Testimonials
Alice Fletcher, Biology Trainee 2023 - 2024
Training with the Preston PSA has been an incredibly rewarding experience - I have been supported throughout and trained by some of the most inspiring educators in the area. It has been fantastic to network with other trainees on the training days and I have formed connections that I’m sure will follow me through my career. The time I have spent training in outstanding placement schools has allowed me to develop and hone my skills as a teacher, receive expert mentorship and familiarise myself with the local teaching community. Following the School Direct route certainly provides you with the ‘best of both worlds’ when it comes to in-class experience and access to new ideas and teaching techniques on the conference days. I couldn’t recommend training with the Preston PSA enough - the support, experience and education that I have gained in the past year has been invaluable.
Marc Lomas, Maths Trainee 2023 - 2024
I have always had a love for Maths, starting from primary school and throughout my time in education. I believe the subject is so valuable to personal development and after spending time working as a residential support worker and helping to support young people in their everyday lives, I realised that I wanted to support young people in Mathematics and become a teacher. I took a lot of time to decide who I wanted to study my PGCE with and I chose the Preston PSA due to how friendly, approachable, and organised they were during the application and interview process.
I think that Preston PSA is a great journey to take when completing your teacher training, especially if you want to get involved in the classroom setting straight away. I know that being thrust into the classroom from the beginning can seem and will probably feel quite daunting, however in doing this you will really see the benefits and ways in which you can develop your own teaching, as well as helping you to become a reflective teacher which is incredibly fundamental in the process of becoming a good teacher. Preston PSA supported me throughout this and was always there when I needed support or assistance with anything to do with classroom or school related.
Away from the classroom, our conference days that we took part in throughout the course were very insightful and enjoyable, allowing trainees to meet and hear from teachers that had a plethora of knowledge and experience, and being able to listen to their advice and ask questions was really impactful in my development as a teacher. The conference days have various different subject matters that all apply to you as a teacher, such as behaviour/ classroom management, feedback, assessment, numeracy, literacy, pastoral, mock interviews, and letter writing, which are all important aspects of teaching to learn and be aware of before becoming a teacher.
Throughout my time with the Preston PSA, I have met so many people that have informed my teaching and helped me to develop, whether that be senior leaders of different schools, pastoral/ safeguarding leads, subject teachers and other trainees which I think is so important, as sharing experiences and knowledge is massively important. If anyone wants to become a teacher and wants an alliance that is professional, organised, friendly and approachable then I would highly recommend Preston PSA! I would not have my current teaching position for September 2024 without them.
Meg Cullen, English Trainee 2023 - 2024
The Preston Teaching Alliance has been a fantastic experience and the course has truly changed my life. I have been given the guidance and support I need to begin a career in teaching and the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding.
I have always felt supported by the team at Broughton, they are all so lovely and have gone above and beyond to help whenever needed. The training I have received has been exceptional and I have made friends for life. On top of this, the course structure means I have had loads of practical teaching experience which has been so important to prepare me for the job. Thanks so much to the alliance, I would recommend this route to anyone wanting to get into teaching!
Jack Manfredi, English Trainee 2023 - 2024
The training that I have received from PPSA has been streamlined so that that the deliveries of the conferences are concise and directly related to the classroom practices of professionals. The alliance has provided me with an excellent CPD programme that will help me through my teaching career and makes the process of becoming a teacher a far less daunting prospect.
The conference days are held at various alliance schools and allow trainees to get a feel for different schools within the Preston area. Every school that hosts a conference day usually picks an area in which they are particularly good at. This means that PPSA trainees are being given an insight into best practices. Furthermore, these visits become invaluable when it is time to apply for jobs, as trainees will have a much better idea of what schools in the Preston area are like compared to those on a University led SCHITT.
To anyone interested in teaching in the Preston area and beyond, I would highly recommend PPSA. In my personal experience, it has been a great training scheme that has set me up well for my ECT years. Karen and Jackie are professional and friendly, whilst always being on hand to help with any queries you may have.
Mary O'Gorman, English Trainee 2022 - 2023
I’ve always enjoyed reading since a young age, and then realised I wanted to help the next generation do the same. After spending a couple of years teaching English abroad in Spain, I decided the next step was a Secondary PGCE in English. I chose the Preston Teaching Alliance due to their approachability and friendliness throughout the application process. The team there were very understanding of my situation as an applicant overseas, and did everything they could to ensure a smooth transition.
I think the PSA is a good route to choose if you’re looking to go into the classroom from Day 1. This was a big challenge, however, one that definitely felt worthwhile. It was made possible with the support from the PSA team; I felt confident in approaching them for help with anything school-related.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Training Days, held at various schools around Preston, as they supported my teaching in the classroom with topics such as Assessment and Feedback, Managing Behaviour, Live Modelling and Developing Literacy - all important as a new English teacher!
Meeting brilliant school leaders, working with amazing teachers and other PGCE students was another big plus. I would recommend the PSA for anyone looking for a friendly, thorough and professional entry into their teaching career! They certainly helped me secure my current position at Colne Park High School.
Matthew Tomlin, MFL Trainee 2018-19
There are some very good teaching alliances in the northwest of England but for me the Preston Teaching School Alliance stood out and became my first choice for entering the teaching profession. They have enabled me, coached me and supported me all the way through the course.
The PGCE School Direct course covers all relevant topics and is delivered in concise chunks that are easy to absorb and fit well with the related in-school placement experiences. The course structure is clear, logical and effective. This Alliance has obviously put a lot of thought and expertise into designing it.
However, it’s not just about the course content. For me another important benefit of choosing the PTSA is from doing the course assignments, receiving individual feedback and interacting with so many dedicated and engaging school leaders and other course participants.
Having worked in industry for the past 17 years, the support offered by the PTSA gave me the confidence apply my skills to the classroom, to believe in myself and to implement new techniques immediately. I didn’t just learn “how” to teach. The “what” and “why” also became much clearer.
Matthew Tomlin MFL Trainee 2018-19
NQT Broughton High School September 2019
Jade Southworth, Biology Trainee 2018-19
“Throughout both my personal life and academic career, I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with teaching staff who have both encouraged and ignited my enthusiasm in the field of science. It is as a result of this that I chose to study an undergraduate degree in Biology, further my education to Ph.D. level, and to pursue a career in secondary teaching. My interest in science originated during my time at Broughton High School as a pupil, which heavily influenced my decision to study with the Preston Teaching School Alliance. From the expertise of the teaching staff, first class facilities, and support network that the alliance has to offer, my experience of the PGCE Secondary School Direct course, has been extremely positive, which I believe has been facilitated by the diversity of the training on the course and the fantastic admin staff, who coordinate the placements, PfL days and conferences that are incorporated into the academic year. As the School Direct course involves two placements in contrasting schools within the alliance, you are provided with vast experience of teaching both KS3 and KS4, as well as support and feedback from experienced, approachable and encouraging mentors, who will help to build on your skills of teaching, to prepare you for your new career. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course so far, and would recommend Preston TSA to all."
Jade Southworth Biology Trainee 2018-19
Chloe Morris, Mathematics Trainee 2018 – 2019
‘Ever since I was young, I’d always dreamt of becoming a secondary mathematics teacher. After having spent three years completing my Maths degree and going into industry for a short time, I was desperate to finally get into the classroom and chase my dreams. I am delighted that I chose the PTSA School Direct training route, as it’s given me the chance to get stuck in, observe some truly outstanding teachers and learn from the very best! As a trainee on the alliance, you learn something new every day, whether that be at one of the conference days, at University or in the classroom. I am excited to say I’ve secured my NQT year in a Fylde coast school and can’t wait to start the next step of my journey, a massive thank you PTSA for making this possible!’
Chloe Morris Mathematics Trainee 2018 – 2019
NQT Aspire Academy, Blackpool July 2019