Train to Teach with CET
Be the best teacher you can be
Applications for September 2026 now open!
Train to teach with Cumbria Education Trust (CET), in partnership with Ambition Institute, who deliver an exceptional Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision across Cumbria. Transform your future and the lives of young people with expert-led, in-school teacher training, where you will:
- Qualify as a primary or secondary teacher in 11 months
- Achieve qualified teacher status (QTS) with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
- Gain hands-on classroom experience and start your career with confidence.
Through our school-centred approach, we aspire to bring even more ambitious and committed teachers into CET and provide the best possible start to a fulfilling career in education.
Why Train to Teach?
Train in one school
You will train to teach mostly in one school, either a CET school or a trusted partner school, giving you immediate opportunities to practise the theory you have learnt in a classroom, supported by teaching experts.
Be guided by a mentor
You will be paired with an experienced teacher who will make sure you are supported through your training.
Benefit from blended learning
Benefit from excellent academic training, that you would expect to receive from a university, with immersive classroom learning.
Develop your expertise with evidence-based training
A high-quality curriculum, backed by the latest research and evidence, will help you focus on developing your expertise in your chosen subject (secondary) or phase (primary).
Have a balanced workload
Our teacher training is designed to build your confidence in the classroom and give you real-life experience of the workload within a working environment.
Feel confident teaching
You will spend lots of time with subject experts, who will go into depth about how to teach your subject (or subjects, if teaching primary) in the most effective way.
Why train with CET?
Training to teach with CET allows you to do most of your training in one school. You can put your academic learning into practice in a structured, step-by-step way, with your mentor and peers, before taking it live in the classroom.
Your dedicated mentor will be an experienced teacher who works in your placement school. They will provide one-to-one guidance and support throughout your training.
The 2024/2025 Cohort in numbers
Meet our ITT Team
Lead Mentor - Secondary
Meet Alannah
What is your teaching background and experience?
I have taught English in West Cumbria for the last 14 years and love everything about teaching and learning. My passion lies in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 English Literature and I enjoy deep conversations about genre, writers’ intentions and the impact of texts on modern readers. I’m also an examiner for AQA and mark the English Literature Paper 1 GCSE, which just feeds my love and knowledge of the texts that I teach.
Why did you want to become an ITT mentor?
I’ve mentored trainee teachers in various guises during the past decade and genuinely feel that great mentors can create great teachers. My role as Lead Mentor allows me to feel that I’m having an impact on, not just the children in my classroom, but in classrooms all over the county and this makes me feel immensely proud.
What advice or key message would you give to trainee teachers?
To spend time equally getting to know your subject and the young people in your classroom. It’s impressive when teachers know their subject inside out but that needs to be coupled with knowing the students in front of you too. Balancing both should hopefully create a classroom environment where the passion you feel for your subject becomes infectious for the young people in the room.
Lead Mentor - Primary
Meet Emma
What is your teaching background and experience?
I cut my cloth as a teaching assistant in Streatham, London where my passion for teaching took hold! Moving north, I trained as a teacher in Primary Education. Over 12 years later, I am still in the classroom but am now fortunate to be part of the senior leadership team with responsibility for SEND. In addition, I have continued to face outwards and contribute to our profession in various ways at different stages as ECT mentor, CET Primary School Improvement Lead for Maths, NPQ Maths facilitator and, most recently, as a CET ITT Primary Lead Mentor.
Why did you want to become an ITT mentor?
My passion for teaching and learning stems from the belief that all children should be supported to find their ‘spark’ and to fulfil their individual potential. We should all be fiercely ambitious in the pursuit of academic and personal development of the pupils in our care. The opportunity to help shape and develop future teachers allows me to invest in ways that has longevity, hopefully reaching more than the 29 wonderful children in my own class and allowing many more children to find that ‘spark’.
What advice or key message would you give to trainee teachers?
Relationships are key. They underpin everything inside and outside of the classroom. Teaching is not simply about imparting knowledge, but about unlocking potential, nurturing curiosity, and guiding children to discover the joy of learning. Each day brings the opportunity to make a difference—whether by helping a child grasp a new concept, grow in confidence, or recognise their own unique strengths. It is a privilege and an honour. On the tough days, remember your why, seek out your support unit and know that it is okay to be human. You are at the beginning of a journey not the end and the hard work is worth it.
Lead Mentor - Primary
Meet Lauren
What is your teaching background and experience?
I have been teaching for 15 years. Throughout my career, I’ve taught across most primary school year groups, but my true passion lies in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I believe these early experiences are vital in giving children the strongest possible foundation for their lifelong learning journey.
I began my teaching career in Liverpool before moving to Dubai, where I was part of the team that opened a new school. After returning to Cumbria, I joined CET, where I have worked for the past eight years in a variety of roles supporting schools, staff, and pupils to be the best they can be. I am currently the Deputy Headteacher at Longtown Primary School, and I continue to enjoy both the challenges and the rewards of leadership.
For me, teaching is one of the most rewarding careers. Supporting people on their own journey to becoming teachers is something I am deeply passionate about, and I feel privileged to be able to help shape the next generation of educators
Why did you want to become an ITT mentor?
I chose to become an ITT mentor because I remember so clearly what it felt like starting out as a new teacher – the excitement, the challenges, and the difference that the right support made to me. Over the past 15 years, I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of schools and roles, each giving me experiences I now enjoy sharing with others. I want new teachers to feel confident, inspired, and well-supported as they begin their journey, knowing they have someone to turn to who understands both the joys and the challenges of the classroom. For me, mentoring is about giving back to the profession and helping to nurture the next generation of teachers so they can thrive and make a difference for their pupils.
What advice or key message would you give to trainee teachers?
My advice to trainee teachers would be to remember that teaching is a journey, not a destination. You won’t get everything perfect straight away – and that’s okay. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Most importantly, never lose sight of why you chose this profession: to make a difference in children’s lives. Build strong relationships, celebrate the small successes, and always hold on to your passion – it will carry you through the challenges and make the rewards even greater.
Miranda, our Professional Development Administration Officer, will usually be your first point of contact. She can help answer any questions you have!
Who can apply?
Training is open to anyone who might have an interest in becoming a teacher and has a degree (or equivalent), along with permission to work in the UK by the time training begins.
You might be:
- A recent graduate looking for the first step in your career
- A teaching assistant looking to transition into teaching your own class
- Looking for a completely new career path
- We welcome candidates of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all types of experience.
To be eligible, you will need:
- An undergraduate bachelor’s degree with honours, 2:2 or above, or equivalent
- A GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English or Maths, or equivalent
- Primary school trainees will need a GCSE Grade 4/C or above in science, or equivalent.
How do I apply?
Applications for September 2025 are now closed.
You can express your interest for September 2026 below.
Applications will open in October 2025 – be the first to know by completing the form below!
If you have any questions, our ITT team are always willing to help. You can email them at traintoteach@cumbriaeducationtrust.org for advice.
Applications for our ITT programme starting in September 2026 are now open!
You can apply via the button below, which will take you to the Ambition Institute portal. Once you have registered for a profile, you will be able to submit your application.
If you need any support with your application before you submit it, our ITT team are always willing to help. You can email them at traintoteach@cumbriaeducationtrust.org for advice.
Are you a graduate?
If you’re currently studying for a degree in Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, MFL or Physics, you could carry out a Teaching Internship, which would help you understand what it’s really like to be in a classroom.
The paid Teaching Internship Programme, which is delivered by Cumbria Education Trust, will provide you with an immersive and exciting school experience, over a three week period (Monday 23rd June to Friday 11th July 2025) at William Howard School, Brampton or other partner schools.
During the programme, you will get a feel of day to day school life and experiences could include:
- shadowing experienced teachers and observing lessons
- jointly planning and delivering lessons
- one to one guidance from excellent classroom teachers
- opportunities to network with qualified subject specialists
As an intern, you will receive £425 per week; a total of £1275 on completion of the three-week programme.
Alex Scott, a current ITT trainee, took part in the internship last year.
“It was incredibly informative and gave me a real insight into the teaching profession. I had the opportunity to observe a variety of classes, and I was even able to teach my own lesson, which was a valuable experience. Overall, it reinforced my decision to pursue a career in teaching, and it ultimately led me to join the ITT programme at William Howard School.”
To be part of this exciting opportunity, you can apply below.
Interviews will be held up until the end of April 2025.
Still have questions?
You can read our FAQs below or talk to our ITT team to get your questions answered:
How is in-school training different to training at a university?
Unlike university-based teacher training programmes, where you have a number of different placements, our programme allows you to do most of your training in one school. The big benefit of this is that you can put your academic learning into practice in a classroom environment where you feel familiar and comfortable.
You’ll learn through a combination of self-guided learning, face-to-face and online sessions with other trainees. In-school activities will include classroom teaching practice, peer support and one-to-one guidance from your mentor. The practical teaching experience you gain will mean you finish the training confident to teach in a classroom.
You will also have a dedicated mentor – an experienced teacher – throughout your training who works alongside you in your school to offer guidance and support.
How long is the programme?
This is an 11 month full-time postgraduate programme, which will start in September 2026.
What school will I teach in?
You will be based in one core school for most of your training. As soon as your application is received, we will match you to a school based on the answers you provide to these four questions:
- Where would you like to train?
- Do you want to be in a primary or secondary school?
- What subject do you want to specialise in (for secondary) or phase (for primary)?
- Do you want to train full-time or part-time?
Please be aware that, whilst your preferred school will be taken into consideration and prioritised, it may not always be possible.
Will I learn to teach primary or secondary pupils?
It’s up to you! You can choose to teach in a primary or secondary school.
If you are hoping to teach in a secondary school, the pupils will be aged between 11 and 16. In a secondary school, you will have the opportunity to select your preferred subject.
If you would like to teach in a primary school, the pupils will be aged between 4 and 11.
Can I choose the subject I want to train in and are there any availability limits?
Yes, you can choose the subject you want to teach in a secondary school. Secondary school subjects include*:
- Art and design
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- English
- French
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- PE
- Physics
- Spanish
*Some core secondary subjects are more popular than others, so it is best to express your interest early.
In a primary school, you will need to be able to teach a wider range of subjects.
What qualifications will I gain at the end of the programme?
You will achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a nationally recognised teaching qualification.
When you have successfully completed the programme, you will also receive a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE). This is an internationally recognised qualification, opening up opportunities for you to teach abroad.
The PGCE is worth 60 credits towards a master’s degree if you want to go on to further study.
What funding is available for the programme?
You can find the latest ITT funding information here:
Do I need to have the right to work in the UK?
By the start of the training, successful candidates must have permission to work in the UK full-time for the duration of the programme.
Unfortunately, Cumbria Education Trust and Ambition Institute cannot sponsor your visa.
Want to register your interest?
If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest ITT information, you can register your interest here.
Cumbria Education Trust and Ambition Institute, a national education charity, have an exciting partnership aimed to inspire a new generation of teachers in Cumbria and offer professional development to existing teachers, to be the best they can be.