A referral scheme offering big prizes has been launched by a Norfolk training programme for new teachers.

Ormiston Academies Trust's new initiative is giving people in Norfolk the chance to win rewards such as travel vouchers.

The scheme is associated with its newly introduced teacher training programme.

The programme's base of operations will be Ormiston Venture Academy in Great Yarmouth.

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The training programme set to start in September 2024 has its applications open now.

A raffle has been launched alongside the programme that will allow people to refer those they know with an enthusiasm for teaching. 

Prizes for these referrals will include £500 travel vouchers for a UK weekend trip, £300 in retail vouchers, or £200 to spend at an upscale farm shop.

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The training will guide the path for the trainers to achieve Qualified Teacher Status, with a PGCE awarded by the University of Birmingham and potential future employment with Ormiston.

The whole training package will span 39 weeks, offering immersive professional learning combined with teaching practice.

Director of initial teacher training at Ormiston Academies Trust, Kaye Patrick, said: “We are extremely excited to have launched our new training programme and campus in Ormiston Venture Academy which will enable us to deliver this new national scheme in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching.

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"As a Trust, we have long been committed to developing and nurturing teaching talent, and ensuring that they have immediate access to local experts and training opportunities.

“This raffle is a really exciting opportunity for Norfolk residents to explore their love of teaching or nominate someone they think would make a great teacher and we are really looking forward to welcoming future trainees to the programme.

"The positive impact that this will have for students and colleagues across our Trust and other schools is so significant and we would encourage those interested in applying to do so at the earliest opportunity.”