Train With Us
Initial Teacher Training at Fitzharrys
As well creating an environment where all students thrive, at Fitzharrys School we are passionate about helping the next generation of teachers succeed. If you are considering a career in teaching, our school provides a supportive, hands-on environment where you can learn the ropes, gain classroom experience, and build a fantastic career in education.
What Is Initial Teacher Training (ITT)?
Teacher training combines university-level theory with practical experience in a real school environment. You will spend your time inside our classrooms, co-teaching alongside experienced staff, and taking on your own classes as your confidence grows.
Why Train at Fitzharrys?
- Top-Tier University & Partner Support: We work in partnership with leading national teacher training providers, including Oxford University and Teach First, ensuring you receive world-class education and training.
- Dedicated 1-on-1 Mentorship: You won't have to figure things out on your own. You will be paired with an expert mentor who meets with you regularly to establish goals, develop your expertise, and reflect carefully on your practice.
- Tailored Professional Development: Alongside your mentor support, we run dedicated training sessions designed specifically for new teachers to help you master lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.
- A Direct Route to a Job: Our trainees leave feeling confident and fully prepared to lead their own classrooms. Many of our trainees go on to secure permanent teaching positions right here at Fitzharrys.
Beyond Your Training Year: Support for Early Career Teachers
Our support doesn't end when you complete your training. As an Early Career Teacher (ECT) in your first two years of qualified teaching, we partner with the Oxfordshire Teaching Schools Alliance (OTSA) to provide ongoing training and mentorship so you continue to feel valued and supported as you settle into your career.
Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey?
For anybody interested in learning more about training with us, we welcome you to get in touch by email, phone call, or visit. Please contact Rebecca Lefroy at rlefroy@fitzharrys.school.
Staff Stories
Joe Poolman: Mathematics Teacher, and Head of Year 7
I started at Fitzharrys School as an unqualified teacher, on the assumption that I would work here for a short period of time and then leave for university. Instead, I decided to stay on at Fitzharrys, working 4 days a week, and study Maths and its Learning with OU on one day a week. Upon completing my degree, I undertook an Assessment Only course with Oxford Brookes University in 2024. My time studying spanned several years, and I was wonderfully supported by a number middle and senior leaders at Fitzharrys, in both my teaching practice and my studies. As well as those with a professional responsibility, I have always been very lucky to be surrounded by many kind and hard-working colleagues that I know I can call on for support with issues big and small. The size of the school has grown while I have worked here, but the strong sense of community within and across staff and student bodies has always been present and makes it a brilliant place to work.
George Miles: Head of Design and Technology
Throughout my time at Fitzharrys, I have had a significant amount of support. Firstly, my mentors during my ECT years were a constant point of contact, helping me to tailor my teaching to the subject and teaching specific needs I had. Alongside regular meetings, I would consistently have catch-ups whenever needed, and the level of support I received built a very positive and welcoming relationship with my mentors. My professional tutor, who would sign-off formal observations, followed the same narrative as my mentors, being another significantly supportive member of the staff and another person I felt comfortable to speak to, whenever needed.
Since becoming Head of Department, the support from colleagues has continued to grow through various avenues. Every member of the Senior Leadership Team supports you with guidance and feedback, which helped me to settle into the role and grow in confidence, helping me to progress and succeed. The whole staff body are an incredibly positive group and have always made me feel welcome.
Everything about Fitzharrys School is positive and supportive. As a collective student and staff body, there is a clear sense of ownership and progress.
