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Our secondary PGCE programme

School Led Teacher Training

Our Secondary School-Led PGCE is a practical route into teaching for graduates who are passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives.

The programme combines practical school-based experience with academic study, equipping trainees with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become effective, reflective and resilient teachers.

Trainees will benefit from working alongside experienced mentors and practitioners in school and at he university. Our combined approach will support trainees to develop their pedagogical skills and knowledge whilst giving them the opportunity to put these skills into practice.

Are you looking for ’School Direct’?  School-led training is no longer known as ‘School Direct’, the programme and qualification remains unchanged (PGCE with QTS).

PGCE programme outline

Our Secondary School Led Teacher Training programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Chester.   We offer offer an exciting opportunity to train alongside outstanding practitioners, gaining valuable knowledge, skills and professional attitudes that will enable you to start your journey  towards becoming an excellent teacher and future leader. 

Upon successful completion of the programme you will gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and will be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which will qualify you to teach anywhere in the UK.   The University of Chester are our accredited partner and deliver the academic aspect of the programme.

Throughout the programme you will develop your skills, knowledge and practice across 8 key areas and work towards demonstrating that you can consistently meet the Teachers’ Standards.

  • High Expectations
  • How Pupils Learn
  • Subject & Curriculum
  • Classroom Practice
  • Adaptive Teaching
  • Assessment
  • Managing Behaviour
  • Professional Behaviours

Course benefits

  • 2 School placements

    You will complete a minimum of 120 school-based learning days in the classroom across two placing schools to offer contrasting teaching experience

  • 9 days centre-based professional training

    You will receive 9 days of professional development training on delivered by highly experienced teachers and professionals around issues such as safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour Management

  • 12 days of academic lectures and subject support

    You will join the University of Chester for 12 days subject specific and lead lectures at the School of Education in their Exton Park campus

  • 20 days Intensive Training & Practice (ITaP)

    You will receive 20 days of Intensive Training & Practice (ITaP) led by the university which will focus on key areas such as lesson design and assessment

  • Expert guidance and support

    You will receive guidance and feedback from expert mentors supporting you to develop reflective practice and resilience

  • Wrap around support

    You will receive wrap around support which will be tailored to your individual needs

  • PGCE with QTS

    Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which is will qualify you to teach in the UK and is recognised internationally. You will also gain 60 credits towards a Masters qualification

Trainee PGCE Journey

The graphic below illustrates a gradual increase in teaching and key areas of focus through the PGCE programme

Our courses

The application window for training in 2026-27 will open on 1st October.

We offer courses in the following subjects:-

You could be entitled to a bursary to support your training. Click the Essential Information page to find out more.

We may close vacancies to individual subjects if courses become full.

Next Steps

You can access free advice from the DfE to help you find the most suitable route into teaching for you.

In addition, you can request a school experience visit to help you decide whether teaching is the right choice for you.

Get into Teaching AdvisorGet School Experience

Heather Brown

ITT Co-ordinator

Interested in training to teach? Contact Heather for guidance on applying to train with us. (Mon-Fri term time only)

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