Why a residential course is the perfect way to upskill in your teaching career
Planning, teaching, marking, learning new material — then repeat. It’s a cycle many teachers find themselves in, leaving little time for professional development or networking opportunities outside of the classroom.
That’s where our residential courses come in. These courses are the perfect option for teachers who are looking for valuable time away from the classroom to upskill and meet other educators.
What are residential courses?
Our residentials are face-to-face courses that take place over the span of two days.
They’re designed to help teachers upskill away from the classroom, so that they can return to school feeling both inspired and up to date with the evolving computing curriculum.
Better yet, we offer a range of courses from primary computing to GCSE and A level Computer Science designed to support educators at every stage of their teaching journey.
Where will you be going?
All our residential courses are held at the National STEM Learning Centre, located on the University of York campus, a stone's throw away from the historic city of York. Easily accessible by both public and private transport, we're just a 20-minute drive from the York railway station.
What content do residential courses cover?
Our residential courses offer both depth and variety, with a broad selection of subject-specific options available.
From content covering leading primary computing to introducing A level Computer Science, our York-based CPD sessions are open to every teacher, regardless of stage, experience, or prior knowledge.
Below are our residentials scheduled for 2025/2026:
- New to computing
- Help! How do I lead primary computing?
- An introduction to A Level Computer Science
- Getting started with Python programming
- Essentials for teaching primary computing
- Developing secondary leadership
- Supporting student attainment in GCSE Computer Science
- Developing the established primary computing leader
- An Introduction to A level Computer Science
- Leading and assessing primary computing
You’ll also be taught by a Professional Development Leader, experts in the field of computer science education and subject matter experts on the courses they deliver.
Why should you attend?
Research shows that there is a whole host of benefits to be had by collaborating with fellow teachers, from opening new lines of communication to gaining a better understanding of how to provide appropriate services to students with varying needs.
By attending one of our residential courses, you'll have the chance to connect with teachers from across the country and collaborate on the tough questions and challenges you're facing, helping you to navigate your next steps while feeling connected to others in similar situations.
What’s the cost?
Teachers in English state schools can attend our residential courses at no cost, with accommodation and all meals fully covered.
How you can book
You can book your next residential on our courses page, filtering for your key stage and desired topic.