Based at Dr Challoner's Grammar School, our vision is for the Astra SCITT to be a transformational partnership of primary, secondary and special schools across Buckinghamshire and beyond, working together to see improved educational outcomes for all.

Astra encompasses both primary and secondary training and includes the full range of secondary subjects. The majority of trainees are full time and following the PGCE route, though we are keen to accommodate a number of part time trainees as well as offering QTS-only and Assessment Only routes. With an average of approximately sixty trainees each year, we have recruitment hubs both in Amersham and Aylesbury.

Committed to excellence, our programmes blend theory and practice and are both evidence led and research informed, seeking not only to meet but exceed the demands of the Core Content Framework. At secondary level we have particularly strong subject specific training, and our aim is that trainees leave us as genuine experts, committed to inclusive professionalism, with the knowledge and skills to be outstanding classroom practitioners in the full range of school contexts in Buckinghamshire. Tutors are based not only at Dr Challoner's but at schools throughout our area.

We have a first class team of highly committed support staff, and designated offices for the Astra team. Leadership and management was recognised as Outstanding in our most recent Ofsted. Since 2013, over 550 teachers have qualified through Astra and our passion is to develop teachers who thrive in the classroom and go on to develop successful careers.

We are seeking a Secondary Course Director with a genuine interest in teacher training and education, who possesses the vision and skills to help lead the next phase of our development. Able to work sympathetically with trainees and our full range of stakeholders, the Course Director will have an understanding of current issues in ITT. Leading our overall Professional Studies provision and developing our mentor training, there is also the opportunity to lead the training in one of our secondary subjects and, by negotiation, the option to take on a small teaching timetable within the school. In this, the role enables the Course Director to develop expertise in initial teacher training whilst also remaining grounded in the life of a school.

Benefits of working at Dr Challoner's Grammar School

Staff often remark that DCGS is a great place to work. Staff retention is high, which we believe reflects the supportive and friendly environment in which we work. Students are hard working, capable and diligent. New staff to the school often remark that they enjoy working in an environment where students want to learn.  Challoner’s was the third secondary school in the country to be judged Outstanding under Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework when inspected in November 2019, with the inspectors noting that the school has a culture of teamwork, loyalty and aspiration and that staff feel exceptionally well supported. This judgement was confirmed again in 2024. In 2025 we ranked 10th in The Times’ best secondary and grammar schools in the south-east.

As the Lead School in the Astra Teaching School, DCGS offers a wide and diverse range of professional development opportunities for staff. Astra's status as a School Centred Initial Teacher Training provider (SCITT) ensures Challoner’s is at the cutting edge of curricular and pedagogical developments in education. The Astra SCITT trains approximately 50 - 70 new entrants per year: in this way, colleagues at Challoner's are able to contribute to, and benefit from, high quality teacher training and CPD across over 50  schools in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and beyond. 

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School also offers staff: 

• A friendly working environment with supportive and caring colleagues 
• Access to a free  24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including financial and legal advice, counselling and health programmes 
• An award winning attitude to staff wellbeing and mental health
• Staff Buddies - all new staff are allocated a staff buddy
• Hero of the Week! - recognition for staff who go above and beyond
• Preferential admission for qualified children of staff (some restrictions apply) 
• Excellent opportunities for professional development 
• Access to Blue Light card benefits 
• Access to onsite cardio fitness and weights room 
• Free on site parking

Prospective applicants are warmly invited to apply through Mynewterm by clicking apply now.

Early applications are welcome; we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the published closing date. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Dr Challoner's Grammar School we ensure breadth of opportunities for all and actively promote open and outward facing attitudes to diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage suitably qualified people from all backgrounds to apply for roles at our school. If there are any issues which you feel could be barriers to your application as part of this process please let  us know.

Our commitment to Safeguarding

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Additional information for applicants

Some additional information for applicants can be found here.