Building the Next Generation of Teachers
Across the UK, schools are facing a critical shortage of early-career teachers. Fewer trainees entering Initial Teacher Training (ITT), rising demand, and increasing recruitment pressures mean that schools need innovative, sustainable ways to secure high-quality staff for the future.
SANZA’s Graduate Programme is our new, long-term workforce initiative designed to help schools and SCITTs grow their own future teachers organically, strategically, and with expert support at every stage.
Our programme gives graduates paid, structured experience in schools ahead of applying for their ITT. This creates a stronger, more committed pipeline of trainee teachers who understand your ethos and are already embedded within your community.
What Is the Graduate Programme?
The SANZA Graduate Programme connects partner schools with carefully sourced, degree-qualified candidates who want to begin a career in teaching. Graduates work in paid roles in your school network while preparing for ITT applications, which will be prioritised by your SCITT.
Key features include:
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Bespoke graduate sourcing matched to school needs
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Structured CPD through the National College
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In-school coaching and regular check-ins
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Supported ITT application process
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High-potential candidates prioritised for SCITT interviews
Why Schools Are Partnering With Us
A Reliable, Sustainable Teacher Pipeline
Instead of competing for a small national pool of trainees, you can grow your own. Helping you secure future teachers who understand your school culture and have already proven themselves in the classroom.
High-Quality, Pre-Vetted Graduates
Every candidate meets ITT eligibility requirements. We recruit using a personalised, competency-based process and only introduce graduates who demonstrate strong potential for teaching.
Immediate Impact in Your School
Graduates support teaching and learning from day one through intervention work, small-group support, TA roles or cover supervision, adding immediate value while preparing for future training.
Reduced ITT Recruitment Pressure
Graduates emerging from your programme already know your systems, align with your values, have hands-on experience and understand the realities of teaching. This significantly improves ITT retention and reduces the need for external marketing and recruitment spend.
How the Programme Works
Our Graduate Programme is built on a proven, partnership-led model. We bring the scale, experience and safeguarding rigour needed to manage recruitment, compliance and candidate support so you can focus on developing the next generation of teachers.
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We identify your school's requirements
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We recruit and vet graduates who meet your criteria
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Graduates begin paid work in your schools
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Graduates receive training & support throughout
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Graduates have access to The National College CPD suite
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Regular in-school mentor or coaching for graduates
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Regular SANZA support meetings
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Post-placement reflection and ITT application guidance
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Priority for SCITT interviews from our partner schools