Train to Teach at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School
Are you ready to join a school where excellence meets empathy, and ambition walks hand in hand with well-being?
At Torquay Girls’ Grammar School (TGGS), we are passionate about growing great people. We are seeking aspiring teachers with strong subject knowledge and a commitment to making a difference, to train with us in partnership with South West Teacher Training (SWTT).
Our Mission:
We want to train teachers to make the world a better place! and work hand in hand with to in equip students with the academic qualifications, character skills and confidence to make wise decisions that lead to long, happy and fulfilled lives.
Our Core Values at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School (TGGS):
- Kindness – fostering a caring, respectful community
- Equality – ensuring fairness, inclusion and opportunity for all
- Well-being – placing student and staff welfare at the heart of school life
- Open Minds – encouraging curiosity, creativity, and freedom of thought
- Collaboration – working together across subjects, roles, and communities
Why train with us?
- Outstanding standards: TGGS is consistently ranked in the top tier nationally for both attainment and progress, with Ofsted rating us Outstanding in all categories.
- Trusted partnership: We work with SWTT, who have been preparing excellent teachers for over 25 years, alongside the University of Exeter, who award the highly regarded PGCE with Master’s credits.
- School-centred, research-informed: Our route places trainees into schools early, while supporting gradual development through practitioner-led training and critical engagement with educational research.
Find out more about SWTT Here via our video:
What makes TGGS special?
- Holistic curriculum: Beyond academics, we develop leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and resilience – qualities for life, not just qualifications.
- Pastoral care: Students and staff thrive when they feel supported. Our house system, personal development programmes, and proactive mental health provision mean you’ll be part of a school that looks after its people.
- Vibrant extra-curricular life: From Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors, to drama, music, debating, global trips and ambitious house events – there are endless opportunities to inspire and lead beyond the classroom.
Who we’re looking for:
We welcome applications from trainee teachers who:
- Believe in high expectations and have ambition for every student to succeed
- Value kindness, equality, and well-being in daily practice
- Celebrate open minds and thrive in collaborative environments
- Are eager to develop their teaching practice in a reflective, supportive community
How it works:
- Placements: You’ll complete two contrasting placements (September–December and January–June). One will be at TGGS, and the other at a partner school in Torbay or Exeter, depending on you and your subject.
- Training: Alongside your PGCE, you’ll attend General Professional Studies led by expert practitioners across the South West. These sessions focus on the most impactful classroom strategies, underpinned by educational research.
- Support: Weekly lesson observations, structured feedback, and end-of-phase reviews ensure you grow into a confident and resilient practitioner.
- Focus on social justice: SWTT have a commitment to SEND and disadvantaged learners that runs through the course, your time at TGGS and your contrasting placement will preparing you to make a difference for every child.
Funding & Fees:
- Bursaries: Generous, tax-free bursaries are available (e.g. up to £29,000 for Maths; £26,000 for Geography and DT, and more depending on subject). Teacher training bursaries | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK
- Fees: £9,535 for the year, payable through a tuition fee loan.
Next Steps:
Take your first step into teaching:
- Attend a “Get into Teaching” event with TGGS or SWTT sign up here- South West Teacher Training - Enquiry Form
- Ready to Apply - https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-trainingsearch or search Apply for teacher training – search for South West Teacher Training and find places near you
Train at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and help us continue to dare our students to be wise – Aude Sapere.