Trainee Geography Teacher (Initial Teacher Training) - Apprenticeship route (E853)

Lift Schools; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Unity City in Middlesbrough invites applications for a Geography Teacher Training Apprenticeship. You train in real classrooms, earning a PGCE and QTS while working under mentors, with two-week Summer School in August 2027.

The programme lasts 1 year full-time and blends theory with hands-on practice, supported by a dedicated in-school coach and a personal mentor to guide your development. Eligible applicants hold a 2:2 degree ( Geography preferred ), GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C

Qualifications

• Degree: an undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (Geography preferred)
• GCSEs: English & Maths at grade 4/C or above
• Right to live and work in the UK for the training year
• Teaching status: Must not currently hold QTS

Responsibilities

• Gain practical classroom experience while applying pedagogical theory.
• Receive guidance from a dedicated subject tutor and in-school mentor.
• Participate in weekly training modules to enhance teaching skills.
• Join a nationwide network of trainees and alumni within Lift Schools and Ark Teacher Training.

Job description

Start your teacher training journey with Lift Schools:

Train to teach Geography

Are you looking to become a Geography Teacher and start a rewarding career in education?

Our school-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme gives you the opportunity to learn directly in the classroom, supported by experienced teachers and mentors. Delivered in partnership with Ark Teacher Training, this Apprenticeship route let's you earn while you learn whilst working towards your Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You will spend the majority of your time gaining practical classroom experience, putting pedagogical theory into practice, and building your teaching confidence throughout the school year.

Programme key details

• Role title: Trainee Geography Teacher (Apprenticeship route)
• Qualifications earned: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) & Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) & Level 6 Apprenticeship
• Programme duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
• Key dates: Summer School (2 – 13 August 2027)

Why choose our Initial Teacher Training Programme?

• No tuition fees: On the Apprenticeship route, your university fees are already paid
• Practical classroom experience: Gain hands‑on teaching practice as an apprentice Geography teacher, backed by dedicated 1‑on‑1 mentoring.
• Fully supported progression: Your personal tutor and in‑school coach guide you as you gradually take on more independent teaching responsibility.
• Network & community: Spend half a day every week in dedicated training sessions alongside fellow trainees from across the Ark Teacher Training and Lift Schools networks.

What The Teacher Training Programme Includes

Two-week Summer School (August 2027)

Prepare for your training year with two weeks of focused learning. Our Summer School (2 – 13 August 2027) helps you enter the classroom with a strong foundation in educational theory, lesson planning, and behaviour management.

Personalised mentoring & coaching

You will never feel on your own. A dedicated subject tutor and in‑school mentor provide ongoing advice, weekly feedback, and tailored career support.

Targeted weekly training

Weekly training modules enhance the practical teaching skills you apply in the classroom every day.

Nationwide support network

Connect with current trainees and alumni across 62 schools nationwide. As part of Lift Schools, you will benefit from a collaborative peer network throughout your training year and into your Early Career Framework (ECF) years.

Recognised PGCE & QTS Qualifications

Graduate with both a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for our Geography Teacher Training, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Degree: An undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or equivalent) by the start of the programme. A degree in Geography (or a related field) is preferred. Alternatively, a strong A‑Level in Geography (Grade C or above) will be considered.
• GCSEs: Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE English & Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Status: Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
• Teaching status: Must not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

About Our School

Lift Unity City is a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, known for its sharp focus on student success and we are proud of our supportive community and collaborative culture. Our school vision is simple, yet powerful 'everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school and a strength of character.' Alongside excellent leadership and teaching, we will help children to go on to lead successful and happy lives.

Our dynamic leadership team and dedicated staff work together to create an environment where every student is championed, and every staff member is empowered.

Our focused CPD programme ensures that you have the time and space to focus on what matters most; educating and inspiring young minds. People choose to join Lift Unity City because we offer a culture of high support and high expectations, where professional growth is encouraged and valued.

Here, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to making a real difference, with the opportunity to contribute to an exciting school improvement journey and see your impact firsthand.

With a clear vision and strong community behind us, Lift Unity City is a place where success is the expectation.

Our commitment to equal opportunities

We are committed to building a diverse teaching workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We provide robust support systems to ensure every trainee teacher reaches their full potential regardless of background.

Ready to train to teach?

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education.