The region’s only part-time course for primary school teaching is now accepting applications for its next intake.

Castleman Learning Network (CLN) – part of Dorset’s Castleman Academy Trust of schools – has developed the course to allow students to continue to work.

It was created with assistance from the University of Worcester, the institution from which the trainees qualify.

More than 70 teachers have trained with CLN – completing PGCE and QTS qualifications – since it was granted teaching school status in 2010.

But there was demand for a more flexible course for those who couldn’t take a year out to train.

The first intake of teachers on the part-time course began in January and will be ready to enter the classroom from July next year.

The second intake will begin training next January, and there are around 20 places available.

It takes 19 months – five terms – to qualify, with trainees spending two days a week in schools near where they live and one day a week in Poole being trained.

The timetable enables them to work in their present jobs for two days a week so they can keep earning.

Trainees on the course are from various backgrounds and of different ages, but all agreed that without the part-time course they would’ve been unable to fulfil their ambition to teach.

The training centre, based at Arena Poole, was set up by Rhonda Moore, CEO of Castleman Academy Trust, to offer first class teacher training to graduates.

Lou Evans, director of the Castleman Learning Network, said: “There was a clear demand for a part-time course such as this.

“There are very few in the country, but The University of Worcester was keen to develop a flexible approach that enables people to train as teachers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“We have people from different backgrounds – some have worked as teaching assistants, others took time out to start families.

“We’re desperately short of primary school teachers across the country, so we were keen to explore flexible options for people who’ll inspire our children.

“Our graduates will have lots of classroom experience after 19 months, and some go on to work in our schools while others find full-time employment with the schools where they’ve been based for their school experience.

“Being part of an academy trust brings other benefits including our ability to bring in highly experienced teachers to bring their expertise to training across the curriculum.

“We’re now open to applications for the next part-time course that begins in January next year.”

Rhonda added: “We’ve had nearly 15 years training teachers, and this part-time course will enable us to help many more become qualified.

“I’d encourage people to consider teaching as a new career – it’s a highly rewarding job and those from different backgrounds can add so much to a school.”

Castleman Academy Trust oversees Broadstone First and Middle schools, Ferndown First and Middle schools and Parley First School.

• castlemanlearning.co.uk