At Mercian Educational Trust (MET), we are committed to providing the best opportunities for our pupils and staff. As part of this, we support those starting their teaching career alongside CPD for qualified teachers, support staff and teaching assistants.

Teacher Training                                                                                                        

We provide placements and support for several training routes into teaching including teaching apprenticeships, and School Direct placement. All schools also have an Early Career Teacher (ECT) mentor and offer a bespoke support package from Mercian Educational Trust.

Teaching Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide a practical, hands-on approach to learning in the classroom while earning a salary. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, gaining valuable insights into the profession. With a focus on theoretical knowledge and practical skills, teaching apprenticeships equips you with the tools needed to thrive in education.

School Direct

School Direct is a school-led teacher training program that offers training within a specific school environment. As a School Direct trainee, you will be immersed in the day-to-day life of the school within the MET schools, gaining practical experience from the outset. Working closely with experienced mentors, you will develop the skills and knowledge required to become a confident and effective teacher.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we offer a range of CPD opportunities for educators at all stages of their careers. We are committed to supporting teachers develop their daily teaching practice as well as giving them the skills to achieve their career development goals. Training opportunities include: 

• Subject leadership coaching and mentoring
• Subject-specific CPD, for example, Maths CPD which is linked to GLOW maths mastery teaching (GLOW Maths supports teachers and leaders by facilitating classroom-based action research and innovation projects to improve the enjoyment, achievement and participation in mathematics.)
• Subject-specific external CPD courses such as Phonics, Religious Education, Design Technology and Science
• Colleagues are supported with National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), a suite of DfE-accredited qualifications for school leaders, designed to support professional development - helping school leaders and teachers become more effective.

As a Trust, we utilise one of our Inset days each year to come together inviting specialists to give inspirational training sessions, in the last few years this has included Debra Kidd and Hywel Roberts who focussed on inspiring and creative curriculum opportunities, and more recently Hannah Hall provided a session on 'When the Adults Change, Everything Changes' focussing on developing a school ethos to promote positive behaviour.

MET is also regularly engaged to provide CPD and support in schools beyond our Trust. This year we have successfully facilitated sessions in a range of Primary, Secondary and All-Through settings. Recent focus has included whole school curriculum development, strategies for teaching metacognition and techniques for improving parental engagement.

Support Staff

We value our support staff and the role they play in the progress of our children. No matter your role in our school's and Trust you will be fully supported in your role including opportunities for progress. 

Why Work for MET?

Training opportunities are a key part of working within the MET family. Alongside several benefits, you will also have:

• Experienced Mentors: Our experienced mentors are dedicated to supporting your professional growth every step of the way.
• Practical Learning: Our training sessions emphasise hands-on learning experiences to prepare you for the realities of the modern and future classroom.
• Strong Partnerships: We collaborate within our family of schools and external schools, colleges, and educational organisations to provide you with diverse learning opportunities and experiences.
• Career Progression: With our comprehensive training programs, you will be equipped to advance your career and positively impact pupils' lives.