Trainee jobs in United Kingdom

Ark Trainee Science Teacher/ School Direct Trainee Teacher

Locations: London, Birmingham, Hastings, Portsmouth, Southampton

Bursaries and scholarships from: Up to £31,000. Find further info here

Closing date: Recruitment is running on a rolling basis until places are full - early applications are advised

Starting: September 2026

“My favourite thing about teaching physics is helping pupils towards that ‘eureka’ moment and seeing them understand a concept or method. It is so rewarding when their hard work has paid off, knowing that you have been a part of that journey.” Ellyn, Ark Physics trainee

You will be training to be a Science Teacher - this is a great opportunity to train to teach outstanding lessons and therefore help pupils achieve excellent academic results in Science.

In this role, you will engage in rigorous and continuous professional development in order to exceed the minimum level of practice expected of teachers as defined in the Teachers’ Standards. You will be able to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct, and be a role‑model, positively impacting the academy more widely.

Ark is a charity that aims to transform children’s lives through education. In the UK, the strongest predictor of how a child will do at school continues to be what their parents do for a living – but why should this be the accepted status quo? By working in our network at one of our 39 schools, you will be directly making a positive impact on young people’s lives through high‑quality teaching and thoughtful consideration of all backgrounds and needs, making educational equity a reality.

Ark Teacher Training (ATT) is a school‑based programme offering the perfect mixture of theory and classroom practice to develop you into the best teacher you can be. Because we believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves to have access to a great education, we work mainly in communities of lower income with a history of academic underachievement. We are very proud to have just received our second ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in all categories! There are only a few ITTs in the UK that can say the same. Alongside this, our programme is also incredibly supportive and bespoke, as you will see below.

• To engage in daily professional development activities
• To plan, resource and deliver lessons to the highest possible standard that ensure learning and progress of all pupils
• To provide a nurturing classroom and academy environment that helps pupils to develop as learners
• To help to maintain/establish discipline across the whole school
• To contribute to the effective working of the school

• Grade C/4 or above in Maths GCSE and English Language GCSE (or equivalent)
• An undergraduate bachelor’s degree or will hold (or equivalent) prior to beginning your Initial Teacher Training
• A degree or A level in Chemistry, Biology or Physics/ a related subject
• Evidence of a commitment to working with young people
• Experience of overcoming challenges successfully
• Ability to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct
• An aptitude for teaching

View the full job description and person specification here

Our programme places heavy emphasis on diversity both within recruitment of our trainees and within the training. It’s incredibly important that pupils have a rich and diverse teaching body to learn from; they’re able to see themselves in positions of leadership and authority, while their perceptions and world‑views are broadened. Read more here.

Applications can be made directly through our website here.

If you’re applying through the DfE, please see our subjects here to ensure you apply for the correct route.

For more updated and information, you can also follow us on X @ArkTTonline, find us on LinkedIn and like us on Facebook.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Ark Schools are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Please click here to learn more.