--- title: "What is School Direct" url: "https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/what-is-school-direct-add-in-why-you-should-join-section" school: "Omega Multi-Academy Trust 1" --- # What is School Direct The School Direct PGCE programme is a 1-year, non-salaried route into primary and secondary education with QTS teaching. In partnership the University of Cumbria it offers the opportunity to complete the majority of teacher training based in a school and qualify with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE with QTS). The programme is an exciting route into primary or secondary teaching as it is a hands-on teacher training experience, based in schools. The course equips trainee teachers with the expertise needed to flourish as a qualified teacher. When trainee teachers start they become part of the school community and train as a professional from day one, whether they be in Primary, Secondary or Special Education Schools. The programme is designed and delivered by outstanding teachers with a proven track record of developing future teachers and leaders. Trainee teachers on the programme thrive because of the superb guidance and professional development they receive from outstanding mentors. Many trainees go on to gain employment in schools within the Omega Multi-Academy Trust or at schools across Cheshire and Merseyside. --- The School Direct programme offers: **Outstanding staff**; experienced and fully trained mentors who are committed to developing the next generation of outstanding teachers. **Become part of the team**; School Direct trainees start on the first day in September following an induction in the summer term and are immediately made to feel part of the staff, being known as Associate Teachers. **Employment opportunities**; schools in the partnership engage with School Direct because they are seeking to recruit outstanding teachers. **Innovative programme design**; partnership conferences, subject knowledge enhancements and leadership development is just a small part of the programme. The course is bespoke to the needs of Associate Teachers and includes enrichment opportunities in a special school, a pupil referral unit and opportunities to learn alongside NQTs as well as experienced colleagues. **Subject Knowledge**; specialist days led by tutors from the University of Cumbria enhance application of subject knowledge. ### Train to Teach - [About](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/aboutt2t) - [What is School Direct](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/what-is-school-direct-add-in-why-you-should-join-section) - [Teacher Training in Primary Schools](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/teacher-training-in-primary-schools) - [Teacher Training in Secondary Schools](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/teach-training-in-secondary-schools) - [What Courses are Available](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/what-courses-are-available) - [Entry Requirements](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/entry-requirements) - [Subject Knowledge Enhancements](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/subject-knowledge-enhancement) - [Fees and Funding](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/fees-funding) - [School Experience Programme (SEP)](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/school-experience-programme) - [Applications](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/applications) - [FAQ](https://sample.schudio.com/train-2-teach/faqs) - [Our Partner University of Cumbria](https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/partnerships/partner-schools/omega-teaching-partnership/) ![Omega Multi-Academy Trust 1](https://files.schudio.com/sample/images/logo/omega_logo-01.png) ### Omega Multi-Academy Trust 1 Lingley Green Avenue Great Sankey Warrington WA5 3ZJ 01925 988 330 © Copyright 2014–2026 Omega Multi-Academy Trust 1 School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://sample.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/) Update cookies preferences