Ilkley Grammar School has enjoyed another successful year’s involvement with a schools and universities alliance to offer a pathway for trainee teachers.

The Red Kite Alliance brings North and Yorkshire primary, secondary and special schools together with higher education institutes including The University of York, York St John University and Leeds Metropolitan University/ Carnegie Faculty.

The aim is to bringing on exceptional new teaching talent via their School Direct PGCE courses.

The Red Kite Alliance School Direct Programme is open to all graduates, whatever age, whether newly qualified, looking for a career change, or returning to work after a career break.

They are currently recruiting for School Direct courses 2014-2015 and while many places have already been successfully filled, there are still vacancies in some secondary subjects.

The programme of study lasts for one academic year, during which students undertake high-quality school placements within the Red Kite Teaching School Alliance schools and enjoy a bespoke training programme.

The Red Kite School Direct programme has been designed to build students confidence and subject knowledge and give them the skills to become an effective teacher.

Red Kite English trainee, Alison Hughes, has been offered her first teaching position within the Alliance at Ilkley Grammar School.

She said: “Being a more mature student I was looking for a ‘hands-on’ approach where I could enjoy as much time as possible in schools getting to know the job and the Red Kite programme has been absolutely ideal for this.

“As well as being well respected schools in the local area, schools in the Alliance are committed to developing teachers and I have really benefited from this.”

Assistant headteacher, coaching and development, Karen Jones, said: “It has been very rewarding to work in partnership with other schools in the Red Kite Alliance to recruit and train top quality graduates. Working together enables us to share expertise across a range of different schools and spread outstanding practice.”