Why Laidlaw Teacher Training?

Your Pathway to Teaching Excellence

At Laidlaw Teacher Training, we believe in transforming lives through extraordinary education. Our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme develops teachers who are: ambitious, brave, curious, determined and committed to making a positive impact. Through immersive school placements and expert-led academic study, you’ll gain the skills, confidence and support needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

• Train in a Trust delivering Extraordinary Education
  Gain experience in a forward-thinking education environment focused on high expectations, inclusion and giving pupils opportunities beyond the classroom.

• Learn through PedTech
  Train in a Trust where every pupil has access to a 1:1 iPad and technology is being used purposefully to improve teaching, accessibility and workload.

• Learn from an innovative approach to inclusion
  Gain insight into Skylight, our developing model for enhanced mainstream SEND provision, and see how we are working to remove barriers to learning.

• Learn in a £3.2m Teaching & Leadership Centre
  Access dedicated training facilities at the Laidlaw Teaching & Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College, designed to develop the next generation of teachers and leaders.

• Be part of Extraordinary Experiences
  See how the support of the Laidlaw Foundation gives pupils opportunities to build cultural capital, develop character and discover possibilities beyond the classroom.

• Train across a wider Trust community
  With 11 Academies, two placements and a network of experienced teachers and mentors, you’ll gain experience of different settings while becoming part of something bigger.

Explore our Academy locations and see how each offers a unique, life-changing learning environment:

Our Academies

"My experience with Laidlaw Teacher Training this past year has been amazing. From the start, it’s been a rollercoaster of hard work, but I loved every second. I feel confident and ready to start my career in September."

— Megan Picken, Laidlaw Teacher Training Graduate

Watch an introduction from Helen Crank, Laidlaw Teacher Training Lead

Hands-On School-Based Training

• One-year ITT programme with two placements:

  • Longer-term Primary placement at your host academy

  • Shorter Secondary placement at a partner academy

• Gain confidence teaching across different age ranges and school contexts.

• Daily guidance from experienced in-school Subject Mentors — not university lecturers — giving practical classroom insight and personal support throughout your training.

• Expert-led sessions covering educational theory, research, and best practice.

• On completion, you’ll achieve:

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – DfE accredited

  • PGCE – University of Sunderland, including 60 Master’s-level credits

• Choose an academy within our 11-academy Trust that suits your location and preferences.

• Visit an academy before applying by contacting them directly here.

• Primary and Secondary teacher training.

• Secondary trainees teach specialist subjects at KS3 and KS4 (ages 11–16).

Join Laidlaw Teacher Training and benefit from unparalleled support, expert mentorship, and high-quality training as you embark on your journey to becoming an outstanding teacher.

• How to become a teacher: Visit Get Into Teaching

• Course fees: Visit the University of Sunderland

• Funding options: Explore Get Into Teaching

Discover the LST Training Experience

Thinking about a career in teaching? Hear directly from those who’ve trained with us. Our video case studies showcase the challenges, support, and inspiring moments that make Laidlaw Teacher Training unique.

Watch. Learn. Be inspired. Your path into teaching starts here.

Alex Mitton

Emma Smith

Matthew Calderwood

Megan Smith

Erin Gonzalez

Millie Taylor