Red Kite Teacher Training

Our in‑school mentors are such an important part of the Red Kite journey, offering weekly support, encouragement and honest conversations that help trainees find their feet and grow in confidence.

It was great to see two former Red Kite trainees, Michelle and Rebecca, now fully trained as mentors themselves at Hunton and Arrathorne Primary School. From being supported to supporting others, it’s a brilliant example of how strong mentoring relationships come full circle.

We’re so grateful to the mentors and schools who give their time, care and expertise to support the next generation of teachers.

Last week our science trainees delivered the Red Kite Alliance Science Competition, bringing together students from 14 schools for a day of hands-on challenges, collaboration and creativity.

A brilliant experience for our trainees and an inspiring day for young scientists. Thank you to everyone involved!

Our primary trainees had a great day at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

They spent time exploring how learning can move beyond the classroom, thinking creatively about how the curriculum can come alive outdoors.

The weather certainly made its presence felt, but it didn’t dampen the curiosity, conversations or enthusiasm.

A brilliant final round of subject training for our secondary trainees.

Alongside their school placements, trainees take part in subject knowledge and pedagogy training led by expert colleagues from across our partnership schools. These sessions help trainees deepen their subject expertise, develop classroom practice and learn alongside others training in their subject area.

Our MFL trainees celebrated by sharing their favourite words and the meanings behind them, the English cohort combined their love of literature, language and cake in their final session, while Team Geography explored Harrogate as part of fieldwork and trips and visits training.

A fantastic way to round off this part of the training year.

It was fantastic to see our Primary trainees coming together for their Art curriculum training across a range of partner schools.

Sessions took place at Gomersal Primary School, Temple Newsam Halton Primary School and Oatlands Junior School, with trainees exploring drawing, sculpture and the use of different media. From working with clay to experimenting with new techniques, there were plenty of opportunities to create, reflect and take risks.

Experiencing art in this hands-on way not only provides inspiration for teaching, but also allows trainees to step into the shoes of their pupils and reflect on the feelings that can come with learning new skills.

A huge thank you to our host schools for leading such engaging sessions.

It was lovely to see our Primary trainees enjoying their Special Interest Visits.

These visits give trainees the opportunity to spend time in alternative schools or education settings, focusing on areas they are particularly interested in. Experiences ranged from subject specialisms and SEND specialist provision to museum learning at the Royal Armouries.

As trainees move into the final weeks of their training, it is the perfect time to explore areas of interest in more depth and reflect on how these experiences will shape their future practice.

As part of their training, a number of our secondary trainees spent the day visiting alternative settings, choosing experiences that matched their interests and professional development goals.

Some headed to Cookridge Primary School, where they embraced the opportunity to learn from a different phase of education and gain insight into the foundations that support later learning. It was a chance to reflect, observe and appreciate the expertise involved in primary practice.

With classrooms, outdoor learning and even goats and chicks to enjoy, it was a great day and a lovely example of our trainees approaching new experiences with openness and enthusiasm.

On Sir David Attenborough’s birthday, it feels fitting to celebrate the spirit of exploration in our own community.

Following on from a very successful visit from his Early Career Leader, our Secondary Chemistry trainee Robin headed straight off to support a Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition. It was a cold and frosty weekend in Ilkley, but a great experience for everyone involved.

This is a lovely example of how our trainees go above and beyond, supporting opportunities that help young people build confidence, resilience and a connection with the world around them.

Thinking about training to teach? Hard to believe we’re already in May.

With applications coming in and courses starting to fill, now’s a great time to explore teacher training with Red Kite. Our May events offer a relaxed, supportive space to ask questions and find out more.

Join us at the University of Leeds Careers Service , in Harrogate or online. Find out more and book your place via our website.

A great day at Kirkstall St Stephen’s Primary School with our trainees Willa and Eleanor.

They are both in their second placements and it was fantastic to see how much their confidence and classroom presence have grown. Their skill development is really starting to shine through in their teaching.

Standing up in front of a class takes real confidence and bravery. Even more so when you have a slightly scary clown in the room too 👀🤡