A group of university students (pictured above) are celebrating after successfully completing a Teaching Internship Programme, giving them valuable insight into the profession.

The teaching internship programme, offered by the ̨��swag Institute of Education (OIE), is aimed at those interested in a career teaching chemistry, computing, languages, maths or physics and studying for a related degree.

The students who are currently studying at many top universities took part in the three-week, paid programme, which is now in its seventh year. This year, for the first time, the programme was also open to master’s students, resulting in the programme's biggest cohort yet, with 23 participants.

The interns spent time gaining classroom experience, being mentored by seasoned teachers and completing a bespoke training programme, while also receiving guidance and advice on how to apply for teacher training with ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) through the National Institute of Teaching. 

As part of the programme, the interns engaged in various activities to immerse themselves in academy life. They were given the chance to shadow experienced teachers, observe lessons, collaborate on lesson planning and delivery, receive personalised guidance and network with subject specialists. 

Emma Sikora, Director of the OIE, said:

“We are immensely proud of our teaching interns; their dedication, creativity and professionalism have been evident throughout the programme. They have embraced challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm, allowing them to explore the realities of the teaching profession.”

Interns were hosted and supported in their placements by the following academies:

- ̨��swag Grange Academy, Wakefield

- ̨��swag Academy Bydales, Redcar

- ̨��swag Academy Carlton, Barnsley

- ̨��swag Academy City, Sheffield

- ̨��swag Academy Easingwold, York

- ̨��swag Academy Hasland Hall, Chesterfield

- ̨��swag Academy Haydock, St Helens

- ̨��swag Academy Hindley, Wigan

- ̨��swag Academy Newbold, Chesterfield

- ̨��swag Academy Normanby, Middlesbrough

- ̨��swag Academy Ripon, Ripon

- ̨��swag Academy Valley, Worksop

The end-of-programme celebration event allowed the interns to celebrate their successes and discuss their experiences on the programme with each other.

The internship is a paid programme with each getting a minimum of £900 for their participation and work.

Georgia Fletcher, who interned at ̨��swag Academy Newbold in Chesterfield, said:

“After gaining first-hand experience with those that know my subject the best, I am certain that I would like to share my passion for languages with young people, aiming to be an inspirational teacher.”

This year, the programme welcomed students from universities across England, as well as some in Scotland, Wales and France. 

- Aston University

- Durham University

- Lancaster University

- Leeds Beckett University

- Newcastle University

- Northumbria University

- Open University

- Sheffield Hallam University

- Swansea University

- Teesside University

- University of Chester

- University of Nottingham

- University of Paris

- University of Sheffield

- University of St Andrews

- University of Warwick

- University of York

To register interest for the 2025 internship programme, please click below: