ASPIRING teachers looking to experience the range of opportunities the career has to offer can apply to train in Ellesmere Port.

The Port Alliance, a group of nine schools led by Whitby High School, wants applications from the area’s most able graduates to a new style of teacher training.

They include The Whitby High School; Woodlands Primary School; Capenhurst Primary School; St Saviours Catholic Primary School; Whitby Heath Primary School; Christ Church Primary School; William Stockton Primary School; Meadow Primary School and The Oaks Primary School.

The scheme is open to all graduates and offers tax-free bursaries of up to £20,000 for candidates with top degrees in priority subjects.

The School Direct programme enables groups of schools to train teachers by working together.

Participating schools recruit and select their own trainees with the expectation they will work in the alliance upon completion of the scheme.

Trainee teachers will get experience in a range of educational arenas, from nursery to sixth form, completing most of their training in a primary and/or secondary setting, with additional learning and accreditation offered through The University of Chester.

One and two year programmes will be available for those wishing to teach at primary and secondary levels.

Caroline Howard, assistant headteacher at The Whitby High School, said: “The Port Alliance is a diverse mix of schools who have an established track record in delivering teacher training and have worked together in partnership for a number of years.

“The quality of training and support for those who are successful will be of the highest standards. We are delighted to be part of the School Direct programme – it’s a great way to learn and qualify to become a teacher.”

An Open Day for prospective trainee teachers, primary or secondary, will take place on Friday, November 30, from 10am-3.30pm at Whitby High School. All are welcome and the day will include visits to primary school partners.

Anyone wishing to apply for the academic year 2013/14 should visit www.education.gov.uk/schooldirect. For further information on the scheme please visit www.education.gov.uk/schooldirect.