Aspire Academy Trust

Aspire - with Kernow Initial Teacher Education (KITE), partners of the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT)

Graduation

NIoT Logo BLUE**NEW! Courses starting September 2026 - Apply now!**

TKITEhis year, we are excited to be working with Kernow Initial Teacher Education (KITE), part of Kernow Learning multi-academy trust, offering trainees an alternative route to teaching with two of Cornwall’s leading multi-academy trusts.

Collectively, we have 58 primary academies – meaning there are extensive opportunities for placements across the county, where trainees can learn from exceptional colleagues in both our trusts. 

**Choose from two courses – primary (ages 3-7) and primary (ages 5-11)**

Why choose this route?

  • KITE are an Associate College with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), a nationwide organisation giving trainee teachers access to national and international speakers right here in Cornwall.
  • The programme is firmly centred on research, evidence and best practice.
  • Trainees are placed with excellent practitioners in Kernow and Aspire schools, who are committed to supporting and training individuals new to the profession.​
  • From application through to graduation, trainees are supported every step of the way, at a professional, academic, and pastoral level.​
  • Cohorts are smaller, which means that strong, trusting, supportive relationships are developed between trainees and colleagues at KITE and Aspire.​
  • A commitment to excellent training led by experts in their field, including headteachers, senior leaders, specialists, curriculum leads and national and international speakers.
  • Mental health and well-being of all trainees is paramount - we understand that everyone’s personal circumstances are unique and therefore everyone is treated as an individual.​
  • Excellent support for all trainees so that they are well prepared and organised when applying for jobs.​

Key Information

  • Full-time postgraduate fee-funded training
  • Duration – one year (September-July)
  • Two courses to choose from: Primary (3-7) and Primary (5-11) 
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with PGCE
  • Fees: £9,535
  • 1.5 hours of mentoring each week
  • Weekly core training in Newquay (the same day each week), with the remaining four days spent in school throughout the year. 
  • Two placements, providing trainees with experience in contrasting schools (i.e. a small village school and a larger school in a coastal town).
    • Main placement – autumn-summer, with 6 weeks in a contrasting placement school in spring.
    • Access to placements in two MATs, increasing opportunities and experience

Applications & More Information