Are you thinking about teaching as a career?
Since being established in 2014, well over 600 trainees have gained Qualified Teacher Status through Astra Teacher Training, which is based at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. Astra works with over 60 primary, secondary and special schools across Buckinghamshire and beyond, including Hertfordshire and Hillingdon.
Partnering with Bath Spa University, Astra SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) provides teacher training in local primary, secondary and special schools. While most trainees study full time, a number pursue part time training. Astra offers bursary-led, unsalaried, salaried and postgraduate apprenticeship routes into teaching.
Astra’s training focuses on developing teachers’ professional knowledge, skills and understanding of educational values. Trainees learn how to become reflective practitioners, with new entrants to the profession encouraged to think critically, draw upon the best available research evidence and make informed professional judgements. Astra’s carefully structured programmes have at their heart a commitment to inclusive professionalism, enabling all young people to flourish.
At the same time, training is highly practical and great emphasis is placed on school based learning, with trainees working closely with a mentor who is always a practising teacher. From the start of the course, trainees are in school, working alongside expert colleagues and gradually increasing their weekly teaching, gaining vital experience through taking a full part in the life of their placement schools.
All training is provided in person, with weekly Professional Studies to strengthen new teachers’ classroom expertise and subject knowledge, and there are also online resources to facilitate learning and help track progress.
Trainees are supported by a core team based locally, along with a PGCE tutor and phase/subject experts, many of whom are practising teachers, to guide trainee teachers throughout their course.
To find out more about teaching training with Astra, click here
Astra Teaching School Hub Buckinghamshire
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School was re-accredited as the Teaching School Hub (TSH) for Buckinghamshire in 2024. Astra TSH is a system leader for a range of key national priorities which support the Golden Thread of teacher career development. These include:
- Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
- Appropriate Body Services (AB)
- Early Career Training Programme (ECTP)
- National Professional Qualifications (NPQ)
Initial Teacher Training (ITT)
Astra TSH works collaboratively with local ITT providers across Buckinghamshire, including our own Astra SCITT which is also based at DCGS. Astra SCITT works with Bath Spa University and our partner schools to provide excellent support and training for new entrants into the teaching profession, from primary through to A level. Further information on teacher training with Astra can be found here.
Appropriate Body Services and Early Career Training Programme
Astra TSH provides Appropriate Body statutory services for the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) to support induction of ECTs in schools across Buckinghamshire. Astra also facilitates the Early Career Training Programme for ECTs and Mentors in the region. Further information on Astra’s Appropriate Body services and Early Career Training Programme can be found here below.
Appropriate Body Services
Early Career Training Programme
National Professional Qualifications (NPQ)
In partnership with Best Practice Network, Astra TSH offers a range of NPQs for schools across Buckinghamshire. These qualifications, designed to support the professional development of teachers and school leaders at all levels, are widely recognised by the education sector.
Specialist NPQs in
- Leading Teaching
- Leading Teacher Development
- Leading Behaviour and Culture
- SENDCo
Leadership NPQs in
- Senior Leadership
- Special Educational Needs
- Headship
- Executive Leadership
