Great teachers do more than deliver lessons — they transform lives. They shape futures, unlock potential, and ensure that every child can thrive. At Reach Schools, we believe that every child deserves a life of choice and opportunity, and that starts with consistent, excellent teaching. But it doesn’t happen by magic, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

The one thing that almost everyone in society has in common is that they’ve been in a school. However, your experience of school and mine are likely to be very different. My idea of what great teaching looks like and yours could vary again. Developing great teachers is what drives us. We understand what consistent, excellent teaching looks like and how you pull it off in practice. We do it day in, day out. A great teacher can make a difference.

Why Great Teachers Matter

A great teacher enables every child access to a life of choice and opportunity by developing a classroom where students feel valued, inspired, and encouraged to aspire and endeavour. They challenge students to think expansively, dream big and realise their potential.The best teachers create environments where students are safe to take risks and learn from mistakes. Growth happens when students are empowered to push beyond what they think they can achieve. We train teachers to not only meet academic targets, but also shape young people into confident, capable adults.

Building Expert Teachers

Being a great teacher is a continuous journey of growth and development. Our professional development model is rooted in the knowledge that effective teacher development leads to lasting change. We focus on practical, research-informed strategies that are proven to build expertise over time.

We are committed to ensuring every child enjoys consistent, excellent teaching: teaching that exposes them to new content; helps them make connections with what they already know; and gives them opportunities to use that information in interesting ways. Consistent excellent teaching unlocks calm, purposeful classrooms where every child can thrive.

Evidence based frameworks

We draw inspiration from evidence based frameworks that prioritise mental models. These frameworks underpin not just what we do, but why we do it. Skill acquisition and the automaticity of habits are key. Through purposeful coaching and a commitment to professional growth, we develop teachers who are not only skilled, but also adaptable and reflective practitioners.

Deliberate Practice

One of the pillars of our professional development is deliberate practice. Regular, targeted feedback from experts, with opportunities for practice in artificial conditions creates the conditions for teachers to hone their skills. If it can work for an expert pilot, elite athlete, or professional actor, it can work for teachers too. Deliberate practice is our equivalent of a pilot’s flight simulator and an actors dress rehearsal.

This approach ensures that every trainee and teacher at Reach Schools not only masters the core habits of teaching, but also continually refines their practice to keep improving. That’s not because they’re not good enough, it is because they can be even better (Wiliam, 2012). 

We support trainees to develop into excellent teachers who can make a difference in their community. Great teaching combines practical skills with a deep commitment to fostering student success and this goes beyond the classroom.

In the Classroom from Day One

We give trainees the opportunity for hands-on practice in the classroom from day one. Trainees spend four days a week in school teaching lessons. At times they team teach with support from experienced colleagues.At other times they are planning, assessing and reflecting on their lessons. They are embedded in their schools and full members of the community. 

Wednesdays are training days. We explore the theory of how learning happens and practice the techniques that great teachers rely on in the classroom. Training is always led by school leaders, expert teachers who continue to work in the classroom themselves.

Expert Support

A wide range of experts support us to ensure that trainees develop the skills to help our pupils and their families thrive. Reach Teacher Training values collaboration, determination, and continuous professional growth. Experienced mentors who understand the realities of the classroom support our trainees. They are dedicated to helping student teachers become the best they can be.

Current trainee Tiegan has just secured a place as a Reception Teacher at Reach Academy Hanworth Park. Hear what she has to say about the support she receives from us.

Have Fun

We also promise that you’ll have fun along the way: it’s one of our values. Our staff are fun, friendly and want to enjoy what they do every day.

Here’s what current trainee, Joel, and alumni, Ryme, have to say about their experiences of being in our classrooms.

Make A Difference

We support trainees to develop into excellent teachers who can make a difference in their community. Great teaching combines practical skills with a deep commitment to fostering student success and this goes beyond the classroom.

We’re looking for passionate, driven individuals who are committed to making a difference. If you’re ready to inspire and empower the next generation, Reach Teacher Training will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and support to thrive as an educator. 

Whoever you are and whatever your background, all are welcome at Reach Teacher Training. What you do need is a degree, the right to work in the UK and a 4 or above in Maths and English GCSE.  Also consider whether you would prefer to work in Primary or Secondary education? Click here for the requirements for teacher training. 

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re committed to ensuring that every child has a life of choice and opportunity, get into teaching with Reach Teacher Training.

Make a difference. Become a teacher. Choose Reach Teacher Training.

Reach Teacher Training offers both PGCE, QTS and PGCE and QTS together and classroom experience in either of our schools or throughout Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston, Richmond, Surrey and Berkshire.

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Find out more at Reach Out!

If you would like to see more of what we do at Reach Schools, look here. Reach Out is our fantastic community of educators where we share, collaborate and grow together.