Testimonials from Trainee Teachers

Emily Wainwright

The past year completing my PGCE with QTS with the Waterton Academy Trust has been one of the most rewarding years of my life. The way in which the course is run, in collaboration with Leeds Trinity University, allows you to use what you are learning in school to be backed up by academic research from university. I have felt supported right from the start of my PGCE journey with the ITT lead Sally always making time for any questions or queries that we may have.

The placements that are situated in the Trust Schools allow you to connect all the theories to your teaching practice and gain confidence in teaching a class. I really like the way that the teaching responsibility builds up over time, allowing you to move from observing to teaching small groups, to teaching parts of lessons, and then, when you feel ready, you can teach whole class lessons.

This gradual approach allows you to get to know the class that you are in and enables you to support each of their individual needs when you are teaching. In terms of support, there are a plethora of people that you are able to contact such as your personal mentor in school, your Link Tutor from the university, your personal university tutor, and of course the ITT lead! Having this range of support means that you can gain feedback and advice from a wide range of people who are all there to assist you in becoming the best teacher that you can be!

From my ITT interview to where I am now, in my final placement of my PGCE, I have had the support of the Waterton Academy Trust behind me and this is invaluable.

Katie McNally

My experience throughout my training with Waterton Academy Trust has been nothing short of exceptional. The curriculum is comprehensive, engaging, and truly reflects today’s landscape. I have received a tremendous level of support and guidance throughout my training, and the staff at Waterton Academy Trust have gone above and beyond to ensure that I have all the resources and assistance needed to succeed.

I feel confident and well-prepared to pursue a successful career in teaching, and I cannot recommend the ITT course at Waterton Academy Trust highly enough.

Darryl Bugg

My time with Waterton has been transformative. The experience that the course offers in various classroom settings on school placements is invaluable. They’ve allowed me to develop my lesson planning and teaching skills in real-world environments.

Another standout aspect of the Waterton training is the exceptional support system. My mentors and the wider team have consistently provided the guidance and encouragement I needed, helping me grow and feel confident in my abilities.

Additionally, the professional development sessions offered throughout the year were incredibly beneficial. Covering key areas such as curriculum development, safeguarding, and special needs education, these sessions ensured that I stayed informed about the latest teaching practices and gave me the tools to succeed in my own classroom.

Overall, this experience has prepared me for a career in teaching and I’m very grateful that I did my training with Waterton!

Lydia Barratt

My teacher training journey with Waterton Academy Trust has been outstanding from the very start. One exceptional aspect has been the CPD training which has been delivered by experienced teachers within the Trust and is tailored to specific curriculum areas, as well as safeguarding and SEND.

The CPD opportunities have enabled me to refine my teaching skills and ensured I am well-informed on the latest educational practices.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed all my school placements which offered invaluable experiences in diverse classrooms. Working closely with class teachers has also allowed me to enhance my skills in planning and delivering high-quality lessons. In addition, the support from various members of staff within the trust, including my mentor, has been invaluable. Their guidance and encouragement have allowed me to develop as a practitioner in an environment where I feel inspired to be the best teacher I can be.

Ciara Gardiner

During my teacher training year, the support and guidance provided by my mentors and ITT lead Sally Walsh has been invaluable. Their expertise, encouragement, and feedback have helped shape my teaching practices and have been instrumental in preparing me for the rewards of teaching.

Each of my placements has offered unique learning opportunities which have allowed me to experience different teaching environments and educational approaches. I have loved building relationships with the children on placement, witnessing their growth and progress. Additionally, the supportive relationships I have built with staff have contributed to my growth this year.

I have valued the learning opportunities provided by the trust, including all the training sessions, which have equipped me with essential knowledge and teaching strategies.