Testimonials

Why was the STTP the right choice for you?

As an ex-pupil from the founding school of STTP, Lydiard Park Academy, this teacher training route was always going to be the right one for me. Having the security of knowing my placement schools would be in close proximity of where I live was a massive plus. A huge benefit of this was knowing my commute to and from my placement schools would be kept to a minimum, especially important knowing some trainees on my course had round trip commutes of up to 2.5 hours a day. That on top of an already tough but beneficial year would have made it difficult. 

How important was it to you that you were able to attend the school setting before the main placement began and how did it help?

This was of benefit, not only having the introductory Fridays prior to the main placement but also having the interview in a school-based setting. Having an interview in the lead school and not at a university campus or via teams created a genuine impression that STTP valued meeting with me. Having those introductory Fridays meant that when the official placement block began, I was already set and ready with a timetable, tutor group, I knew my mentor and senior mentor but most importantly I had already begun to build those relationships with the pupils and knew my way around the school. 

In what ways were you supported in your placement school(s)?

The support in my placement schools was very consistent and structured, enforcing the point that STTP had a set process that was followed across all participating schools. All trainees at an STTP school would receive a 1 hour weekly professional development session in school with the ITT Coordinator. This would be on impactful and beneficial topics such as SEND, data and behaviour management. The sessions were also an opportunity to meet other trainees within the placement to share feelings, positives and negatives whilst also building that professional relationship with the ITT Coordinator. We were also allocated a personal subject mentor for the duration of both placements; this individual was present in my weekly formal observations and would regularly check in to ensure that I was receiving feedback in all of my lessons with other teachers too. 

To what extent did your STTP training prepare you for your first qualified teacher role?

Training to be a teacher within the STTP was great, and from doing my research it became evident that if you put the effort in, and work hard as an STTP trainee there was a pattern whereby many of the STTP trainees were offered, and many still are, offered a teaching placement within one of the STTP schools. In other circumstances, I also know that STTP schools are massively supporting their trainees even if they are applying for external schools through supportive references or even positive word of mouth. 

Being offered a post at my second placement school was a huge benefit because having the security of a job offered to me early on in my second placement meant I was able to focus in developing my teaching rather than worrying about finding a post. 

What doubts did you have when considering applying to / joining the STTP?

I can honestly say I have no doubts, having been a pupil within the founding school, Lydiard Park Academy, for over 7 years I knew what type of school I was coming to train and eventually work in. The support and communication from Lydiard Park Academy and STTP was brilliant from start to finish. 

How important was it to you that you knew that both your placements would be within the STTP schools and why?

Knowing both of my placement schools before even starting my university course was really useful and a weight off my mind. Being able to work out my commute and timings to placements was brilliant. A huge benefit of training within the STTP. 

Why was the STTP the right choice for you?

Growing up wanting to be a teacher, I was looking at the various paths to get into the career. I had recently moved to the area and had decided after being at university for 3 year I did not want to go into halls or move in with strangers. This is where I found STTP, a programme here in Swindon that meant I could get the qualifications needed to be a teacher with the guarantee of my placements being based in/around Swindon. I came in for my interview and met the staff at Lydiard Park Academy and immediately felt supported.

How important was it to you that you were able to attend the school setting before the main placement began and how did it help?

This was vital in me choosing the STTP route as the last time I was in a classroom in a school was as a pupil. The more exposure to the environment, meant that if I was unsure then I would know before starting my full placement. I was fortunate to spend most of my time in school which meant that I became familiar with the pupils and staff. My second placement was cut short due to Covid closing schools but the extra time during placement one meant that I had been exposed to a significant portion of the hours needed.

In what ways were you supported in your placement school(s)?

The support I received from my senior mentor and all staff across the school was brilliant. The feedback after lessons was given in a constructive way and with clear justification as to why certain aspects of teaching are so important. My mentors passion for both the subject and teaching was infectious and this is something that I try to emulate in my career.

The benefit of the programme is that being in the school setting early allows you to build relationships with the faculty you are working in. This then develops from having two mentors to a team around you to offer support, answer questions and offers different teaching techniques for you to observe.

To what extent did your STTP training prepare you for your first qualified teacher role?

STTP not only trained me to gain the PGCE teaching qualification, it also taught me how to get the most out of myself and my pupils. It supported me in managing my workload which helped me to gather the information to make decisions around how to make lessons not only educate young people but those that are engaging. It eventually ended with me gaining a job within the TPAT Trust.

What doubts did you have when considering applying to / joining the STTP?

There were lots of questions going through my head when I first thought about the STTP programme. “Did I want to go through university again?” “If this doesn’t work out, what will I do?” These questions were soon eased when engaging with the programme.  Not only are the mentors offering you support and guidance they genuinely want you to do well.

How important was it to you that you knew that both your placements would be within the STTP schools and why?

The STTP schools for trainees is a safety bubble - the schools know who you are and are able to give the correct and personal support you need depending on your gaps in training and subject knowledge.

Why was the STTP the right choice for you?

As a former pupil of Lydiard Park Academy, I already felt a strong sense of familiarity and trust in the STTP, knowing it was part of the same organisation. That connection gave me real confidence in the programme and in the staff who would be supporting me through my training year. On top of that, my partner completed their training with the STTP the year before, and seeing how smoothly and successfully it went made my decision feel even more right.

How important was it to you that you were able to attend the school setting before the main placement began and how did it help?

When I was applying, I wasn’t completely sure whether primary or secondary teaching was the right path for me. Being given the opportunity to visit schools before accepting a place on the STTP made a huge difference - it really helped me feel confident in choosing primary. What made the experience even better was that, after accepting my place on the Primary STTP PGCE, I was able to spend a few days at my first placement school, Red Oaks, before my official start date. This early visit was incredibly valuable, as it gave me the chance to start building relationships with staff and children, and to become familiar with the school’s routines and expectations.

In what ways were you supported in your placement school(s)?

I felt consistently supported throughout both of my placements. In each setting, I was paired with an experienced classroom teacher who observed me regularly while I taught and led activities. They gave me helpful, informal feedback day-to-day, which really helped me develop my confidence and practice, along with more formal feedback that I used to build my evidence folder. I also had a dedicated mentor in both placements who carried out weekly formal observations and met with me regularly to track my progress and identify areas for improvement. In addition, I was supported by a professional tutor who helped me build a strong understanding of wider school responsibilities, including key areas like SEND and data. This layered support made a real difference to my growth as a trainee teacher.

To what extent did your STTP training prepare you for your first qualified teacher role?

Training with the STTP prepared me really well for my first teaching post. I was fortunate to secure a permanent role at my first placement school, Red Oaks. From the outset, I was reassured that STTP aims to help its trainees find roles within the partnership, which gave me a huge sense of security and confidence. The structure and organisation of the training were incredibly supportive, and it’s clear that STTP is focused on shaping trainees into successful, long-term professionals. I felt ready to step into the classroom from day one.

What doubts did you have when considering applying to / joining the STTP?

I didn’t have any doubts about joining STTP. Knowing its reputation and the support my partner received during their training year reassured me that I was making the right choice.

How important was it to you that you knew that both your placements would be within the STTP schools and why?

It was really important to me. Knowing that both of my placements would be within STTP schools felt like a huge weight off my shoulders. It meant I didn’t have to worry about long or unexpected travel, which helped me stay focused on my teaching and wellbeing. The training year is known to be intense, so having that clarity and consistency from the start made a big difference.

Why was the STTP the right choice for you?

I looked into various paths into achieving my dream of becoming a teacher, however the STTP was a clear standout for me. Living in the local community, having the security that my placement schools would be within a short proximity to where I live was a huge benefit for me. This meant my daily commute was kept to a minimum which saved a lot of time and stress in an already demanding year. When coming for an interview at Lydiard Park Academy, I felt immediately supported and that consistent support remained for the whole year which made my overall experience a fantastic one.

How important was it to you that you were able to attend the school setting before the main placement began and how did it help?

Having an interview at my main placement school and not at university or online was hugely beneficial for me. This opportunity allowed me to get a feel for the school and meet the staff in which I could immediately feel the support. Before beginning both placements I was given the opportunity to go to an introductory day. This gave me the chance to meet the staff and get to know my way around the schools. This experience set me up brilliantly for both of my placements and reduced any anxiety I had around them.

In what ways were you supported in your placement school(s)?

In my opinion, the support provided is one of the real strengths of the STTP programme and a major reason as to why I had such a fantastic experience. In both schools there was an Initial Teacher Training Coordinator in which they conducted weekly sessions to support my development as a teacher. In addition to this, in both schools I was given a subject specific mentor. Both mentors regularly observed my lessons and provided in-depth feedback which was hugely valuable in my development. Despite being a trainee, I was made to feel like a valued member of staff in both schools.

To what extent did your STTP training prepare you for your first qualified teacher role?

Not only did the STTP programme support me in gaining my PGCE and QTS, the STTP supported me in understanding my identity as a teacher and how to get the best out of all the pupils I teach.

In addition to this, when researching the STTP programme it was evident that many trainees are offered teaching placements within the placement schools. To be offered a full-time job at my first placement school, where I had such a positive experience was an amazing moment for me. Specifically, as I was offered a teaching role early into my training year, this allowed me to focus purely on my development as a teacher and not have the worry of looking for employment in a competitive market whilst trying to develop my teaching.

What doubts did you have when considering applying to / joining the STTP?

From the moment I interviewed with the STTP at Lydiard Park Academy I had no doubts the STTP was the correct route for me. This didn’t change throughout the whole year and for anyone looking to getting into teaching who wants a high level of support and the security of having a short commute to school every morning, I honestly couldn’t recommend the STTP anymore.

How important was it to you that you knew that both your placements would be within the STTP schools and why?

This was a huge factor in my decision to train with the STTP. Having the weight off my shoulders that I would be training within schools in the local area in which had very high reputations reduced any anxiety I had around my training year.