Trainee English Teacher

Are you a literature- or language-loving graduate ready to inspire young people while you train to teach?

Grad2Teach is offering an exciting Graduate Trainee Teacher – English opportunity at a secondary school in Colchester, Essex. This fully salaried role allows you to begin your journey as a Phase One trainee, gaining hands-on classroom experience while studying for your Level 4 qualification, with a clear pathway to Phase Two, PGCE and QTS.

The school is a welcoming and forward-thinking secondary setting with a strong focus on high-quality teaching, student wellbeing and professional development. You’ll be joining a supportive English department that values creativity, literacy development and inclusive learning.

As a Grad2Teach trainee, you will support teaching and learning across KS3 and KS4 English, helping pupils develop confidence in reading, writing and spoken language. You’ll work closely with experienced teachers, observe excellent practice, and gradually build your own teaching skills while making a meaningful contribution from day one.

This role is ideal for a graduate who wants to earn while they train, develop strong classroom practice, and begin a long-term career in education within a supportive school environment.

About You – Candidate Profile

You may be a recent graduate, teaching assistant, tutor, or aspiring educator with a passion for English and literacy. We are looking for someone who:

• Is a motivated aspiring English teacher / graduate trainee

• Holds (or is completing) a degree in English, English Literature, Creative Writing or a related subject

• Is enthusiastic, reflective and committed to continuous improvement

• Has strong communication skills and a love of reading, writing and language

• Can build positive relationships with young people and inspire a love of English

• Is eager to develop their teaching practice through expert mentoring and training

Training & Progression with Grad2Teach

This role follows Grad2Teach’s fully salaried, two-phase teacher training model:

Phase One – Level 4 & Foundational Training

• Complete a Level 4 NCFE customised qualification while working in school

• Training aligned to the Core Content Framework (CCF) and Teachers’ Standards

• Learn through guided practice, lesson observations, professional learning sessions and in-school experience

Phase Two – PGCE & QTS (Coventry University)
Subject to successful progression, Phase Two includes:

• Independent teaching responsibility (up to 18 hours per week)

• Completion of a PGCE with QTS through Coventry University (NITE)

• Ongoing mentoring, assessment and development towards meeting all Teachers’ Standards

This structured pathway ensures you gain the confidence, experience and qualifications needed to begin your career as a fully qualified English teacher.

Location & Application

This salaried trainee role is based at a secondary school in Colchester, Essex, with good local transport links and access to surrounding areas.

If you're ready to start a rewarding career in teaching — while earning a salary and receiving high-quality training — we would love to hear from you.

All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding procedures.