Castle Rushen High School trainee teachers Louise Williams and Jenny Davies have been awarded Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS).

The pair are the first from the school to qualify at CRHS through this training route, having been employed on training contracts and sponsored by the school to complete the Certificate in Education at University College Isle of Man.

Louise, who previously worked as a vet, will take up a full-time permanent position as a science teacher.

And Jenny, who was previously employed as an education support officer and before that worked in mental health care, will take up a full-time position as a music teacher.

Head teacher Keith Winstanley said: ’I am delighted for Mrs Williams and Miss Davies.

’Their training was a genuine partnership between ourselves and UCM which has resulted in two really high quality teachers.

’Recruiting secondary school teachers has become increasingly difficult here on the Isle of Man and this new route offers us the opportunity to look beyond the traditional model of UK university teacher training (PGCE) courses.’

Vance King, programme leader for the Certificate in Education at UCM, said: ’I am really pleased that Louise and Jenny have been conferred with QTLS status.

’They were hard working and popular members of the course and will be a real asset to their school.’

He added: ’They join a growing list of secondary school teachers on the island who have qualified through this route, which sees UCM provision supported by complementary school-based training by experienced mentors, within the schools’ own professional development systems.’