Graduate Trainee Teacher

Sir George Monoux College is a Sixth Form College serving a diverse body of learners.  It is situated in the North East London Borough of Waltham Forest, which borders Epping Forest. The College is located on a single 17.5 acre site in Walthamstow. The main building is set back from the road in landscaped grounds, surrounded by two playing fields. The College serves a wide catchment area and approximately half of its students live in the neighbouring London Boroughs of Newham, Haringey, Hackney, Enfield and Tower Hamlets. Access to Central London is good via tube, rail and bus links. 

In a recent OFSTED visit the college was graded as ‘Good’ in all categories, with a particular emphasis on the high-quality teaching and positive student behaviour at the college. Our students often make excellent progress from where they were at GCSE, and we are ambitious about where they go next, with an improving trend of Russell Group entry as well as high value work and apprenticeships. The College aims to help students reach their highest potential whether it is academic, artistic or vocational.

There are currently approximately 1800 students at the College, all of them on full-time courses. Over 85% of the students come from minority ethnic groups living in London. The College curriculum provision includes a variety of GCE A/AS level subjects, BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 subjects, and the possibility to resit GCSE courses in English and Mathematics. All subjects are encompassed within one of the seven learning pathways.  

We have invested millions over the past few years to provide exceptional facilities for our students. The original main building is constantly being updated and refurbished.  The Brockman Building was opened in September 2003, providing first class accommodation and facilities for Music, Media and Performing Arts. It also houses the sports hall, changing rooms and an IT Suite.  The Drapers Building was opened in September 2004 and boasts an exceptional Learning Resource Centre, excellent Art and Photography studios, a state of the art language laboratory plus a café and relaxation area. This new building is also home to the Humanities department where classrooms are bright and spacious, providing a very pleasant environment.

In addition, other recently developed areas include the student conservatory, Theatre, Guidance Unit and Student Development Centre. The garden areas have been beautifully landscaped. In 2002, new Science laboratories were added and a new IT Suite was created. The whole College is well equipped with computers, reference books, audio visual equipment and a range of journals and newspapers. The College buildings are accessible for wheelchair users.

Sporting and recreational facilities are excellent, with a sports hall, weight training gym and sports fields. Newly refurbished changing rooms link the new building to the Sports Centre. Our students compete locally and in some cases nationally at basketball, netball, athletics, football and cricket. The College’s basketball team were recently under 19 English Schools’ National Champions.

The College currently employs approximately 200 staff, around 90 of which are support staff.  We have increased the number of teaching staff in response to continued growth. 

We have created a unique learning community, which enables our students to develop personal attributes and skills alongside their academic or vocational qualifications, to prepare them for higher education or employment.