Keele University grounds

About us

The OAKS is an Ofsted outstanding (2016) and innovative SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) programme, based in the beautiful green campus of Keele University in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Our programme links Keele University and Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) with a long established partnership of schools across our hubs in several areas around the country.

We provide an innovative and intensive programme, during which trainees will gain both QTS certification and obtain a Keele University PGCE academic award at Level 7 (with the exception of the Assessment Only route which is a QTS award).

This is a genuine partnership between the partnership schools, The OAKS, OAT and Keele University, which ensures relevant and up-to-date training, with a range of research-based activities which keep teacher education in the forefront of educational thinking.

We believe that we provide a programme that is both supportive and enjoyable, with outstanding success rates, well above the national average for the initial teacher training sector. Read out latest Ofsted report here.

The OAKS is an extremely caring and friendly organisation and will, at all times, provide help, encouragement and support, whenever it is needed.

The trainee teacher is important to us and many support structures are in place for this challenging, but very rewarding course. It is the aim of The OAKS partnership of schools and OAKS staff to produce highly-motivated, creative, successful and enlightened teachers. Such teachers, we know, will be in great demand both in the local region and nationally.

Please note: The OAKS is a secondary provider (KS3 and KS4, 11–16 age range) with a post-16 enhancement, with the exception of business studies and social science which are KS4 and KS5 programmes (14–19 age range).