Trainee Teacher - Physics

Are you passionate about Physics?
Are you keen to inspire young people?
Are you ready to take the first step in your teaching career?

The Portsmouth Grammar School is offering an exciting opportunity to train as a secondary Physics teacher through our partnership with South Farnham SCITT, an Ofsted Outstanding provider of school-based initial teacher training.

We welcome applications from individuals who have, or are working towards, a Bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above). Throughout this academic-year long programme, you will work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with the option to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Most of your training year (2026–27) will be spent learning from and working alongside experienced colleagues in the PGS Physics Department.

As a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) trainee, you will:

• Experience school life from day one, gaining meaningful hands-on classroom experience.

• Achieve QTS in a single academic year.

• Have the option to complete a PGCE with the University of Brighton alongside QTS.

• Develop into a confident, reflective, and skilled practitioner supported by expert colleagues.

• Attend weekly training sessions with specialists at the South Farnham SCITT hub in Guildford.

• Be eligible for student finance and a tax-free government bursary of £29,000. Additional scholarship grants may also be available depending on your degree.

What can PGS offer?

• Support from experienced colleagues and subject specialists

• Dedicated professional mentor

• Experience of supporting lots of trainee teachers

• In-house professional studies programme

• Staff coaching

• Recognised as a regional training centre for ISTIP, holding termly conferences for ECT professional development.

Physics Dept

Our Physics Department has six full-sized laboratories.  Practical work at all levels is an integral part of lessons and the department is very well-resourced ensuring pupils have access to up to date and high quality equipment.

In the Sixth Form, around 30 pupils opt to take A Level Physics, following the OCR Physics A specification. Several pupils go on to Oxbridge success in Engineering and Physics. PGS has participated in the Physics Olympiad since its inception with many pupils gaining bronze, silver and gold awards.

The Physics Department has active links with local businesses and regularly host the Lockheed Martin engineering challenge and take part in Women in STEM competitions to encourage girls into pursuing Physics and Engineering beyond school. Physics teachers run several clubs, including Astronomy and Electronics and there are opportunities to introduce significant stretch and challenge for all year groups.  

Application Process

To apply for this position:

1. Apply directly to The Portsmouth Grammar School via the ‘Apply’ button linked to the related advert on the Work With Us page of our website (https://www.pgs.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us). Alternatively, you can send a comprehensive CV and covering letter to our HR department (recruitment@pgs.org.uk) expressing why you would like to train with us. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal visit or interview.  

2. Successful candidates will then be guided through the formal application process using Apply for Teacher Training on https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training where you will select The Portsmouth Grammar School and South Farnham SCITT as your provider.

Find out more
For details about the programme structure, entry routes, fees and funding, visit:
https://www.ssfscitt.org.uk/

If you have any enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Katt David, our Co-ordinator of Initial Teacher Training at k.david@pgs.org.uk , or our HR department at recruitment@pgs.org.uk  

Early applications are encouraged as we may interview and offer in advance of the advert closing date.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.