A new cohort of aspiring teachers has begun their training journey with 3-18 Inspiring Futures Train to Teach.
Delivered through 3-18 Inspiring Futures Train to Teach, our PGCE programme combines the academic study of teaching and learning with practical classroom experience. Throughout the academic year, the Associate Teachers (trainees) will undertake learning in schools across our Trust community and partner schools throughout Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.
Heather Brown, ITT Coordinator for 3-18 Inspiring Futures Train to Teach, said the trainees bring a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to the programme: “Some have previously worked in schools, while for others this will be their first experience of working in education. Several are also embarking on a complete career change, bringing valuable skills and perspectives from other professions.”
One of the highlights of the induction was a welcome from David O’Toole, CEO of The 3-18 Education Trust. David shared the Trust’s vision and mission and spoke about our commitment to developing the next generation of teachers, enabling them to make a positive difference to the lives of young people across our communities.
What next for our new Associate Teachers?
Following induction, the Associate Teachers will join placement schools, where they will work closely with mentors and colleagues to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence as future teachers. They will begin by observing expert practitioners before gradually taking on teaching responsibilities, starting with team teaching or small sections of lessons and progressing to solo teaching as their experience and confidence grows.
Early in the autumn term, the trainees will spend five days developing their lesson planning skills, building a strong foundation for effective classroom practice.
Throughout the programme, the cohort will receive guidance and feedback from mentors. This collaborative approach helps them to refine their practice, build confidence in their teaching and become reflective practitioners committed to continuous improvement.
Thank you to our schools and partner schools, mentors, university colleagues and senior leaders whose support makes this teacher training journey possible. We wish our Associate Teachers every success as they embark on a year of professional learning, classroom experience and personal growth.
Applications for next year’s PGCE programme open on 1st October.
3-18 Inspiring Futures Train to Teach
3-18 Inspiring Futures is a Lead School Initial Teacher Training Provider. The Train to Teach team is proud to have been training teachers with The Priory School as our Lead School since 2013 under the Salop Teaching Partnership banner. In September 2025, our programme was re-launched as part of the wider 3-18 Education Trust Learning and Development offer.
We are a Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin-based partnership working with secondary schools, academies, independent schools and further education establishments across the county. Our location enables us to partner with a unique mix of schools, ensuring trainees experience teaching in a variety of contexts.
Our Secondary PGCE programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Chester, who share our passion for collaborative working. The programme follows the School Led Route, previously known as School Direct.
The Priory School was awarded Teaching School Hub status in 2021, leading to the development of the Shropshire and Telford Education Partnership (STEP). STEP is an inclusive partnership of schools working collaboratively to deliver Initial Teacher Training (ITT), Appropriate Body Services (AB), Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) and National Professional Qualification (NPQ) services across the county.
Notes for editors
The 3‑18 Education Trust is a Shropshire‑based Multi‑Academy Trust providing a high quality, aspirational education from early years through to post‑16.
Our Trust comprises fourteen schools bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of over 6,200 students, 900 teaching and support staff and 110 governors.
September 2026 marks ten years of The 3-18 Education Trust, from the founding schools of Priory and St Martins in 2016 to our growing Shropshire-wide community of schools today.
This year we celebrate Our Trust at 10 recognising ten years of collaboration, growth and shared ambition across our Trust and community of schools.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
