'Teach Maidenhead not only have the best schools, but provide an excellent network of professionals. The mentors provide high quality support with superb mentoring who have started to shape me as an educator.  Professional Studies sessions have been engaging, accelerating my knowledge on wider issues and pedagogical topics. It has been an incredibly rewarding, challenging and enjoyable training year. The relationships I have built with staff and students have been unforgettable. I truly encourage anyone to join Teach Maidenhead and make the most positive impact on both your life and the lives of the students.'

Vanya, Teach Maidenhead Trainee 2019-20  (Art) 

My introduction to teaching

I first heard about Teach Maidenhead through contacting local schools and looking for work experience. The receptionist I spoke to was so enthusiastic about Teach Maidenhead I felt excited to learn more. Once on the course I can safely say it was the most challenging, rewarding and enjoyable year of my life. Coming from a teaching family, I was sure I knew the efforts that went into being a successful teacher. However, nothing quite prepares you for the challenge ahead. It was though, a thoroughly enjoyable year where I developed not only as a trainee teacher but as a person as well. Teaching forces you to be the best person you can be and for that I consider myself privileged to be able to teach.

Upon completing my PGCE, NQT and first year in teaching, I was then fortunate to have the opportunity to take on more responsibility as Deputy Head of Sixth Form. This has again been a challenging and hugely rewarding experience and has accelerated my knowledge of how a successful school operates. I am grateful to all the staff and students who made my two years in this position as interesting as it was.

I am now looking forward to taking over the Geography department at Desborough College. Desborough alongside Furze Platt Senior School was where I learnt to teach and whilst very sad to be leaving Furze Platt, I am excited to lead a department for the first time. I am also delighted to continue my career in the schools that I trained at. I feel very lucky to have trained in such fantastic schools that have allowed me to develop each and every year. I can’t recommend a career in teaching highly enough and especially with a school’s direct route such as Teach Maidenhead. It has been the best decision I have made in my professional life.

Tom Angier, Head of Geography at Desborough College and Teach Maidenhead trainee (2014-15)

I had a great experience with Teach Maidenhead. The weekly CPD sessions were interesting, relevant and well organised. Learning within the consortium of schools meant we gained the experience of three more schools, even though we weren’t placed in them. I also appreciated how diverse our cohort was in both age and subject. This allowed us to learn from each other, in addition to subject and school leaders. 

Weslie, Teach Maidenhead Trainee 2018-2019 (English)

Teach Maidenhead has given me the opportunity to experience teaching in a range of great schools, both mixed and single gender. This has allowed me to gain knowledge on how to teach both genders as they are very different. As well as this, it has given me the opportunity to attend great professional studies which have been priceless in my development.

 Levi, Teach Maidenhead Trainee 2018-19 (PE) - now Teacher of PE at Bohunt School