Get Into Teaching

The Olympus Academy Trust Opportunities

Why train with us?

Inspiring Teachers | Strengthening Local Communities

We work in close partnership with Five Counties SCITT to deliver high‑quality Initial Teacher Training (ITT). Our PGCE courses are accredited by Five Counties SCITT, with the PGCE qualification approved by Sheffield Hallam University.

Successful trainees are awarded PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the end of the programme, with potential opportunities for employment within one of our schools.

Our Commitment

We are passionate about developing teachers who make a real difference in their local communities. Our expertise extends beyond initial training to the ongoing professional development of teachers and support staff.

We pride ourselves on offering:

High‑quality training in teaching and learning
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at all career stages
Clear pathways for career progression and leadership development

Diverse, High‑Quality Placements

Through our strong partnership, we offer a wide range of school placement opportunities across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including:

Primary and Secondary phases
Urban, suburban, and rural settings
All schools are comprehensive

Each trainee completes two school placements, both within our partnership schools, ensuring a supportive and consistent training experience.

For any queries about our courses please contact admin@olympustrust.co.uk.

About the programme

All our schools have decades of hugely successful experience working with ITT students and have employed many of them. We have worked alongside the Five Counties SCITT, CLF, the UWE, Bath Spa and the University of Bristol for many years.

The programme brings PGCE and QTS qualifications.

PGCE Courses

Primary
English
Drama
Business
Geography
History
Maths
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Art
PE
PE with Ebacc route
Design Technology

Our Schools

Secondary Schools

Abbeywood Community School

Bradley Stoke Community School

Lyde Green Community School

Patchway Community School

Winterbourne Academy

Primary Schools

Bradley Stoke Community School Primary Phase

Callicroft Primary, Patchway

Charborough Road Primary School (Filton)

Filton Hill Primary School

Meadowbrook Primary School, Bradley Stoke

Stoke Lodge Primary School

What Will you Study

The Olympus Academy Trust works in partnership with The Five Counties SCITT to deliver high quality teacher training provision across the region.

The Five Counties SCITT curriculum blends educational theory, cognitive research, and evidence-based practice with a strong focus on equity and inclusion. Trainees follow a well-sequenced programme which is organised into six modules:

Behaviour for learning
Pedagogy and how children learn
Curriculum and Subject Knowledge for Teaching
Assessment for and of learning
EDI and adapting teaching
Professional behaviours

Centre-based training builds foundational knowledge, which is then applied in school placements with support from expert mentors. The curriculum fosters professionalism, reflective practice, and proactive learning, preparing trainees to become excellent and inclusive teachers.

Trainees demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum and its application in the classroom through termly meetings where evidence is presented. They receive regular feedback on targets from mentors, tutors, and subject experts to support their development. Progress is further assessed through written assignments completed as part of the PGCE qualification.

Entry Requirements

- Degree (2:2 or above)
- Secondary: GCSE maths, English at grade 4 (C) or equivalent
- Primary: GCSE maths, English, Science at 4 (C) grade or equivalent
- Appropriate numeracy and literacy skills
- Evidence of school experience or a comprehensive and relevant understanding of state school life
- Good references
- Satisfactory Health and Safeguarding (DBS) checks
All applicants should also have GCSE grade 4 C or above in mathematics and English language (and Science for primary) or equivalent. The English qualification MUST be in English as a first language. We will consider candidates with pending GCSEs and those who need to take equivalency tests.

Applicants should either have achieved, of be in the final year working towards their degree or an equivalent overseas qualification agreed to be of an equivalent level by ENIC. Applicants with overseas qualifications must present an ENIC certificate to us prior to registration. www.enic.org.uk

At present, visas cannot be sponsored.

One-to-one discussions

One-to-one discussions are intended for anyone who is thinking of becoming a teacher – both primary and secondary. You are welcome to arrange a call or meeting with our ITT lead if you would like to discuss your situation.

These are informal sessions. Please book your place via admin@olympustrust.co.uk.

How to apply

You can apply through Get Into Teaching. There are a limited number of places for the programme, so you should apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of obtaining a place. We will close the course once we have filled all available places.

Please read through the Get Into Teaching pages carefully for guidance on how to apply.

Your application* will include your:

Personal Information (DoB, Address etc.)
Academic qualifications
Experience to date
A personal statement
Two references

For support with your application we advise you attend either a School Experience Day with us or arrange a one-to-one.

The selection Process

In accordance with Department for Education regulations, we interview all shortlisted candidates prior to making an offer to train with us. If you are invited to interview you will be expected to be familiar with key issues and developments in secondary schools – especially those in your subject area or phase. It will help you to read the educational press and to talk to teachers and those currently undertaking teacher training.

Please remember that the purpose of interviews is for us to get to know you better and for you to have the opportunity to present your strengths to us. If possible, it would benefit you to have undertaken a minimum of two days’ observation in a secondary or primary school so that you can talk about your experiences. However, this is not essential.

You will also have plenty of opportunity to ask questions about the programme and about teaching. The interview is designed to help us feel confident that you are a suitable candidate for the teaching profession, and to help you feel confident that you are well-enough informed about the challenges you will face.

Interviews

We look at all application forms. If your academic qualifications are appropriate, your personal statement is convincing (and accurate in terms of spelling and grammar) and your references supportive you will be called to interview. Interviews will take place either in one of our schools or online via Microsoft Teams. Typically, an interview day will consist of:

A short pre-prepared presentation
A teaching based task
An individual interview

Details of the tasks will be sent to you prior to the interview date.

This rigorous selection process ensures that we recruit the very best trainee teachers for our children and young people. During the process you will also be able to establish whether we are the right training provider for you. Successful applicants may be given conditions or recommended actions to complete prior to the course starting in order to accelerate their readiness for the teacher training year.

What we are looking for

We are looking for creative and dynamic individuals who can motivate and inspire young people, as well as ambitious trainee teachers who are passionate and enthusiastic about working with young people. Resilience and determination, self-awareness and willingness to learn through success and mistakes are essential personal attributes for a career in teaching.

The assessment tasks are designed to help us select prospective trainees based on our core values and attributes:

Aptitude and readiness for teacher training
Strong subject knowledge and passion for teaching and learning specific to age range
Strong sense of moral purpose
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to reflect, be responsive and pro-active

We expect applicants to come from a wide range of backgrounds and, therefore, with a wide range of skills. This is a strength of the programme as it allows us to use your differences so that you can learn from one another. Some trainee teachers will be coming straight from a first degree, some will be making an early career change, some will be returning to study and work after spending time bringing up children and some will be changing career later in life. All are very welcome and we believe our School Direct Programme is enriched by this variety.

Charlotte's story - A case study

I began my career in the hotel industry, running conferences and events before moving into office-based management. I then decided that teaching was what I really wanted to do.

To qualify as a teacher, I gave up work to become a full time student to complete my PGCE. As I was a scientist, I got a bursary to assist financially. Being a full time student was amazing – I was worried about being the oldest one, but my PGCE cohort was a vibrant and fun mix of all ages and backgrounds!

I finished my PGCE and I secured a full time, permanent post. I put myself forward for opportunities that were available, and as I result I was able to progress quite quickly. I am now an Assistant Headteacher: being able to evidence my skills and experience in my pre-career teaching career was a huge help in securing my position. Leadership of people is the same set of skills in any sector, and highly valued in education.

6 years after qualifying, I am earning more than I ever did pre- my career change, and my job satisfaction is so much higher. I feel challenged, motivated and rewarded in my job, and every day am grateful I made the move into education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation

We are unable to provide accommodation.

Child Care Facilities

We are unable to provide child care facilities but may be able to signpost towards local provision.

Disability Access

We are able to provide full access and support for disabilities – please ask for further information.

How much will I get to train?

There are three types of funding available for teacher training – depending on your circumstances:

Tax-free bursary or scholarship (up to £31,000) depending on subject
Tuition Fee Loan (up to £9,790) and Maintenance Loan
Extra financial support if you’re a parent, veteran or if you have an adult dependant or a disability

Public Transport

There are good public transport links around our centres and they are close together. Further information can be provided on request. Maps are available on the institution websites.

Special Features

There will be an opportunity to spend time in other schools and some trainees may also visit other institutions, such as special schools or colleges of further education.

Study Facilities

There will be space for trainees to study within a school setting and all trainees will also have access to the library at the university which is close at hand. Much of the training time will be spent in the specialist areas in the schools.