• Religious Education
• Japanese

Considering applying but would like to arrange a school experience day? Email Director of ITT Natasha Kemp Nkemp@dartfordgrammarschool.org.uk

Initial Teacher Training – Why train with us and KMT?

We are a vibrant Lead School that works in partnership with Kent and Medway Training (KMT) collaboratively to enable schools in the community to recruit quality teachers.

DGS and our partner schools have been working in partnership with KMT for many years to ensure that we meet the needs of schools in our community. We provide excellent quality teacher training to ensure the best educators teach our students. This partnership has helped to nurture significant numbers of successful teachers, many of whom are now progressing into school management.

As a Lead School, we actively recruit on behalf of a variety of secondary schools and primary schools. This variety of settings provides our trainees with opportunities to work in different educational environments.

 We welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds who are dedicated people and wish to become inspirational classroom teachers. The in school training is delivered by a team of experienced practitioners. There are several layers of support available within KMT and schools. The combination of high quality support and training justifies the excellent success rates in both passing the course and gaining employment.

Kent and Medway Training (KMT) as the accredited body

Kent and Medway Training (KMT) is a highly regarded and successful Schools Centred Initial Teacher Training Provider (SCITT), which has been successfully training teachers for over 25 years. With School Direct our reputation has seen us grow tremendously: KMT offer training which leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and our partnership arrangement with The University of Leeds Beckett gives our trainees the opportunity to access a PGCE Top-Up qualification while they train or in the first two years of teaching - this offers Masters Level credits.

Considering a career in teaching but want more information? Register your interest with KMT to receive information on North Kent recruitment events, School Experience Days and one to one support from the recruitment team. Accredited Teacher Training in Kent & the South East from KMT (kmtraining.org.uk)

Routes into teaching with KMT

KMT offer two main routes into teacher training: Schools Direct and Schools Direct Salaried. KMT also offer an Assessment Only Route (AO) for experience teachers who are looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status.

Non-Salaried at a glance:

• Cost – £7,495
• Duration – 1 year
• Funding – Some subjects give you access to a bursary Maths, Computing Chemistry, Biology, Physics, MFL, Classics, DT and Geography) Scholarships and bursaries | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK (education.gov.uk). Student Loans are available through Student Finance England. Student finance for undergraduates: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Salaried at a glance:

• Cost – £7,495
• Duration – 1 year
• If you already have teaching experience or you worked 3 years after gaining your degree, you can be employed by a school as an unqualified teacher and receive full training at the same time.

AO at a glance: Assessment Only (AO) route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with KMT (kmtraining.org.uk)

• Allows individuals to demonstrate they already meet all the Teaching Standards, without the need for any further training
• The candidate will need to prevent evidence of their teaching and will be assessed in school.
• The whole process takes under 12 weeks

Professional Graduate certificate in Education (PGCE)

Regardless the route you are choosing, you have the opportunity to study for a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Leeds Beckett University. This is a Level 7 qualification with 60 Masters Credits. This is a distance-learning course that can be done alongside your training with KMT, or in your ECT1 or ECT2 year.

Key benefits of a Schools Direct route

• Candidate selects preferred school during application process
• Schools shortlist and interview most suitable candidates
• Active member of school community from start of the academic year
• Immersed into school routines from the start of the academic year
• Guidance and supported provided by outstanding practitioners
• One to one mentor based within the school setting
• Experience as a form tutor
• School based CPD opportunities in addition to KMT Professional and Subject studies