Why should I train with the KITE?

Kernow Initial Teacher Education (KITE), in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) delivers cutting-edge, evidence-based teacher training which is informed by research and best practice.  Our programmes are designed by some of the most experienced teachers and leaders in the country, ensuring that trainees are at the forefront of education.

The programme is fully immersive and aspiring teachers will be in the classroom from the very start. We offer comprehensive mentoring and support – including personalised coaching in areas such as behaviour management, workload and academic writing, meaning trainees will never feel that they have been thrown in at the deep end.

How much does it cost to train to teach?

The tuition fees are £9,535 for the academic year 2025-2026 and students are eligible to apply for a loan for tuition fees and individuals are eligible to apply for a maintenance loan from Student Finance England. Bursaries are not available for either of the programmes that we offer.

We do not fund places and anyone wishing to apply from overseas will require a Visa.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants will need to have a GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language, maths and science. Overseas qualifications may be accepted, but they would need to be supported by a NARIC/ENIC certificate of comparison to confirm that they are equivalent. Individuals are able to undertake an equivalency test if required, although only certain equivalencies are accepted.

Applicants must also have a UK bachelor’s degree class of 2:2 or above. Overseas degrees may be accepted, but they would need to be supported by a NARIC/ENIC certificate of comparison to confirm that they are equivalent.

Original certificates for GCSEs and degree will need to be provided.

As part of our safer recruitment procedures, all individuals who accept a place on the programme will need to have an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check and all associated checks.

I don't have my GCSEs - is there another way?

Individuals are required to undertake an equivalency test, although only certain ones are acceptable. Individuals can still apply, but if offered a place, a condition will be that you pass the specified GCSE(s) to the expected standard. Individuals are required to pay for each equivalency undertaken – get in touch to find out more.

Where will my placements be, and how long will they last?

KITE works in partnership with a number of schools across Cornwall and would therefore aim to place you within a 40-minute drive from your home. You will have two school placements – a main school placement (autumn and summer term) and a contrasting second placement (spring term). Those on the primary 3-7 programme will have a placement in a reception class and Key Stage 1 and those on the primary 5-11 programme will have a placement in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

What will a typical week look like?

On average, four days a week are spent in school learning alongside the class teacher (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday) and the remaining day is spent at the training centre which is based at St Columb Minor School, Newquay. 

When in school, trainees fully immerse themselves in the life of a teacher, embracing every learning opportunity to ensure that they leave feeling confident and competent.

Where will local training take place?

Core training takes place every Thursday (along with a few other days) at our conference room, which is based at St Columb Minor School, on the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall. Core training days begin at 09.00 and finish at 16.30 and are led by local experts which include heads, senior leaders, trust subject specialists and external specialists. These sessions will focus on pedagogy (how to teach), development of subject knowledge, special educational needs, assessment etc.

What is intensive training and practice (ITAP)?

We know that people learn best when they learn something new from an expert, and are then given the opportunity to practise what they have learnt and receive feedback on it. Intensive training and practice focusses on a single or small number of areas, very intensely, to ensure that trainees make rapid progress in understanding and application, based on expert input. Trainees will engage in 20 of these over the year.

What do trainees say about their experience with KITE?

Visit the 'Testimonials' page on this website.

What support will I be given when applying for teaching posts?

You will have training on how to apply for positions, how to write personal statements and interview techniques. In addition, there will be the opportunity to discuss and receive feedback on your personal statement and all trainees will be invited to a mock interview. Trainees will be the first to hear about vacancies within Kernow Learning Trust.