THE next generation of teachers are learning from one of Bolton’s most popular and most successful schools.

Turton School in Bromley Cross says it is committed to developing the future of teaching and has launched a teacher training programme for those who want to do the “best job in the world”.

And the school wants hear from those who want to make a difference to young people’s lives whether in primary or secondary schools — with the team on hand to meet those interested in teaching on Thursday.

Assistant head teacher Kelly Leonard said: “With the recent media coverage citing a projected teacher recruitment and retention crisis, it is important to redress the negative press that the profession is sometimes in receipt of. “Teaching is the best job in the world.

“Learning, sharing knowledge and making a difference to the lives of young people every single day is priceless, and the opportunity to train to teach has never been more accessible than it is now.

“Education is in an exciting phase of its development and these changes mean that schools now have a greater influence on how teachers learn their craft.

“There are many routes into teaching, the more traditional of which being the four year university degree with Qualified Teacher Status( QTS) and the one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education( PGCE)/ Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) following a degree.

“However, in recent years the government has recognised the excellent professional development and training that is going on at the chalk face and has offered more school-centred training with the introduction of School Direct routes as an alternative to the traditional PGCE offered by universities.

“The most notable difference between the two approaches is that school-centred training is delivered in partnership with a designated university and is based at a hub school.”

The school has organised placements for students on university PGCE and on the School Direct programme, which combines PGCE with QTS.

Miss Leonard said:"As part of our commitment to developing the future of teaching we will be further developing our partnerships which will now include Knutsford Academy, Liverpool John Moores University and Egerton Primary School under the umbrella of SD14, whilst continuing our ongoing support of initial teacher training within the Bolton Rivington Alliance.

“Our strong relationships with these well-respected establishments will increase our existing capacity to include more choice for both primary and secondary options.

“Working with schools who are recognised for their high expectations allows a tailored approach to teacher training which is personalised and supportive with an emphasis on the best standards of both classroom practice and academic rigour.

“ The purpose of Turton’s approach is to nurture teachers who are inspirational, reflective and are prepared for a lifelong vocation by taking a person-centred approach to our practice.

“Offering a PDGE is also something which makes following a School Direct route with SD14 different.

“ This gives newly qualified teachers the opportunity to pursue a further qualification during their first few years of teaching.

“We are proud of doing things differently and if you are passionate about making a difference, we would love you to be part of our programme. There are lots of opportunities for you to find out more about us and why we are unique.”

The SD14 team will be on hand at the school’s Year Nine options evening on Thursday, from 6pm to 8pm, and those interested in being part of the team will see be able to hear more about the secondary and primary routes.

Miss Leonard said: “There’s never been a better time to get into the profession so take the plunge and be part of the future of teaching.”

For more information email SD14@turton.uk.com or contact Jo Parr on 01204 333233 or visit http://schooldirect.turton.uk.com; Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sdatturton or Twitter or @sdatturton