Trainee Teacher

  • ARK SCHOOLS
  • Pontefract, Yorkshire
  • Apr 15, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

Location: Pontefract, Wakefield (we also work around the UK which you can see here )

Subjects: Maths and Science

Funding Available: £29,000 tax-free bursary or £31,000 scholarship (if eligible)

Programme Start Date: September 2026

Application Deadline: TBC (2026)

'The amount of time you spend in the classroom is fantastic and means that you develop very quickly. I chose Ark Teacher Training because of the quality of the programme and the care I knew I'd receive throughout. It was the best way for me to become the best teacher I can be. Sam, Trainee Teacher

About the role:

With opportunities in Pontefract across both Maths and Science, you will train in your chosen subject at either The King's School or Carleton High School . This is a great opportunity to train to teach outstanding lessons and therefore help pupils achieve excellent academic results in your subject.

In this role, you will be based in the school from September 2026 and engage in rigorous and continuous professional development. You will be able to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct, and be a role-model, positively impacting the academy more widely.

About Ark Teacher Training:

We are delighted that Ark Schools and Pontefract Academies Trust will be merging on 1 st September 2026. We are excited about the opportunity to train even more exceptional teachers and come together to strengthen outcomes, invest in staff development, and further support pupils across our schools.

Ark Teacher Training (ATT) is a school-based programme offering the perfect mixture of theory and classroom practice to develop you into the best teacher you can be. Our training is comprehensive and practical; you will be able to achieve your QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) all in one year. Our programme is rated as outstanding in all categories by Ofsted and is incredibly supportive and bespoke, meaning you can progress at your own pace.

About the schools:

The King's School is a warm, welcoming, and high performing school. Consistently recognised as one of the top performing schools in the Wakefield District and ranked in the top 15% nationally for progress, we continue to build on a long history of academic excellence. Our culture is rooted in raising aspirations and improving life chances for every student.

Carleton High School has a strong community and family feel. We are a high achieving school, with academic outcomes for progress consistently being above the national average. Ofsted noted "There is a tangible sense of 'family' at this school where pupils are happy and enjoy learning. The school has high ambition for all pupils."

Key requirements:

  • Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language (or equivalent)
  • A bachelor's degree (or completing one before September 2026)
  • A degree or A level in Maths or Science (or a related subject)
  • Commitment to working with young people
  • Strong work ethic and resilience
  • High personal and professional standards
  • A genuine passion for teaching

Key responsibilities:

  • To engage in daily professional development activities
  • To plan, resource and deliver lessons to the highest possible standard that ensure learning and progress of all pupils
  • To provide a nurturing classroom and school environment that helps pupils to develop as learners
  • To help to maintain/establish discipline across the whole school To contribute to the effective working of the school

How to Apply:

Visit our website here to apply.

If you're applying through the DfE 'Apply' form, please see our subjects here to ensure you apply for the correct route. (All hired candidates will eventually need to complete the DfE's Apply form).

We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We have therefore taken steps to address our own internal bias and consider how our recruitment practices are impacting diversity - you can find more information here .