Secondary PGCE Programme

We are accepting Applications for Teacher Training for 2023 entry.

Why train with us?

Our Secondary Teacher Training Programme is an exceptional partnership comprising of Forest Way Alliance, five local secondary schools, all with Good Ofsted ratings, and the University of Derby, the University of Leicester and Loughborough University.

We have worked successfully with trainee teachers for many years as a very progressive and proactive alliance with a major focus on career development from Initial Teacher Training right through to headship.

Within our alliance there are a number of major employers who all provide genuine employment links and experiences. It really is the place to learn to teach and then to continue your career. The sky is the limit for the right people! Follow the link to read a personal account of one of our Secondary Trainee's School Direct experience.

About our training programme

For trainees on the University of Derby route:
the majority of time on the course will be spent in a local school, gradually taking on the role of class teacher, working closely with an experienced and skilled practitioner and mentor.

Approximately 24 weeks will be spent with your main placement with an additional six weeks in a different school focusing on a different key stage to experience the full range of the secondary curriculum, trainees will also have one week in a special school.

A carefully devised weekly programme delivered at FWA Training Hub and at your university, will focus on all aspects of teaching pedagogy including lesson planning and evaluation, behaviour management, learning theory, diversity and inclusion, equality, safe-guarding, creative engagement, PSHE and form tutoring..

By the end of the course you will gain a PGCE with 60 Masters Credits.

For trainees on the University of Leicester & Loughborough University route:
Although your placements will be at Alliance schools, you will share most of your studies with the Secondry PGCE students on the 'core' university led PGCE.

These routes differ from the University of Dery route in that training is provided solely by the universities and no time is spent training at the Forest Way Training Hub

Which schools are involved?
Placements will be at any of the secondary schools in our Alliance. See our Alliance Partners page for a full list of secondary schools and links to their websites.

What subjects do we offer
Subjects with the University of Derby route:

Entry Requirements
~ Minimum 2:1 degree in your subject (for Leicester & Loughborough)
~ Minimum 2:2 degree in your subject (for Derby)
~ GCSE grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics gained prior to application
~ Academic and professional references
~ Knowledge of curriculum, awareness of current education issues and initiatives and an understanding of school life..

Successful applicants will also need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and a satisfactory medical report.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses
We would usually expect that your degree would cover at least 50% of the subject you are looking to teach. However, if this is not the case and you are considering teaching maths, physics, languages, biology, chemistry, computing, English, geography or design and technology don't hold back from applying as you may be able to build up your subject knowledge with an SKE course. If we feel you have the right qualities to become a teacher, but need to acquire more subject knowledge first, we may offer you a conditional place upon you completing a SKE course. See the Get Into Teaching website for more information about SKEs or contact our Secondary Programme Manager at tsa@forestway.leics.sch.uk

How to apply
Search for teacher training places through the Find Teacher Training website Find Teacher Training (www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses)
Search for 'Forest Way Alliance' Postcode LE67 4UU.
APPLY for teacher training places through the Apply for Teacher Training website Apply for Teacher Training
(www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training)

Cost
The cost of the PGCE course with FWTSA is £9250.00
Bursaries and loans may be availbale. Visit the Get into Teaching and Gov.UK websites for more information.

Progression
With Forest Way Alliance you can go from trainee to Early Career Teacher and right through to headship. Many of our primary trainees have found employment with one of our Alliance Schools and we look forward to working with them again as an Early Career Teacher.

Early Career Framework (Years 1 and 2) - For Early Career Teachers employed at Alliance schools
As part of the Leicestershire & Rutland Teaching School Hub, schools within the Alliance can access a two year programme of DFE funded support for
Early Career Teachers with the Ambition Institute
Forest Way Alliance provides a well established, high quality professional development programme for teachers, providing training and network groups and through the LRTS Hub also offer National Professional Qualifications all the way through to Headship.