OU to train teachers part-time

A revolutionary new Open University course will allow up to 1,000 people a year to train part-time as teachers. Senior teachers at selected schools will guide students through the 18- month course in the pounds 2.25m programme backed by the Department for Education.

The move is part of the Government's plan to make teacher training more classroom-based and end shortages in specialist subjects such as maths, science and modern languages.

Each postgraduate student will have a personal computer so they can keep in touch with each other and gain vital information technology skills.