Aspire to Teach is a one-of-a-kind enrichment that provides students with direct experience of teaching through placements, as well as weekly timetabled sessions in the classroom to build skills that prepare students for their teaching journey. Regular visits from internal and external speakers give students a varied learning experience, and university application support is embedded throughout the programme.

The first cohort of students on the Aspire to Teach programme recently graduated with flying colours.  For most of them, university will be the next step towards their chosen career.

Michael Jaffrain, the principal at Loreto College, presented the students with a letter guaranteeing them a place at interview for a suitable post after they complete their university studies.  The students (pictured above, alongside the Principal and staff) were shocked and delighted by this amazing opportunity:

“This letter has given me some extra motivation to keep going with education knowing that I have an interview at such an amazing college if I work hard at Uni.”

“I am so grateful for everything I have learned on the programme and can’t believe that I will have an interview at the college where my teaching journey began.”

The Aspire to Teach students celebrated their achievements with the staff who helped deliver the programme. Students shared their best moments at Loreto, the skills they gained from the programme and their future aspirations as educators. The meeting was positive and inspirational, with many reflecting on their placements and how much they enjoyed and learnt from them.

“At Loreto Sixth Form College we have taken a new and innovative approach to promote the profile of teaching as a career. We are incredibly proud of the Aspire to Teach students, and look forward to seeing them again in the coming years as Newly Qualified Teachers.” – Mr Jaffrain, Principal, Loreto College