Our schools
A progressive local authority and innovative schemes in individual schools are leading Lewisham's constantly improving standards of education.
Lewisham has two nursery schools, 69 primary schools, 12 secondary schools and seven special schools. The local authority is small enough for individuals to be recognised and valued in their own right but large enough to create a pool of expertise and experience that can be shared by all.
Seven of our schools are beacon schools, acknowledged by the Government to be of the highest quality. All of our schools are committed to constant improvement in the drive to raise standards.
The Ofsted report of January 2000 said that the education department is 'impressively organised' and that 'the local authority has few obvious defects and many virtues: it is responsive, ambitious and energetic'.
Professional guidance for newly qualified teachers (NQTs)
NQTs are vital to any local authority. Lewisham understands this better than many boroughs.
NQT applicants to Lewisham join an NQT database. This means that NQTs can be better placed within the schools that suit them and receive the kind of support every new teacher wants when finding a job. A special advert can be found in our vacancy section for NQTs.
Salaried training for graduate teachers
The graduate teacher programme (GTP) is a programme of on-the-job training allowing graduates to qualify as a teacher while they work as an unqualified teacher in a school.
To take part in the GTP you should apply directly to an employment based initial teacher training (EBITT) provider who may be able to help you find a school.
Or, you will need to find a job as an unqualified teacher in a school by contacting schools directly to enquire whether thay can support you through the GTP.
Once on the programme your training will be tailored to your own individual needs and lead to qualified teacher status (QTS).
GTP places are very competitive since they offer a way for graduates to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while earning a salary.
Successful applicants teach in schools alongside a mentor while also attending lectures at a participating college.
The programme usually takes one school year.
Visit the Training and Development Agency for Schools website (follow the link on the right) for further information.