The Explore Teaching Scheme is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a school classroom. For 15 days, you support a teacher in a school or college while exploring a future career in teaching.
The placement can be completed in weekly blocks or instalments (eg one day per week) while continuing your studies.
You'll assist school pupils by working with small groups under the direction of the teacher. To do this, you’ll be expected to share your enthusiasm and subject knowledge with the classroom.
Why take part?
While the scheme provides an opportunity to gain experience of a career in education, it’s also a chance to act as a role model for young people and raise their aspirations towards higher education.
Your teaching experience, acquired through the scheme, may also equip you for part-time work as a Teaching Assistant or cover supervisor. If you decide to pursue a career in teaching, this experience can be included as part of your application for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). As such, the Explore Teaching team will provide you with a letter of reference to support your future applications.
We are proud of our students who have volunteered through the Explore Teaching Scheme. Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will be eligible for a Certificate of Achievement and recognition through the Westminster Employability Award.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to all undergraduates, postgraduates, and recent graduates. To be selected for the scheme, you must demonstrate the following attributes:
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- ability to work in a team
- good interpersonal skills
- reliability and punctuality
- capacity for self-reliance, self-management and self-awareness
- flexibility and a willingness to learn
How to apply
- The application process involves an application form through Engage and an informal interview.
- If successful, the next stage involves attending a training session. This will help prepare you for your placement and give you a chance to learn more about the scheme.
- We'll arrange for you to complete an enhanced DBS check, which is a safeguarding requirement of all schools and colleges.
- Based on your subject area and the availability of suitable placements, your application may be transferred to a later cohort.
Applications for the Explore Teaching scheme will open the week commencing Monday 3 March 2025 and will close on Monday 7 April 2025. Successful applicants will complete their school placement between mid-September 2025 and early February 2026, usually on a part-time basis.
Please apply by completing the below application form on Engage:
Information and Applicant Support Session
We'll also be holding a virtual Information and Applicant Support Session on Tuesday 25 March 2025 from 1–2pm. It’s a great chance to learn more about the scheme, ask any questions you may have, and hear our top tips for a strong application.
What Explore Teaching alumni say
I have actively participated in the school community, building connection with students and teachers from various backgrounds.
Sophie, Computer Science BSc Hons, and Winner - Explore Teaching Volunteer of the Year 2024, Explore Teaching at Pimlico Primary School
The placement helped me to determined what I want to do in the future, which is to become a teacher. I feel like I have developed a lot by using my skills and putting my skills out there, for example, time management, communication, organising and resilience.
Lubna, Psychology and Criminology BSc Hons – Explore Teaching at Penn Wood Primary and Nursery School
Get in touch
Explore Teaching is organised through the Careers and Employability Service, based at the Cavendish Campus.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please check the Explore Teaching FAQs on Engage. Otherwise, please direct any questions to the Explore Teaching team by email: