Trainee Physics Teacher (Initial Teacher Training) - Tuition Fee-paying route (A203)

Lift Schools; Essex; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Schools' school-based Initial Teacher Training programme lets you train to teach Physics while working toward a PGCE and QTS. You’ll gain practical classroom experience alongside experienced teachers and mentors, building confidence throughout the school year.

The 1-year full-time programme includes a two-week Summer School in August 2027, personalised mentoring, weekly training modules, and a nationwide network across Lift Schools.

Qualifications

• Degree: 2:2 or above by the start of the programme.
• GCSE English & Mathematics at grade 4/C or above.
• Right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the training year.
• Must not currently hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Responsibilities

• Gain practical classroom experience as an unqualified Physics teacher.
• Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and ongoing guidance from school staff.
• Participate in weekly training modules and training sessions.
• Engage with a nationwide network across Lift Schools and Ark Teacher Training.

Education

Degree: 2:2 or above by start of programme

Physics/ STEM degree or strong A-Level in Physics

Job description

Start your teacher training journey with Lift Schools: Train to teach Physics Are you looking to become a Physics 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, 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 Physics Teacher (Tuition Fee-paying route)
• Qualifications earned: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) & Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Programme duration: 1 Year (Full-time)
• Key dates: Summer School (2 – 13 August 2027)

Why choose our Initial Teacher Training Programme?

• Tax-free Bursary: On the Tuition Fee-paying route, a tax-free bursary of £29,000 or a Scholarship of £31,000 is available, subject to eligibility.
• Practical classroom experience: Gain hands‑on teaching practice as an unqualified Physics 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 our 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

• Degree: An undergraduate degree with a 2:2 classification or above (or equivalent) by the start of the programme. A degree in Physics, STEM, (or a related field) is preferred. Alternatively, a strong A-Level in Physics (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 Maltings is an 11–16 school based in Witham, Essex. Situated between the cities of Chelmsford and Colchester, the school has 900 students on roll and benefits from a modern, purpose-built site opened in 2011. With excellent transport links to London, our staff and students can take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities the capital provides. Free car parking facilities are available on site.

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.