PGCE Primary (Provider-Led, School-based) with Qualified Teacher Status Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE

This Level 7 PGCE course is your gateway to becoming a confident, creative teacher across the full primary curriculum. You'll develop the knowledge, skills, and flexibility to support every child’s learning journey—whatever their needs.

Alongside in-depth insights into child development and learning theories, you'll gain invaluable classroom experience through placements in a range of school settings. You’ll be supported by our expert tutors and school mentors, guiding you every step of the way.

This qualification is subject to validation and planned to be delivered full-time over one academic year.

About the course

This programme is ideal for those wishing to train as primary school teachers in either the 3–7 or 5–11 age phases. From the start of the course, you will be immersed in school life and supported by experienced teachers, mentors and specialist primary practitioners.

This School-based model allows you to spend most of your time learning how to teach in schools (4 days a week) and in college for the remaining day.

Course Structure

• Based in your placement school from day one

• Regular training at the Nottingham College Teacher Training Hub and our university partner.

• Expert-led sessions delivered by specialist teachers, external agencies and partnership school practitioners

• Around 24 weeks of school-based training

• One main placement, plus a second placement in a different phase

• A one-week special school placement

• Continuous mentoring and feedback from your Lead Mentor

• Year-round support from the Nottingham College Initial Teacher Training Hub


Entry Requirements

We value applications from students with a range of talents, experiences and backgrounds.

• Undergraduate honours degree (a Lower Second - 2:2 - or above is recommended)
• GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4 (C) or above
• Evidence of subject knowledge and suitability for primary teaching

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check will be required before starting the programme.

Teaching and assessment

Assessments focus on the practical, professional and academic competences at each stage of your programme. Your professional progress towards the QTS Standards will be assessed in school by your trained mentors. At college, your academic work is closely aligned to your professional practice using a variety of strategies including critical evaluations, subject knowledge audits, presentations and professional discussions.

Progression opportunities

There are few professions as important and satisfying as teaching. This course offers the ideal route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to embark directly upon your career in a school and to develop your role as a teacher in today's society.

In a profession with lots of opportunities for career progression, we also give you a stepping stone towards a masters degree. When you complete this course, you will gain 60 credits at masters level so that you can fast track to stage two of a masters degree and accelerate your professional development.