The Explore Teaching Scheme is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a school classroom. For 15 days, you support a teacher in a school or college while exploring a future career in teaching.

The placement can be completed in weekly blocks or instalments (eg one day per week) while continuing your studies.

You'll assist school pupils by working with small groups under the direction of the teacher. To do this, you’ll be expected to share your enthusiasm and subject knowledge with the classroom.

Why take part?

While the scheme provides an opportunity to gain experience of a career in education, it’s also a chance to act as a role model for young people and raise their aspirations towards higher education.

Your teaching experience, acquired through the scheme, may also equip you for part-time work as a Teaching Assistant or cover supervisor. If you decide to pursue a career in teaching, this experience can be included as part of your application for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). As such, the Explore Teaching team will provide you with a letter of reference to support your future applications.

We are proud of our students who have volunteered through the Explore Teaching Scheme. Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will be eligible for a Certificate of Achievement and recognition through the Westminster Employability Award.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to all undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates. To be selected for the scheme, you must demonstrate the following attributes:

  • excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • ability to work in a team
  • good interpersonal skills
  • reliability and punctuality
  • capacity for self-reliance, self-management and self-awareness
  • flexibility and a willingness to learn

How to apply

  • The application process involves an application form through Engage and an informal interview
  • If successful, the next stage involves attending a training session. This will help prepare you for your placement and give you a chance to learn more about the scheme
  • We'll arrange for you to complete an enhanced DBS check, which is a safeguarding requirement of all schools and colleges
  • Based on your subject area and the availability of suitable placements, your application may be transferred to a later cohort

Applications for the Explore Teaching scheme will open on Monday 11 March 2024 and will close on 19 May 2024. Successful applicants will undertake their placements between September and December 2024.

Please apply by completing an application form on Engage.

Information and Applicant Support Session

We'll also be holding a virtual Information and Applicant Support Session on Tuesday 26 March 2024 from 1–2pm. It’s a great chance to learn more about the scheme, ask any questions you may have, and hear our top tips for a strong application. Book your spot on Engage.

Travel expenses

Students going out on Explore Teaching placements in the autumn will be eligible for reasonable travel expenses when public transport is needed to get to the placement location.

What Explore Teaching alumni say

Seeing the students get excited to see you each week was extremely rewarding. I enjoyed every aspect of placement and am grateful to have taken part.

Second year student, Biomedical Sciences BSc (2022–23 intake)

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Explore Teaching team. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot of things. It really made a huge impact on my future ambitions. I'm glad to say that I'll be pursuing a PGCE in September, because of the amazing opportunity I was given by the Explore Teaching team.

Second year student, Modern Languages BA (2021–22 intake)

Get in touch

Explore Teaching is organised through the Careers and Employability Service, based at the Cavendish Campus.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please check the Explore Teaching FAQs on Engage. Otherwise, please direct any questions to the Explore Teaching team by email;

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