The Grand Union Teacher Training Partnership

The Grand Union Teacher Training Partnership PGCE courses in Secondary Business, Design &Technology (including food), English, History,
Maths,

The Grand Union Training Partnership is an initial teacher training consortium
centred on five 11-18 comprehensive schools situated in villages and small
towns West of Northampton. As well as these five partnership schools the
scheme has close ties with a further three Associate Schools, two of which are
in Milton Keynes. Most of our recruits come from the Northampton and the Milton
Keynes area

and the scheme is very conscious of its role in training local people
for employment in their home area. We provide Secondary PGCE courses, validated by The University of Leicester,
in Business Studies, English, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages,
Physical Education, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. We aim to give trainees,
whom we refer to as Associate Teachers, as much practical experience of working
in the partnership schools as possible. Each Associate Teacher's work and
programme of study is supervised by a Mentor who will take a close interest in
your development as a subject teacher and colleague. This part of the course is
complemented by a general professional studies programme provided in
co-operation with The University of Leicester. Our overall aim is to produce reflective professionals confident in applying for
and starting their first jobs as secondary school teachers. Over half of our
Associate Teachers take up their first teaching posts in the schemes partnership
schools. As a school centred scheme we are able to ensure that Associate Teachers are
involved in the classroom right from the start of the course, observing experienced
teachers teach and then gradually developing their confidence and ability to take
an increasing responsibility for the planning and delivery of lessons. Associate Teachers form close working relationships with their mentors and with
other colleagues in the departments in which they are placed. The views of the Associate Teachers are valued.They attend regular 'consultative
committee' meetings so that concerns and suggestions can be responded to
and acted upon.

20/05/2026

GUTP at Rushden Lakes, here to chat train to teach and answer questions. Come and chat with a prestigious train to teach provider serving Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas!

19/05/2026
Meet Sara-Jane:My training at the GUTP gave me an excellent and secure foundation for my teaching practice. The quality ...
29/04/2026

Meet Sara-Jane:

My training at the GUTP gave me an excellent and secure foundation for my teaching practice. The quality of mentors, subject leaders and trainers provided a high‑class learning experience, and the host schools were of an exceptional calibre. I felt fully supported at every stage of my journey.

Early in the course, I was hired by my first placement school and later moved to another school within the partnership. Remaining in partner schools allowed me to maintain a strong connection with the GUTP—something I was keen to continue because of my own positive training experience.

Alongside my teaching role, I have delivered training to new cohorts, acted as a mentor, and taken on the role of English Subject Lead for the GUTP. I have also been a Specialist Leader of Education, a Lead Teacher in English, an ECT Tutor, and a KS3 English Curriculum Lead, roles in which I have continued to support colleagues to reflect on and improve their practice.

More recently, I have taken on a facilitator role with the wider Swan Training School Alliance, delivering the Olevi Outstanding Teacher and Advanced Power of Coaching programmes to a broader network of schools.

I am very grateful for the path that the GUTP set me on and for the professional network it enabled me to build. It helped me recognise what outstanding training looks like and provided opportunities that have shaped and strengthened my career.

The GUTP attended a careers fair at our lead school. Hopefully inspiring some future teachers for the next generation. S...
21/04/2026

The GUTP attended a careers fair at our lead school. Hopefully inspiring some future teachers for the next generation. Some very thoughtful questions from the students and a pleasure to see them all.

19/03/2026

What does it really feel like to train with The GUTP? 💬 Hear from one of our current trainees about how the GUTP can equip you with the practical skills and school-based experience needed to kickstart a successful career in education!

Thinking of following in Emily’s footsteps? Sign up for our Virtual Open Event on Monday 23rd March 5pm - 6pm, simply email [email protected] to register!

Visit gutp.co.uk to learn more about our courses we offer 📚

Please email gutprecruitment@sponne.org.uk to register and find out more about the exciting opportunity to train to teac...
16/03/2026

Please email [email protected] to register and find out more about the exciting opportunity to train to teach with us...

A reminder to register for this event - we look forward to meeting the next generation of teachers!
06/03/2026

A reminder to register for this event - we look forward to meeting the next generation of teachers!

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The Grand Union Training Partnership, Sponne School, Brackley Road
Towcester
NN126DJ

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