Romero Catholic Academy Trust is excited to offer the opportunity to train to teach with us. We are committed to developing not just schools, but teachers.
As one of three multi-academy trusts serving the Diocese of Salford, our mission is rooted in growth – of our children, our staff and the wider communities we serve.
Why train to teach with us?
A values-driven programme with real impact
Our teacher training programme gives aspiring teachers the chance to begin and build their careers within a values-driven trust, making a tangible difference across our schools in Blackburn, Lancashire, and Calderdale. We currently have 16 primary schools, with many more in our wider footprint across the region. Working in schools that serve areas of relative deprivation offers a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact on children’s lives from day one.
Expert training and personalised support
You will be trained by expert tutors and supported in school by skilled mentors, ensuring your teaching practice is grounded in research and evidence. Our close, personalised mentoring helps you thrive, while the strength and stability of our trust family provides support at every stage of your career.
Partnership with Leeds Trinity University
We are proud to partner with Leeds Trinity University who have an outstanding reputation in teacher training since 1966. Through this partnership, you’ll train in a supportive community, following a PGCE programme shaped by the latest research into early learning and child development. This ensures you are fully prepared to meet the needs of every pupil in your classroom, with excellent career outcomes and opportunities for long-term growth.
What to expect during your teacher training
Your journey begins once you join the course and we will try our best to ensure you train in a school close to home. In early September, you will dive into university-led sessions that cover the key theories and principles needed to build a strong foundation for teaching. Alongside this, one day a week will be spent in your placement classroom, and another day will be dedicated to practical training led by experienced Romero CAT leaders.
As you settle into the classroom, you will gradually take on more teaching responsibilities, moving from observation and support to leading lessons and managing the class independently.
A new term in January brings the opportunity to experience a contrasting school environment in a different year group, helping you adapt to different teaching settings. Throughout this placement, mentors and university instructors will continue to provide guidance, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills to handle increasing classroom duties.
The final stage of the course begins in April with a placement in another year group. Here, you will be responsible for around 80% of the timetable, with structured support to help you succeed and secure your first teaching role for the following September.
Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll earn:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE):
How to apply and entry requirements
Entry requirements
- GCSEs in English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C and above (equivalency are accepted)
- A degree at 2:2 or above
Successful applications will be invited to interview. Successful applications:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibility of a teacher
- Shows commitment and enjoyment working with children
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Exercises strong professionalism
- Wants to make a difference to the lives of children
- Embraces feedback and reflection
- Are enthusiastic and committed to professional growth
Applications are now open for 26/27 – Apply now
Meet the teacher training team
Sophie Law
Sophie is the Professional Learning and Career Leader for Romero CAT and the Initial Teacher Training Lead, overseeing the Primary (5-11) PGCE course. In this role, Sophie serves as the main point of contact and support for trainees from interview through to accreditation, ensuring a smooth and positive experience. She works closely with headteachers, senior leaders, school-based tutors and Leeds Trinity University link tutors to organise placements, deliver theory teaching and provide research-based, classroom-proven training.
With 10 years of experience as a primary school teacher, Sophie brings practical classroom expertise to the programme, enabling trainees to learn from some of the best practitioners across partner schools. She also works to recruit new candidates and supports trainees in securing teaching roles for the following September.
As a former student of Leeds Trinity University, Sophie is passionate about guiding the next generation of teachers and helping them flourish every step of the way. She looks forward to supporting trainees on their journey to making a real difference in education.