If you are considering a career in teaching, we offer a number of PGCE placements in a school of your choosing. You will gain skills and knowledge to progress your teaching career.

All of our PGCE places lead to qualified teacher status (QTS).

You’ll gain a PGCE validated by a university partner, and credits towards a masters qualification.

You’ll spend the majority of your time training in the classroom, alongside outstanding teachers and supported by specialist mentors, building your confidence in a school environment.

Courses are full time (one year) and available across secondary and primary phases.

Places are offered on a non-salaried basis and are eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees.

Substantial tax-free bursaries are also available to trainees in certain subject areas.

Financial support

Through this route, and depending on your circumstances, you could receive one or more of the following to support your teacher training:

  • a tax-free bursary or scholarship
  • access to a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan
  • additional financial support if you’re a parent or have a disability

You will need a first, 2:1, 2:2, PhD or master’s to be eligible for a bursary or scholarship. See the Get Into Teaching website for a full overview of the current financial support available.

Support from day one

Our trainees receive a comprehensive induction programme when they start their placement with us. You will spend four days of the week in school, working alongside outstanding teachers, and one day per week at university. We also offer:

  • bespoke training sessions tailored to your needs
  • teaching and learning workshops throughout the year delivered by experts in our schools
  • the opportunity to meet and work with trainees from across our region
  • a second placement in a contrasting school, as well as visits to others including a special school

We have also proudly made a pledge to promote and celebrate a diverse teacher workforce, by providing opportunities for all to share good practice and network. You can read more details about our our pledge on the University of Nottingham website.

To find out more about the support you will be offered, please contact us at getintoteaching@diverse-ac.org.uk.

Personal mentor

‘The support from my mentor was fantastic, although the year was intense I knew I could always ask for advice and I wasn’t pressured to take responsibility for classes until I was ready.’
James Lillyman, former School Direct maths trainee

All of our trainees will have their own school based mentor. These individuals play a vital role in the progression of our trainees, offering specialist advice and guidance to support you throughout your ITE year.

Our mentors provide:

  • weekly review meetings on trainee expectations (characteristics of performance/teaching standards)
  • guidance on assessment, monitoring and tracking of student progress
  • support with lesson planning and lesson observations
  • engage in meetings between the trainee and university tutor
  • support in setting termly timelines, and in writing termly and interim reports

What qualifications do I need?

You must have a bachelor’s degree (minimum third class honors) or a recognised equivalent qualification.

To train as a teacher on any programme you must achieve a standard equivalent to a grade C/4 in GCSE English and maths. If you want to teach primary, you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C/4 in a science GCSE.

For more information, visit the government’s get into teaching eligilibity guide.