Ark Primary Trainee - Pontefract

Ark Teacher Training Programme, Primary Trainee Teacher

Location: Pontefract, Wakefield

Subject: Primary

Salary: Up to £24,000

Programme Start Date: September 2026

Application Deadline: June 30th 2026

'The amount of time you spend in the classroom is fantastic and means that you develop very quickly. I chose Ark Teacher Training because of the quality of the programme and the care I knew I'd receive throughout. It was the best way for me to become the best teacher I can be.

Sam, Trainee Teacher

About the role:

You will train as a Primary trainee teacher in one of our partner schools in Pontefract. This is a great opportunity to train to teach outstanding lessons and therefore help pupils achieve excellent academic results at Primary level.

In this role, you will be based in the school from September 2026 and engage in rigorous and continuous professional development. You will be able to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct, and be a role-model, positively impacting the academy more widely.

About Ark Teacher Training:

We are delighted that Ark Schools and Pontefract Academies Trust will be merging on 1st September 2026. We are excited about the opportunity to train even more exceptional teachers and come together to strengthen outcomes, invest in staff development, and further support pupils across our schools.

Ark Teacher Training (ATT) is a school-based programme offering the perfect mixture of theory and classroom practice to develop you into the best teacher you can be. Our training is comprehensive and practical; you will be able to achieve your QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) all in one year. Our programme is rated as outstanding in all categories by Ofsted and is incredibly supportive and bespoke, meaning you can progress at your own pace.

Key requirements:

• Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths, English Language and Science (or equivalent)
• A bachelor's degree (or completing one before September 2026)
• Commitment to working with young people
• Strong work ethic and resilience
• High personal and professional standards
• A genuine passion for teaching

Key responsibilities:

• To engage in daily professional development activities
• To plan, resource and deliver lessons to the highest possible standard that ensure learning and progress of all pupils
• To provide a nurturing classroom and school environment that helps pupils to develop as learners
• To help to maintain/establish discipline across the whole school
• To contribute to the effective working of the school

How to Apply:

Visit our website below to apply.

If you're applying through the DfE 'Apply' form, please see our subjects here to ensure you apply for the correct route. (All hired candidates will eventually need to complete the DfE's Apply form).

We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We have therefore taken steps to address our own internal bias and consider how our recruitment practices are impacting diversity - you can find more information here .