Rushden Academy has a proven track record in successfully supporting trainee teachers on programmes leading to QTS and supporting ECTs through their induction period and beyond.

As a school with a strong and successful record for training new teachers to the profession, Rushden Academy works closely with School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) providers to provide fully supported and mentored school placements.

We have a long established relationship with The Pilgrim Partnership (also known as the Cambridge Partnership) and in recent years have hosted trainees from the National Institute of Teaching & Education (NITE), The Grand Union Training Partnership (GUTP) and Northampton Teacher Training Partnership (NTTP)

Cick to visit the Coventry Univeristy Site

For further information on teacher training opportunities, routes into teaching or working here as an ECT, please contact Gail Brainwood, Assistant Principal on 01933 350391 or by email: 

 Don’t take our word for it, here’s what our ex-trainees and NQT’s have to say about it!

The journey towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) can be a demanding endeavour for many. My mentor, a seasoned educator, consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and genuine care. They meticulously considered both my academic and pastoral needs, ensuring that I received the support necessary to thrive.

Through their guidance, my observations were meticulously organised, resulting in constructive feedback that significantly enhanced my teaching abilities. Our regular meetings fostered a strong, approachable professional relationship built on trust. My mentor's unwavering commitment to my success was evident in their timely and tailored support throughout the process.

In just one year under their mentorship, I gained more invaluable insights than in the preceding seven years of my teaching career. Rushden Academy's dedication to excellence and its commitment to nurturing trainees is truly commendable. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable guidance and support I received from the entire team. I am confident that I have made the right choice in selecting Rushden Academy for my QTS training.

I wholeheartedly recommend Rushden Academy to anyone considering pursuing QTS. Their exceptional staff and supportive environment create the ideal conditions for aspiring teachers to excel.
Mr W Francis - IT trainee

I could not have asked for a better support system during my NQT year. As a new teacher, new to the school I was well informed and up to speed with the way in which the school functioned very quickly thanks to the support of Gail and my mentor. Gail then became my mentor after my previous left for Maternity leave and this transition was smooth and did not impact my day to day at all. Support is given by all staff to NQTs at Rushden Academy, with a real team ethos within the Academy but especially Gail and her team of Mentors continue to go above and beyond to support. I settled very quickly and could not have asked for a better school to start my teaching career with. Without the welcoming feeling and support given, I do not think I would have been ready to step into my HOY role as smoothly as happened. The induction programme is bespoke and informative ensuring that all staff are given all the knowledge and information they need to be able to settle quickly and complete their NQT or Training Programme. The way in which it is tailored using expert staff and experience from across the Academy is brilliant.
Mr C Smith - Assistant Principal

A bespoke, supportive and encouraging NQT programme. As an NQT beginning their teaching year in a pandemic, I was feeling a little nervous, however, Rushden Academy has provided an amazing NQT programme to ensure I feel supported and confident in my role. My mentor has provided endless support with regular meetings and check ins. As well as this the weekly meetings have provided a safe space in which we can discuss our weeks, always with a focus on the positive. The NQT training has provided me with new tools in order to be a successful teacher. Thank you for sharing your expertise and knowledge.
Mrs L Keywood - Teacher of English 

I found the support of my fellow NQTs invaluable in my first year at Rushden, especially as many of them had trained here and knew more about the school, they were a great source of knowledge and guidance while we all got used to new systems, surroundings, and students. All the staff at Rushden were very welcoming and created a pleasant and supportive work environment, where people would regularly check in and offer help.

The induction process was thorough, and the provision of specialist NQT CPD enabled us to get to know key members of staff, and develop new teaching strategies which were tried and tested throughout the academy.

Lesson Feedback was always constructive and helpful, and often followed up in mentor meetings to check on the effectiveness of new strategies. Staff were always willing to be observed, which was valuable in developing teaching and getting to know teachers and the school.
Mrs S Anderson  - Teacher of Art 

As an Early Career Teacher at Rushden Academy, I found the support and guidance invaluable in helping me grow as a teacher. The ECT framework provided a solid foundation at the start of my journey, giving me the structure and resources I needed to build my confidence in the classroom. My mentors were incredibly helpful in pushing and supporting me to go beyond my comfort zone, offering constructive feedback and guidance that enhanced my teaching practice. This strong support system has not only allowed me to grow but has also prepared me to take on the role of a mentor myself, passing on the knowledge and experience I have gained. The supportive network at Rushden Academy has been a key factor in my development, creating an environment where collaboration and growth are central to success.  
Mr G Oddy - ECT Teacher of History

I spent 5 months at Rushden Academy during my ITT year in which I was fortunate enough to have a really supportive mentor as well as department. I was lucky to have lessons with a variety of teachers across the team which allowed me to act on feedback given to develop as a teacher in my first few months. Fast forward to Easter and I secured a job at Rushden Academy for September when starting my first ECT year. Throughout the first half term, I have had weekly mentor meetings with small targets to focus on each week. This has been done in a really helpful and clear way which has enabled me to grow as a teacher in my first few months.

Mr M Hodgeson - ECT Teacher of PE

I joined Rushden Academy initially as a trainee during my 2nd placement as part of the ITT course. Having attended Rushden Academy in the past as a student, I was amazed to see how much the school had grown, everything that had been put into place since leaving, and how accommodating the school is for students, staff and trainees. During my training at Rushden Academy, I was met with a mentor who had both a wealth of knowledge and coaching techniques. They invited me into their department which was full of high quality curriculum plans, constant communication and support from all team members, as well as a fantastic array of extra curricular activities to help deliver, that developed me further as a trainee. I enjoyed my training year so much and had such a good experience with my mentor and the coaching program that I decided that I wanted to stay and continue through the ECT years at Rushden Academy. The induction process was really easy and we also had added new staff meetings, which were a really nice way to learn more about the school and keep consistency across the school. I am now currently in my second year of ECT and have regular meetings with my mentor, a clear path of development with my continued training and support and lots of opportunities to observe brilliant examples of teaching. 

Miss A Gardner - ECT Teacher of Drama