A Real Pathway Into Teaching
Amy Donovan is currently Deputy Headteacher at Woodpecker Hall Academy, but her journey with North Star Community Trust began as a trainee teacher.
After completing her degree, Amy joined the Trust and trained while working in school, gaining practical classroom experience from the very beginning. Over time, she took on additional responsibilities, including subject leadership and year group leadership, before progressing into senior leadership.
In 2017, Amy became an Assistant Headteacher, and in 2023 she was appointed Deputy Headteacher. Alongside her school roles, she has continued her professional development, including completing a master’s degree and national leadership qualifications.
Amy’s journey reflects how staff can grow and progress within the Trust over time, supported by strong mentoring, real responsibility and opportunities to develop.
While training opportunities vary each year, we are always interested in hearing from people who are considering a future in teaching.
Teacher Training
Find out how you can become a teacher with North Star Community Trust.
At North Star Community Trust, we believe in giving every child the best opportunity to thrive, both academically and socially. We summarise our vision in three words: Education, Community and Opportunity (ECO), reflecting our belief that we are stronger together.
We support people at different stages of their journey into education. Opportunities to train with us are offered in line with school needs and capacity each year.
Have a Degree?
If you already hold a degree, there are a number of routes into teaching, including PGCE programmes delivered in partnership with universities such as University of Warwick.
Where training placements are available within the Trust, they provide valuable classroom experience alongside academic study, helping you build the skills needed for a successful teaching career.
No Degree Yet?
The government is developing new routes into teaching, including degree apprenticeships, which allow you to earn while you learn.
As these programmes become available, we expect to explore how they could support future recruitment within the Trust. If you are interested in this route, we encourage you to register your interest so we can keep you informed.
Register Your Interest
If you are interested in training to teach with North Star Community Trust, please email [email protected] to register your interest.
We will contact you when suitable opportunities become available.