The Thomas Aveling School was formed in 1990 with the merger of two existing schools Warren Wood School for Boys and Warren Wood School for Girls. Since its inception, the school has grown from strength to strength. The school is consistently over-subscribed; with high quality teaching, excellent facilities and impeccable standards. Our emphasis is always on maintaining a positive attitude as we believe that a happy atmosphere has a marked impact on achievement. 
For us, a truly successful education means being the very best that you can be and we are proud to say that our students make excellent progress, regardless of their starting point. In recent years Thomas Aveling has been recognised as one of the most improved schools for academic progress.
Trainee teachers are an integral part of the Thomas Aveling success story and we regularly train over 25 aspiring teachers annually in a wide variety of subject areas and training pathways. We have strong links with PGCE courses from Canterbury Christchurch University, “Train to Teach” and “Researchers in Teaching” programmes. But, from it’s outset and alongside our partners at Kent and Medway Training, we have believed that the School Direct Teacher Training programme is the most practical and effective route into teaching and we are delighted to be a leading school offering the School Direct Teacher Training scheme.
We see education as not being limited to just full time school children but for students from all pathways and we are proud of our reputation as a high class teacher training institution. Many of our trainees become full time teachers at the school. 
At Thomas Aveling, a trainee or “Associate Teacher” can expect a quality training experience. There are dedicated Professional Tutors for Initial Teacher Training that oversee the whole programme. Then there are subject specific mentors. Mentors for trainees are chosen for their skill, experience and a commitment to excellence. They undertake their own training which is updated on a yearly basis. Mentors are given dedicated time to meet with their trainee at least once a week and will guide and support you throughout your time with us. The focus will be in the trainee gaining confidence and in meeting the teaching standards required for a successful career as a high quality, qualified teacher.
I CANNOT PRAISE THE SUPPORT FROM MY MENTOR HIGHLY ENOUGH. THANK-YOU” – past trainee 2021.
We have a dedicated in-house teacher training programme. We give opportunities to work with specialist teachers including, for example our Special Needs Areas as well as gaining experience with a form group and other areas of a trainee’s interest. We often bring in other specialists to work with associate teachers from outside school. All of this is on top of the workshops, lectures and subject studies programmes led by our training partner, Kent and Medway Training. Thomas Aveling has been designated as one of KMT’s“hub” training centres and we welcome Associate Teachers to specific events from across the whole of Kent. Many of these sessions are led by teachers from our partner schools.
Our trainees contribute to the life of the school in many ways from taking part in some of the 50 extracurricular activities to participating in school trips. They work with students from all ages, (including 6th form), abilities and background which will equip them with skills, knowledge and experience to work in a variety of school environments anywhere in the country.
“I NEVER REALISED THAT I HAD COVERED SO MANY OF MY TEACHING STANDARDS AND FROM MY FIRST TEACHING PRACTICE AS WELL” – past trainee 2020
If you believe that you have what it takes to become an inspirational teacher, we will be pleased to hear from you.
“I LOVED MY TEACHING PRACTICE HERE. EVERYONE WAS SO FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL” – past trainee 2022
For details and further information about The Thomas Aveling School.