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Tykes Teaching Alliance (Tykes TA) delivers high-quality Initial Teacher Training in partnership with Exchange Teacher Training.

We offer an innovative, school-centred secondary programme designed by national and local experts to prepare the teachers of tomorrow.

Following a two-day induction conference, you will be fully immersed in classroom practice from the start of term. Weekly centre-based training is complemented by expert mentoring to ensure you are supported in becoming a reflective practitioner who can make a real difference in students’ lives.

School Placements

You will gain experience through two contrasting school placements:

  • First placement: September to December

  • Second placement: January to June

Additionally, four weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) allow you to focus on daily practices that are key to promoting student learning, particularly those areas trainees often find most challenging.

All our initial teacher training courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)*, and 60 Master’s Level credits.

Benefits of Our Programme

Research-informed
Our curriculum is underpinned by the best available evidence, including the Model for Great Teaching (Great Teaching Toolkit Evidence Review)—highlighting the skills, behaviours, and approaches research shows make the biggest difference to student learning.

Theory into practice
What you learn during weekly centre-based training is applied directly in your school placement, with ongoing support from your mentor.

Integrated spiral curriculum
Our curriculum places your development and competence at its core, reinforcing prior learning and offering multiple opportunities to refine and embed your teaching practice.

Practical experience
You will spend 39 weeks in school placements, fully immersed in professional learning and classroom practice.

Fully supported
You will work closely with your phase mentor (primary) or subject mentor (secondary)—experienced teachers with extensive expertise—to develop the skills needed to become an inspirational teacher.

*In exceptional cases, such as where a trainee already holds a PGCE, a QTS-only route is available.

Next Steps

For further information about Exchange Teacher Training and how to apply, visit exchangeteachertraining.com or contact:

Dee Marsh – Director, Tykes Teaching Alliance
📞 01226 782233 📧 deemarsh@tykestsa.education

 

Secondary courses

Our secondary Biology course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach Biology across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).

Course Code: K764

Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date. School placements During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice. Assessment Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.

Our secondary Chemistry course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach Chemistry across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).

Course Code: K984

Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date. School placements During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice. Assessment Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary English course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach all aspects of the English curriculum across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
Core training at Education House and your regional hub where you explore various aspects of the subject including GCSE specifications, marking and assessment and the range of skills and pedagogy required to become an inspirational English teacher.
Course Code: R228
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date.
School placements
During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice.
Assessment
Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary Geography course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach all aspects of the geography curriculum in Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
Core training at Education House and your regional hub where you examine the subject in depth including GCSE specifications, marking and assessment and the range of skills and pedagogy required to become an inspirational Geography teacher.
Course Code: G491
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date.
School placements
During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice.
Assessment
Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary History course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach all aspects of the History curriculum across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
Core training at Education House and your regional hub where you explore the subject in depth, including GCSE specifications, marking and assessment and the range of skills and pedagogy required to become an inspirational History teacher.
Course Code: T153
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date.
School placements
During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice.
Assessment
Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary Mathematics course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach Maths across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
Core training at Education House and your regional hub where you explore various aspects of the subject including GCSE specifications, marking and assessment and the range of skills and pedagogy required to become an inspirational mathematics teacher
Course Code: G126
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date.
School placements
During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice.
Assessment
Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary MFL course equip you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach French and Spanish across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
Core training at Education House and your regional hub where you explore the two languages in depth, including GCSE specifications, marking and assessment and the range of skills and pedagogy required to become a confident teacher of Modern Languages.
Course Code: Q718
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date.
School placements
During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice.
Assessment
Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development.
Our secondary Physics course equips you with the knowledge and expertise to plan and teach Physics across Key Stages 3 & 4 (11-16).
ore training at Education House and your regional hub examines various aspects of the Physics curriculum subject developing subject specialism along with the skills and pedagogy required to teach Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
Course Code: A181
Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your lead mentor, subject mentor and subject lead to ensure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent teacher. The course runs from September to June with a registration and induction day in August prior to your course start date. School placements During your placements, you will develop your pedagogy and practice through learning from highly experienced colleagues who have taught the subject successfully in secondary schools for many years. In addition to being placed in two contrasting schools, we also provide Experience Days so that you can gain insights into primary or Post-16 to give you a deeper understanding of a child’s educational journey. We take note of candidates’ transport needs and, where possible, seek to place them in schools that are conveniently located for their individual circumstances. As an integral part of the curriculum, four Intensive Training and Practice experiences (ITAPs) focus on pivotal aspects of the training and provide further opportunities to observe, reflect and apply what you have learned, strengthening your understanding of the link between evidence and classroom practice. Assessment Your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards, and acquiring the intended knowledge, understanding, skills and professional behaviours of our curriculum, is assessed holistically. For QTS: Assessment is ongoing throughout the year, and includes observation of your practice and evidence of your success from mentors, subject and/or phase leads and yourself. You are assessed against our curriculum as the year progresses, summarised at four review points in a Holistic Review Summary, and against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the programme in the Early Career Teacher transfer document. For PGCE: Assessment is by two written assignments for Sheffield Hallam University that are assessed at master’s degree level and provide the 60 MA credits, which are academically robust and grounded in your day-to-day practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you gain a PGCE which includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). The QTS can be used as the first third of a master's degree (60 credits), should you wish to continue with this accredited professional development. .

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Train to Teach

Exchange Teacher Training is a DfE-accredited provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) in England.

We are founded upon a well-established partnership of credible organisations in Yorkshire and the Humber, Northeast Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire, and the North East. Together, we are committed to the importance of ‘exchange’; sharing our knowledge, skills and expertise generously for the benefit of young people in our communities. We strive to drive achievement, address disadvantage and raise the aspirations of the children we serve.

Our initial teacher training is rooted in local, credible schools. You will be immersed in classroom practice from the very start, but you will not be alone. Your mentor will oversee your learning journey along with the lead mentor, subject lead and a dedicated central team, all devoted to ensuring your success on our programme. At weekly centre-based training, you and your peers will engage with the most recent and rigorous educational research and explore what great teachers know and do. We will support you to build professional friendships during your training will last a lifetime.

Visions & Values
We believe that every child in every school has a right to high-quality teaching.

Too many pupils in the North of England do not achieve well in school. Disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils lag behind their peers at primary with the gap widening at secondary.  The relationship between parental wealth and background, and children’s educational outcomes is particularly strong. Teaching is the profession that can break that link. The future economic prosperity of our communities is inextricably linked to children’s aspirations and the quality of education.

Ambitious Curriculum
Our pioneering curriculum is informed by leading national and international academics and informed by the deep practical wisdom of local practioners.

Developed in partnership with Professor Stuart Kime, our curriculum will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to become a great teacher. It prioritises the elements of the Model For Great Teaching (Great Teaching Toolkit: An Evidence Review, Evidence Based Education, 2020), the most recent full-scale evidence review of what makes great teaching.

We frame our curriculum around five big questions;

  1. What do great teachers know and understand about subject content and pedagogy?
  2. How do great teachers create a supportive learning environment?
  3. How do great teachers maximise every opportunity for learning?
  4. How do great teachers activate hard thinking?
  5. How do great teachers demonstrate inclusive professional behaviours?
Training Facilities
The Education Exchange Conference Centre

Many of your core and subject training sessions, including conference days, will take place at The Education Exchange, a large campus-style facility situated in Knottingley, with excellent road links to the M62 and M1 and within walking distance of Knottingley train station. With free parking, our centre is equipped with the latest technology, including free Wi-Fi and video conferencing.

Our impressive auditorium provides the opportunity for you to learn together with national and local experts, with accompanying breakout rooms providing space for smaller groups and tutorials.

Onsite you will find a welcoming café (open Monday to Friday) with indoor and outdoor seating. We serve barista-style coffees along with a range of food options, including jacket potatoes, soups, toasted sandwiches and snacks (surcharges apply). The café caters to a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

Our Exchange Teacher Training central team will be located upstairs in the conference centre.

How to Apply
Apply for your initial teacher training programme with Exchange Teacher Training now.

The Get into Teaching website provides some useful tips on completing your application, including writing your teacher training personal statement, choosing your references and preparing for interviews.

  1. Browse the courses we have available and check the entry requirements.  You can also search for available courses by visiting DfE find.
  2. Once you have decided upon a post-graduate ITT course, Apply on the government website. You can find our unique course codes on our primary and secondary course pages.
  3. Track the progress of your application, see your interview date and check the outcome. Once we have received your application, we will aim to respond to you within two days.