Local teacher training routes inspire Peterborough graduate to begin classroom career
A Peterborough graduate is preparing to take the next step towards a career in teaching, highlighting the growing range of local training opportunities now available for people who want to train, qualify and work in the city.
Freya Balaam has recently graduated with a first-class honours degree from ARU Peterborough and is looking forward to joining local Initial Teacher Training provider Teach East in September. Her journey has also included volunteering at Welbourne Primary Academy over the last few years, giving her valuable first-hand experience of school life and helping to confirm her ambition to become a teacher.
The partnership between local schools, universities and teacher training providers is helping to create a clear pathway into the profession for people across Peterborough. With opportunities to study locally, gain classroom experience in trust academies and progress into teacher training close to home, aspiring teachers can now build their careers while remaining connected to the communities they know. As part of Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET), Welbourne Primary Academy champions these collaborative local routes.
Tracy Lawson, Principal at Welbourne Primary Academy, said: “Over the past two years Freya has volunteered at Welbourne Primary Academy, along with a number of other students from the social care and teaching sector. We have been incredibly grateful for their time, commitment and enthusiasm. Their support has made a real difference to our school community, and it has been a pleasure to see their dedication and passion for education grow. Congratulations, Freya, on your degree success — a fantastic achievement — and we wish you every success as you begin your teacher training year. We have no doubt you will continue to inspire and make a positive impact. We also look forward to supporting more students in the future.”
Freya said: “My time volunteering at Welbourne Primary Academy has reinforced my passion for teaching and shown me the lasting impact that dedicated teachers have on children’s lives. Studying at ARU Peterborough and now beginning my teacher training with Teach East allows me to continue developing my skills close to home, while learning from experienced professionals and supporting the local schools and communities that have played an important role in my own journey.”
Principal and Chief Executive of ARU Peterborough, Professor Ross Renton, said: “Our graduation ceremonies mark an important milestone, celebrating the dedication our students have shown throughout their studies as well as the knowledge and skills they have learnt at ARU Peterborough. Congratulations to Freya on her achievement and we’d like to wish her every success as she continues her journey towards a rewarding career in teaching.”
Henry Sauntson, Director of Teach East SCITT, said: “Teach East was created out of a need for teachers in Peterborough schools, and to develop opportunities for those in the local area to become effective classroom practitioners. Teach East is proud to work with so many settings across the city in both Primary and Secondary phases, as well as having strong links with ARU - we are able to use regional expertise to support local need, and grow great teachers! We very much look forward to welcoming our new cohort in September 2026, and hope that they too can experience the success of those that have gone before them.”
Local teacher training opportunities are helping to strengthen the education workforce in Peterborough by supporting graduates, career changers and people already working or volunteering in schools to take their next step into teaching. By combining university study, school-based experience and high-quality mentoring, these routes provide a practical and accessible pathway into a rewarding profession.
To find out more, explore career opportunities and vacancies across the Thomas Deacon Education Trust by visiting Careers | Thomas Deacon Education Trust, discover undergraduate and postgraduate education courses at ARU Peterborough, or learn more about local Initial Teacher Training pathways with Teach East.