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.
-
Real School-Based Experience: Train in classrooms from day one, gaining practical experience across different age groups and settings.
-
Expert Mentorship: Work alongside experienced Subject Mentors in our academies, receiving daily guidance and insight.
-
Academic Excellence: Learn with the University of Sunderland, exploring educational theory, research, and best practice aligned with the Department for Education’s Core Content Framework.
-
Outstanding Facilities: Access our £3.2 million Teaching & Leadership Centre at Sedgefield Community College — a hub for innovation, collaboration, and training.
-
Supportive Community: Join a Trust committed to high-quality teaching and the development of future leaders in education.
Explore our Academy locations and see how each offers a unique, life-changing learning environment:
"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 Mitten
Alex Mitton shares his journey to becoming a Maths teacher at Sedgefield Community College.