The Course

There is outstanding teaching at centre-based training and excellent support in school-based training.                                                                                                                               Ofsted 2011

The training programme (validated by the University of Canterbury) is delivered by highly experienced lecturers and teachers and is based in both schools and in the Consortium's own purpose built classroom. The Consortium provides a comprehensive and thorough approach to teacher training. Trainees are supported throughout the year by a variety of mentors including a personal tutor and spend time in a range of placements that provide experiences of different school settings. Additionally, trainees are given the opportunity to observe high-quality teaching in all subject areas. The Consortium provides a training that responds promptly to an ever-changing curriculum and equips trainees to work with immediate professional competency on graduation.

During the training the opportunity is given to specialize in SEND, Mathematics or English.  Specialist training is given from experts in the field and trainees will spend time in specialist related settings and work alongside current co-ordinators in schools. 

At the end of the course students receive a professional graduate certificate in education (PGCE) with qualified teacher status (QTS). After 5 years 98% of our graduates are still teaching.

For a list of QTS standards, see Standards for Teachers 2012.

Course Structure

Trainees spend 60% of the year in schools and are fully involved in the life of the school as a member of the teaching team. The remainder of the time is spent in lectures and workshops taught by expert practitioners.

The attainment of trainees is outstanding… trainees are well prepared to teach.                                                                                                                                                                      Ofsted 2011

Teaching practices:

Term 1 - TP1 (Home Placement)

Introduces the trainees to classroom practice including experience in EYFS

Term 2 - TP2

Lasts approximately 6 weeks and takes place in a different Consortium School and in the opposite key stage to that selected by the trainee for their specialism.

Term 3 - TP3

Returning to their home school the practice lasts approximately 8 weeks.