Train to teach in a leading co-educational independent school, committed to high-calibre, academically minded teaching with a focus on scholarship and independence for all. Highgate’s Graduate Training Programme is a two-year comprehensive teacher-training programme, designed to introduce you to all aspects of life in a leading independent school while you gain Qualified Teacher Status and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. As a Year 1 Resident, you will be immersed in your department and will gain broad experience across all areas of the school. As you progress through our Residency Training Programme - a structured weekly course on teaching and learning - you will take on increasing responsibility, starting with observation and individual pupil support, progressing to team teaching and leading lessons. Outside the department, you will have the opportunity to get to know pupils and support our pastoral care as a co-tutor and contribute to our vibrant co-curricular offering. You will also play an active role in our partnership programme, building community and widening access to education by leading and delivering programmes in our partner schools. As a Year 2 Apprentice, you will take responsibility for your own classes while you complete the University of Buckingham’s Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship with QTS and PGCE. In a dedicated weekly study day, you will attend online seminars and lectures, complete course reading and assignments, conduct focused observation and meet with your mentor. You will also conduct a second-school placement, gaining experience of teaching in another setting. Throughout the two-year programme, you will be well supported both within and outside your department, joining our vibrant and supportive community of staff and pupils. Our varied programme will encourage you to explore your own academic interests, lead projects and challenge yourself to develop your own teaching practice. Community and Partnership Highgate is a different type of independent school. We are a school whose charitable ethos is an inextricable part of both staff and pupil DNA. In your first year at Highgate you will develop leadership skills as you drive forward our commitment to engage deeply with our communities and extend access to educational excellence across London. The work is varied, challenging and hugely rewarding, and spans our Partnership Teaching programme, called ‘Chrysalis’, our summer schools and our collaboration with and support for the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham. More information about Highgate’s partnership work can be found here. For further details please see: GraduateTrainingProgramme-2026.pdf