Primary School-based PGCE Programme
Course Structure and Expectations
Primary Programme:
Our Primary Teacher Training programme gives you the opportunity to learn on the job from the very start of your journey. From day one, you’ll be based in a supportive placement school, working alongside an experienced mentor and developing the practical skills, confidence and knowledge you need to become an effective primary teacher.
Your school-based experience is complemented by high-quality academic and professional training at the University of Derby and the FWITT Training Hub. Together, these experiences give you the perfect balance of hands-on classroom practice, expert training and personalised support.
Most University and Hub training takes place on Wednesdays, giving you dedicated time each week to develop your professional knowledge away from your placement school.
Two School Placements Designed Around You
As part of the Primary programme, you’ll experience two contrasting school placements during the year:
Main placement: Autumn and Summer terms
Short placement: Spring term, in a different school and alternate key stage
We know that every trainee brings different experiences, interests and circumstances to teacher training. That’s why we take a personalised approach when selecting your placements.
Before your placements are confirmed, we’ll talk to you about your previous experience, preferred age groups, personal circumstances and transport requirements. When selecting your second placement, we’ll consider what you have already experienced and identify an environment that will help you broaden your skills, build confidence and deepen your understanding of primary education.
Most of our partnership primary and SEND schools are located in Leicestershire and surrounding areas.
Choose the Primary Pathway That’s Right for You
You can choose from two specialist age-range pathways:
3–7 years:
Train across EYFS and Key Stage 1, developing your expertise in the early stages of children’s education.
Train across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, gaining experience across a wider range of primary year groups.
We also offer SEND placement opportunities on both pathways. If you are passionate about special educational needs and disabilities, this is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills in an increasingly important area of education.
Successful completion of your school-based placements will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Learn From Experts at the University of Derby and FWITT Training Hub
Your classroom experience is supported by a strong academic and theoretical programme delivered by professional tutors and subject leads from the University of Derby, alongside experienced practitioners at the FWITT Training Hub.
You’ll learn from a wide range of education professionals, including Delivery Partner Leads, practitioners from our partnership schools and external specialists. This brings together different perspectives, expertise and experiences to help you understand not just how to teach, but why effective teaching makes a difference.
Across the year, you’ll complete three assignments, leading to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Discover SEND Through Our Enhanced Placement Opportunity Week
In March, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a dedicated week at Forest Way School, learning alongside specialist SEND practitioners.
This is a unique opportunity to step outside your usual placement environment and gain valuable insight into specialist education. You’ll be assigned to a class and experienced practitioner, giving you time to observe, ask questions, explore different approaches and get involved in teaching and learning at a level you feel comfortable with.
You won’t be expected to teach during this week — the focus is on exploration, observation and professional development.
Know How You’re Progressing Every Step of the Way:
We believe that great teachers develop through regular feedback, reflection and support. From the beginning of your training, you’ll have access to an Assessment Framework that clearly sets out the expectations of the course and helps you track your development.
Your school-based mentor will work closely with you every day, providing guidance, encouragement and regular feedback. You’ll also receive frequent observations, with your strengths and development targets recorded so that you always know:
What am I doing well?
What can I improve?
What do I need to do next?
This approach means there are no surprises. You’ll have a clear understanding of your progress and the support you need to continue developing throughout the year.
Your FWITT Lead Mentor will also visit you during your placement to review your progress and wellbeing, helping to ensure that you feel supported, settled and confident in your school environment.
Support That Continues All Year:
We understand that teacher training is a big commitment. Whether you’re moving straight from university, changing careers or balancing training alongside family life, we know that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why our full-time FWITT Delivery Partner Leads are there for you throughout the year. You’ll have a dedicated team who understand teacher training and are available to support both you and your school mentor. If a question, concern or challenge arises, you won’t have to face it alone. We’re here to listen, provide guidance and help resolve issues quickly.
Your Journey. Your Development. Your Future.
Our programme is designed to give you more than a qualification. You’ll gain real classroom experience, expert guidance, academic knowledge, personalised support and the confidence to begin your teaching career.
By the end of the year, you’ll have developed the skills and experience to take your next step as a qualified teacher — with QTS and a PGCE, and a strong foundation for a rewarding career in education.
To be eligible for our Primary School-Based PGCE, you will need:
A minimum 2:2 degree (third class degrees will be considered by a panel)
GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and Science *
Academic and professional references
* If you need to retake a GCSE qualification, we can offer conditional places to suitable candidates at interview. The University of Derby accepts GCSEs or equivalency tests completed through A Star Equivalency.
Successful applicants will also need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide a satisfactory medical report.