Applications open to become a qualified teacher in Guernsey, as recent graduates celebrate success

Thursday 26 February 2026

As applications open for the next cohort of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), The Guernsey Institute is celebrating the success of three recent graduates who have achieved their Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Teaching and are now working in local schools.

The graduating cohort included two primary and one secondary trainee, who have all progressed from the ITT programme into teaching roles, strengthening Guernsey's education workforce and demonstrating the value of training teachers locally.

Charlotte Moore now teaches Reception at La Houguette Primary, Jemma Smith is a Year 3 teacher at La Mare de Carteret Primary, and Harry Barrett Giles teaches Physical Education and Science at St Sampson's High School.

Jemma Smith, recent ITT graduate and now Year 3 teacher at La Mare de Carteret Primary School, said:

"The opportunity to complete my PG Cert in Teaching whilst on placement in local schools was truly life-changing, allowing me to finally pursue my dream of teaching, whilst being a mum with family commitments. Balancing the intensity of study, home and school life required real determination, but learning from such knowledgeable local educators and advisors has been an invaluable experience. It is an absolute privilege to watch children grow and flourish, and those 'aha' moments make every challenge of the past year entirely worth it."

Delivered through The Guernsey Institute, the PGCert in Teaching is delivered in partnership with Middlesex University, providing trainees with a recognised UK qualification. On completion, graduates are qualified to teach in Guernsey and can also teach in England.

Janine Donovan, ITT Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead, said:

"Our programme recognises that leading a classroom takes patience, enthusiasm and commitment. It is intentionally structured around three modules, two theory-based and one rooted in school experience. The school-based module is where everything comes to life. It brings educational theory into focus through rehearsal and supported practice, giving trainees the space to grow their confidence and refine their teaching skills before they step into live lessons."

"The success of our graduates, who are now flourishing in classrooms on the island, shows just how effective local teacher training can be. By investing in people who want to teach in Guernsey, we're building a sustainable, skilled and confident teaching workforce for the future."

To support access to the profession, permanent residents of Guernsey pay no tuition fees for the PGCert in Teaching. In addition, the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture provides a £19,000 bursary for the year, helping trainees to focus fully on their development and training.

Deputy Paul Montague, President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture, said:

"The investment in training the next generation of teachers on-island - including no tuition fees and a significant bursary - is indicative of how important this training is for the Bailiwick. I attended the graduation ceremony for the 2025 cohort and was so impressed by their professionalism and enthusiasm for entering the teaching profession on our island."

Shonagh Brown, who has completed all her teacher training on island including gaining her ITT in 2018, and is now the Lead Advisory Teacher for the Communication, Interaction and Autism Service, said:

"I was one of those people who always knew what they wanted to be - a teacher! I completed all my training on island, all funded by the States of Guernsey. Having gained my ITT in 2018, I started as a primary school teacher at La Mare de Carteret Primary School. It was so exciting to have my own class for the first time.
"I was always interested in working with children with additional learning needs and so applied to work as the Lead Teacher at the Pod - a specialist provision for children in Year 1 to 4 with social, emotional and mental health needs. We worked hard to support the children to regulate, learn and give them experiences they would never forget.

"I am now working as the Lead Advisory Teacher for the Communication, Interaction and Autism Service, which is a managerial role. This job has extended my experience further, as I now also work with high school aged children. This job is also very varied - working in the primary school CIAS base, observing children, writing reports, offering advice, delivering training, attending meetings and teaching children in the community.

"The studying does not stop! I have just completed my NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture and have just started my NPQ SENCO. I have been lucky enough to work in amazing teams and learn from some incredible people who work in Education in Guernsey along the way."

Applications are open for the next intake of the Initial Teacher Training programme until 17 April. For further information about the ITT programme, visit the TGI website.