Schools Direct

If you are planning to train as a primary school teacher and want to combine the academic rigour and grounding of a university course with the real-life hands on practice of working in schools, then the School Direct route might well be for you. It is particularly suited for candidates with relevant experience of working with children who are wishing to find teaching jobs for autumn in the local area. Our graduates are very successful at finding jobs in Leeds due to the quality of the course, school links in the area and the track record of Leeds Beckett University, our higher education partner.

The Springboard Cluster is situated in north Leeds primary schools including Little London, Brudenell, Kirkstall Valley, Kirkstall St Stephens, Burley St Matthias, Brodetsky, Spring Bank and Weetwood. It is led by Shire Oak Primary School in Headingley. One advantage of the Springboard Cluster is the diversity of its members and therefore the contrasting teaching experiences that student teachers benefit from on their two placements and on our enhancement days. We have small schools, three form entry schools, schools with high numbers of EAL speakers, schools with a very varied socio-economic profile and different cultural backgrounds. All are schools that are committed to meeting the needs of their young learners and supporting the next generation of teachers to do the same. Each school has an experienced tutor/mentor as well as supportive classroom teachers.