LDST North West Teacher Training

Why choose LDST?

We are proud to partner with Teach First to deliver a SCITT programme that blends national expertise with the insight of local specialists. This ensures you receive high-quality, intensive, school-based training from day one.

Our multi-academy trust currently comprises 18 primary schools, uniquely spread across several North West local authorities. This gives trainees the opportunity to work in a variety of contexts and gain rich, hands-on experience. With schools in the Trust catering for pupils aged 2 to 11, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how each Key Stage connects, the strategies that support smooth transitions, and the practices that prepare children for every stage of their education.

LDST has a proven track record in staff development, with recognised expertise in Quality First Teaching and pedagogy. When you train with us, you’ll benefit from a programme of high-quality professional development, delivered by passionate, experienced staff committed to nurturing the next generation of teachers.

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Who is the programme for? Is the programme right for me?

If you’re ready to step straight into the classroom and learn by doing, this programme is for you. From September, you’ll train full-time in two local schools, gaining first-hand experience while being supported every step of the way by an expert mentor.

Teaching is more than a career — it’s the chance to shape lives, inspire confidence and spark curiosity in every child you meet. If you’re passionate about making a real difference and want to see the impact of your work every single day, this is the programme to launch your journey.

What is the programme in a nutshell?

The School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme is a one-year, school-led route into teaching that allows you to develop your skills where it matters most – in the classroom.

Designed for people eager to learn on the job and make an immediate impact, our SCITT places you in a local school from September, where you’ll spend most of the week working as part of the teaching team and interacting directly with pupils.

Our research-informed training combines hands-on experience with phase and subject-specific learning, giving you both the practical skills and the theoretical understanding of effective teaching. Throughout your journey, you’ll be guided by experienced mentors who support your growth every step of the way.

By the end of the programme, you’ll achieve both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), fully prepared to launch a rewarding teaching career.

Which courses do we offer?

We have two courses available for 2026/27:

Early Primary (age 3-7)
- Train to teach in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1).
Primary (age 5-11)
- Train to teach in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2).

Both courses have core elements to them, enhanced with phase specific training to ensure the best possible training is provided.

When does the programme start?

You’ll start your programme in September 2026 and finish in July 2027.

What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible to apply you will need:

An undergraduate degree, or equivalent.
The ability to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the subject you are applying to teach, either through your degree qualification, your A Levels or relevant experience.
Grade 4 (C) or above in English and Maths GCSEs, or equivalent qualification. To teach Primary, you will also need Grade 4 (C) or above in Science GCSE.
We will not consider candidates with pending GCSEs. Functional skills qualifications are not equivalent to Maths and English GCSEs.
We accept most equivalency test providers. You will need to have passed your GCSE equivalency test before applying to our programme; we will not be able to process your application until you have passed.
Overseas qualifications will be reviewed by the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills (ENIC) to ensure they meet programme requirements.

International candidates

You’ll need the right to study in the UK.

You already have this if, for example, you:
are an Irish citizen
have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (you may still be able to apply)
have indefinite leave to remain in the UK

If you do not already have the right to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. The main visa for fee-paying courses (those that you have to pay for) is the student visa.