Whether someone is considering teaching for the first time, finding their feet in the classroom or preparing for senior leadership, United Learning offers a broad range of training and professional development opportunities. Its programmes combine educational research with practical experience from people working in schools.
- Teacher Training Programme
United Teaching provides a practical, school-based route into the profession. Trainees work towards Qualified Teacher Status in one year, with the option of gaining a PGCE alongside it.
- Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship
This route allows graduates to earn a salary while training in a school. It combines day-to-day classroom experience with structured professional training leading to Qualified Teacher Status.
- Future Teachers Programme
Future Teachers is a one-year salaried programme for graduates who want to build their confidence and experience before starting formal teacher training. Participants become part of school life and learn what the job really involves.
- Summer Internships
Paid three-week internships give undergraduates and master’s students an introduction to teaching. They offer a useful opportunity to work with pupils, observe lessons and decide whether a career in education feels right.
- Early Career Teacher Programme
United Learning’s two-year early career programme supports new teachers as they establish themselves in the classroom. It includes training, mentoring, virtual learning groups, webinars and weekly video tutorials.
- Leadership and Management Essentials
This short programme is designed for people taking their first steps into line management. It covers feedback, objective setting, professional relationships, inclusive leadership and handling difficult situations.
- Middle Leadership Programme
New and aspiring heads of department, subject leaders, heads of year and key stage leaders can develop the practical skills needed to lead a team. Topics include school culture, behaviour, parental engagement, staff motivation and challenging conversations.
- Senior Leadership Programme
This programme helps middle leaders prepare for wider responsibility. Participants explore school improvement, strategic change, raising standards, managing teams and contributing effectively to whole-school leadership.
- Future SENCO Programme
Aspiring SENCOs and deputy SENCOs can build a strong understanding of SEND leadership before taking on the full role. The programme looks at statutory responsibilities, inclusive practice, working with families and developing support staff.
- NPQ in Leading Teaching
This specialist qualification examines what effective teaching looks like and how strong classroom practice can be developed consistently across a department, phase or school.
- NPQ in Leading Teacher Development
A useful course for mentors, coaches and subject leaders, this NPQ explores how teachers learn and improve. It helps participants plan professional development that leads to genuine changes in classroom practice.
- NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture
Participants learn how to build a calm, consistent and positive culture. The programme considers how leaders can turn research-informed ideas into routines that work within their own setting.
- NPQ in Leading Literacy
This qualification supports teachers responsible for improving literacy across a subject, school or trust. It covers the knowledge needed to plan, monitor and strengthen literacy provision.
- NPQ in Leading Primary Mathematics
Designed for primary practitioners familiar with mastery approaches, this programme develops expertise in mathematics teaching, curriculum design and subject leadership.
- NPQ in Senior Leadership
Aspiring and recently appointed senior leaders can develop the knowledge needed to lead across a school. The course encourages participants to examine their leadership style and make informed decisions that improve outcomes.
- NPQ in Headship and Executive Leadership
These programmes support people preparing to lead a school or work across several schools. They explore strategic leadership, organisational improvement, leading change and the responsibilities that come with headship or trust-level leadership.
- NPQ for SENCOs and Business Manager Development
The NPQ for SENCOs provides evidence-informed preparation for leading SEND provision. United Learning also offers development programmes for aspiring and new school business managers, covering both operational responsibilities and the leadership of people and services.
Many of the leadership programmes are delivered online during term time, making them easier to fit around school commitments. Some are free to United Learning staff and are also available to colleagues working in other UK schools.
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United Learning professional development programmes
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