Teacher Training

Welcome to Teacher Training at Cromwell Community College. We currently offer secondary teacher training with two key partners, Ambition Institute and the University of Bedfordshire. 

Ambition Institute is England’s largest professional development provider for teachers and school leaders. In 2023-24, 1 in 9 teachers and leaders in state-funded schools developed professionally with Ambition.  

The University of Bedfordshire (UoB) is a Higher Education Institution which has forged a special, close relationship with us for over twenty-five years, with many of our colleagues teaching today having begun their career through this route.

Our courses lead to achieving QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in addition to an internationally recognised Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Your PGCE will also give you credits if you want to complete a masters in the field of education later in your career. Both options mean that you will spend time in Cromwell or one of our local partner schools. 

The key difference is that UoB trainees will gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) from the University and will attend studies in Bedford on Fridays whereas Ambition trainees will gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) from Liverpool Hope University and attend professional studies in Chatteris on Wednesdays (NB. Ambition trainees do not travel to Liverpool).  

We are a Lead School and have been training teachers to teach for decades. This means that when you choose to train with us, you can be sure that you will learn your craft with our expert-led team of experienced mentors and our dedicated ITT (Initial Teacher Training) Team. We will provide you with expert support from your own mentor, who is there to support, challenge and encourage you as you learn. You are provided with a laptop for the duration of the course along with Viv-up, an employee benefit scheme to support health and well-being. 

Delivery of your teacher training course takes place face-to-face one day per week at Cromwell Community College if you choose our Ambition Institute route or, if you prefer, a blended approach is available via our University of Bedfordshire partner (meaning that some weeks you will be required to attend University and other weeks will be delivered remotely). Whichever pathway you choose, both courses lead to the same qualification(s) and both can be delivered part-time or full-time to suit. Additionally, it is good to know that we are able to place you in a number of local schools in order for you to complete your training. 

Click here to see our Information Pack for more details about us and our courses

Apply to Teacher Training 

You can apply to train to teach with us by following this link to the Gov.UK website, where you will find information regarding courses, getting funding, what qualifications you need and any other Initial Teacher Training information by using the below link: 

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training 

In order to find the course you wish to study, you can search for Cromwell Community College by the name directly or by our post code PE16 6UU. 

For courses starting in September 2026, applications are now open. The link above shows which courses still have spaces available. Do not leave it too late as many courses have filled early in recent years! Applications will close in June 2026.

 

Teaching Internships Programme: New – for 2026

Successful interns will be paid £1365 (£455 per week).

We are excited to announce that we are offering the Teaching Internships Programme which is now open to potential trainee teachers interested in teaching:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Design and Technology
• Modern Foreign Languages

Apply for a Teaching Internship in Summer 2026 with Cromwell Community College – Apply Here

These internship positions are for undergraduates in their second, third or final year, and master’s students, who are studying for a degree in STEM-related subjects or languages. Our programme gives university students studying degrees in relevant subjects experience of teaching before they commit to it as a career. This programme is part of the Get into Teaching service, supporting prospective teachers through their journey into the profession.

Internships will take place between Monday 8 - Friday 26 June 2026. You can apply now to be a part of our first cohort in 2026 by using the link above. During your time on programme with us, you can expect to teach, observe lessons, support other teachers, shadow experienced colleagues, meet trainee teachers and learn how to manage a classroom with your own dedicated mentor.

If you have any questions or need more information please get in touch!

Contact us...

If you have any questions or want to call us for a chat or to arrange a visit before applying to one of our courses, you can contact Michelle Dodman, our dedicated ITT Administration Assistant, directly with any teacher training questions on 01354 697495 or email mdodman@cromwell.cambs.sch.uk. 

We encourage all applicants to come into school to see us if they wish to do so – trainees currently training with us often are able to provide the best reviews of what their course is like! You can also follow Faye Baxter, Secondary Course Lead, on LinkedIn here to see what has been happening on the programme.

Testimonials:  Here's what our Trainees say...
 

Melissa – From Step Into Teaching to Active Teacher Training

"Step Into Teaching gave me the confidence to take the leap to become a fully qualified teacher."

Melissa began her journey with our friends at https://stepintoteaching.co.uk/, where she gained invaluable classroom experience and insight into the teaching profession as a Teaching Assistant. This foundation helped her transition seamlessly into Active Teacher Training, where she trained (and still works today!) as a teacher of English at Neale Wade. Melissa says, “The support I received was incredible. I wasn’t the most confident person and I wasn’t sure I could ‘do it’ at first. However, once I’d gained some school experience as a Teaching Assistant I remember thinking in a Year 8 English lesson, ‘I could do that! I could teach a lesson!’ so I got in touch with Active Teacher Training. Honestly, it was amazing – totally transformative for me. From practical strategies to personal encouragement. Faye, Matt and the whole secondary teacher training team wanted me to do well and knew I could succeed – even when I doubted myself! I discovered that teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation and a team effort. Having the right team around me made all the difference.” Melissa now feels fully prepared and inspired to make a difference every day. If you want to meet Melissa or similar trainees then get in touch and we’ll organise for you to meet – our trainees will tell you honestly about their real lived experience.

Lauren – Success Through Flexibility

"Training part-time didn’t hold me back – it propelled me forward."

Lauren is taking advantage of our part-time ITT route options, in order to balance her training with family commitments. As a young mum, she knew that she wanted to further her career but also cherishes precious time at home with the kids. “I wanted something that I could be totally committed to but also something that wasn’t overbearing. I needed to find something that meant I could train a couple of days a week but still achieve Qualified Teacher Status at the end of the course. I couldn’t make myself available five days a week because while my children are young it’s a special time I want to share it with them. But I also couldn’t face not doing anything for the next few years.” Lauren’s determination and adaptability have led to outstanding successes and she’s currently in her second year of training to teach PE in a school in Wisbech. The flexibility offered by Active Teacher Training has meant she could pursue her dream without sacrificing her personal life. “The team have supported me every step of the way, proving that teaching is possible for everyone – even with a busy schedule. Faye totally gets it, she worked in schools with a young family so she knows exactly what it’s like. She’s been my bedrock.” If you want to meet Lauren or similar trainees then get in touch and we’ll organise for you to meet – our trainees will tell you honestly about their real lived experience.

 

Kimberley – A Career Changer’s Perspective

"From finance to the classroom – the best decision I ever made."

Kimberley made the bold move from a career in finance to teaching Maths, driven by a passion for education and a desire to make a real difference. She explains: “I wanted a role where I could use my skills to inspire others. The problem with finance was that although it was exciting at first, it didn’t make me feel the same as teaching. Teaching just gives so much more. You’re literally helping young people every single day of your life – it’s just not comparable to working behind a desk. Kimberley’s journey wasn’t without doubts at first. “Leaving a stable career felt daunting but the Active Teacher Training team really knew their stuff – they were able to help me understand which bursaries and scholarships were available and even signposted me to their partners at Now Teach who support career changers like me.” She adds: “If you’re thinking about changing careers, don’t let fear hold you back. Contact the team and they’ll talk you through the options – especially the financial choices. They basically organised my life for me!”. If you want to meet Kimberley or similar trainees, get in touch and we’ll organise for you to meet – our trainees will tell you honestly about their real lived experience.