Ark - Graduate Trainee Teacher

Ark is a charity that aims to transform children’s lives through education. In the UK, the strongest predictor of how a child will do at school continues to be what their parents do for a living – but why should this be the accepted status quo? By working in our network at one of our 39 schools, you will be directly making a positive impact on young people’s lives through high-quality teaching that sensitively considers all children’s backgrounds and needs; making educational equity a reality.

“The work you are doing is meaningful and directly impacts the future of the kids in your responsibility, and that’s one of the best feelings in the world.” Kwaku, Maths trainee. 

Locations: London, Birmingham, Hastings, Portsmouth, Southampton 

Salaries from: £22,000 to £26,000

Bursaries and scholarships from: £10,000 - £29,000 (TBC for Sept 2025)

Closing date: Recruitment is running on a rolling basis until places are full - early applications are advised 

Starting date: September 2025

About Ark Teacher Training:

Ark Teacher Training (ATT) has consistently earned the ‘Outstanding’ status from Ofsted. With Goldsmiths University awarding the PGCE element of the programme, we offer you the perfect balance of theory and practice to develop you into the best teacher you can be.

Special features of our programme include:

• Wellbeing is our top priority; we provide dedicated support and prioritise you personally so that you can enjoy a sustainable career in education.
• One of the highest investors in professional development of any schools group; we equip you with the tools you need to be the best you can be, at every stage of your career.
• We believe in the power of our peopleand the beauty of diversity; we value individuals’ unique qualities and expertise, which cultivates the growth of special talents to enrich our vibrant community.
• Our credibility comes from our connections with acclaimed, national and international educational research; we set goals to enhance our professional practice that are person-centred and evidence-based.

About the role: 

You will be training to be a teacher – we provide one of the very best teacher training routes in the UK. You will learn to teach outstanding lessons and therefore help pupils achieve excellent results; opening up a world of incredible opportunities for them.

In this role, you will engage in inspirational professional development that will help you to exceed the minimum level of practice expected of teachers as defined in the Teachers’ Standards. You will be able to demonstrate consistently high levels of personal and professional conduct, and be a role-model, positively impacting on the whole school community. 

Key requirements: 

• Grade C/4 or above in Maths GCSE and English Language GCSE (or equivalent) and a science GCSE (for primary teaching).
• An undergraduate bachelor’s degree or will hold (or equivalent) prior to beginning your Initial Teacher Training.  
• A degree or A level in your teaching subject / a related subject (not applicable to primary).

Diversity and Inclusion at ATT

Our programme places heavy emphasis on diversity both within recruitment of our trainees and within the training. It’s incredibly important that pupils have a rich and diverse teaching body to learn from; they’re able to see themselves in positions of leadership and authority, while their perceptions and world-views are broadened.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Ark Schools are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 

Tips for Applying:

• Broaden your knowledge on the education sector - keep up to date with news and updates.
• Be open to a variety of subjects, this can significantly enhance your chances of being accepted into the program.
• Demonstrate the five key competencies we look for in a great teacher trainee, as well as passion for your subject or field: alignment with our ethos and values, excellent communication, curiosity and eagerness to learn, self awareness and resilience.

Application Process:

1. Eligibility form
2. Informal chat - getting to know you 
3. First-round assessment
4. School-led assessment