PGCE School Direct Training Programme (Secondary)

Nottingham Trent University

Secondary teaching at Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

School Direct is a training route which allows you to work and study within a school of your choice while studying towards a postgraduate qualification (PGCE degree) and Qualified Teacher Status.

Why choose this course?

This is an innovative training route which allows you to choose the school, or group of schools, in which you train, with an intention – but no absolute guarantee – that they will employ you once you successfully graduate. School Direct is run as a partnership between a lead school, other schools in their alliance and an accredited teacher training provider.

We have established successful partnerships with schools to offer both School Direct salaried and non-salaried courses for Primary and Secondary teaching:

1. The School Direct Training Programme

This is open to all graduates (including those who expect to complete their first degree prior to the September start date). You will pay tuition fees and may be eligible for student loans, and a bursary or scholarship.

2. The School Direct Training Programme (salaried)

This is an employment-based route into teaching for high quality graduates with three or more years' career experience. You will pay tuition fees and be employed as an unqualified teacher by a school who will pay you a salary.

The School Direct route enables you to work within a school and train in the classroom, supported by qualified teachers and mentors. You will also spend time studying at the University as you progress towards gaining a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status.

School Direct places are offered by a school or group of schools in partnership with NTU. The schools involved have an excellent history of involvement in teacher training and a long history of supporting trainees to become confident and effective teachers.

What you'll study

The School Direct course is a flexible approach to teacher training. The majority of your time will be spent in the school, training in the classroom and being supported by experienced teachers and mentors. You will also spend time studying at the University.

At the University you will study for the same award as other postgraduate teacher trainees except that the delivery will have more emphasis on being trained within a school environment and will involve more staff from schools:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (with 60 credit points at Masters level)
• Professional Certificate in Education.

Successful completion of the course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a postgraduate qualification.

Careers and employability

It is expected that you will continue be employed by the school or group of schools in which you trained after you gain your teaching qualification. However, there is no absolute guarantee of employment once you finish.

You will gain a recommendation for Qualified Teaching Status if you successfully complete the course and therefore can apply to other schools as a Newly Qualified Teacher in the event that you are not employed by your training school.

You will work within the school or group of schools to which you applied. You may also be expected to spend time in a range of other key stages, or schools, to observe best practice and expand your practical experience.