Building a knowledge-rich curriculum – Inspiration Trust recruiting specialist subject teachers across its family of schools

Train to teach with our 'outstanding hub' 

Inspiration Trust is dedicated to providing the best education to pupils across Norfolk and north Suffolk, recruiting both teachers and Central Subject Leads who are experts in their industries with an aim to further enrich pupil’s learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.  

This central team of curriculum specialists provide dedicated support to the family of schools, help develop the curriculum, and also draw on the latest evidence and research about what works in the classroom so pupils can reach their full potential and achieve excellent outcomes. This not only brings expert knowledge back into classrooms but is led by true life experiences that teachers can share with their students. 

One school, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, received a visit from ITV Anglia last month to speak with one such teacher – Chris Goode. Mr Goode is currently a physics teacher at the academy, but previously worked for 30 years as an offshore seismologist, having retrained to be a teacher after retiring from his old role. Mr Goode started training to teach after a year of retirement with Now Teach, which offers a recruitment and support programme for experienced professionals to retrain as teachers. 

When asked what he gets out of teaching, Mr Goode told ITV that he received “joy at seeing happy smiling faces when pupils realise physics can be fun” and took pleasure in contributing back into society and helping future generations. Pupils in Mr Goode’s class were also interviewed, with one pupil, Paije, saying that “us students get more experience and learn more than other teachers”, and Ines, who referred to Mr Goode’s teaching as “really interesting”, stating “they know more about the subject, and you can ask them different things”. 

Similarly, Carol Simpson, aged 58, has also found passion and purpose after retraining to become a teacher in later life. Currently teaching chemistry to children aged 11-16 at Hethersett Academy, she said, “I just love [teaching], it’s hard work but also the most rewarding role. I wish I’d started 20 or 30 years ago! 

Dr Simpson also recommends anyone considering making the career change to take the leap, saying, “To anyone considering making a career change later in life I’d say absolutely go for it.... the best thing you can do is take yourself out of your comfort zone. I royally did and it’s given me a new life – I’m a different person because of it. It’s scary and challenging, but it’s also so great and rewarding.” 

Gareth Stevens, CEO, said

“The pupils in our family of schools are at the heart of everything we do. We aspire to develop schools that nurture the talents of teachers at all stages of their careers, so they can provide pupils with the very best education. A vital part of achieving our vision is through our collaborative working with organisations such as National Institute of Teaching and Now Teach, providing outstanding support for schools and teachers in our region." 

Chris trained through Inspiration Teacher Training having been connected through Now Teach. In 2022, Inspiration Trust was announced as an Associate College for the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), the only Teaching School Hub to gain this status in Norfolk. This partnership increased its already strong offer for aspiring and existing teachers in the region, delivering best-in-class professional development for all career stages - from Initial Teacher Training, to senior leadership, and beyond... 

The National Institute of Teaching also seeks to boost the quality of teaching and school leadership by carrying out research, applying these insights to its professional development programmes, and sharing findings with the sector. Its programmes are designed by teachers and leaders who understand the joys and pressures of school life. Working in collaboration with schools across the country, NIoT ensures that their findings benefit all schools, teachers and leaders. 

If you are also interested in becoming an excellent teacher, why not also train with Inspiration Teaching School Hub. The Hub provides high-quality professional development to teachers at all stages of their careers, from Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to Early Career Framework (ECF) and beyond to National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). The Inspiration Teaching School Hub is proud to be an Associate College of the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), delivering NPQs in partnership with England’s flagship teacher development provider, who have recently seen their NPQ programmes rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.