School Direct PGCEs – Primary and Secondary Education

Your course

The University of Huddersfield is pleased to be the training provider for a number of our primary and secondary school partners who offer school-led training through School Direct. Each partner provider offers a different range of subject options, including primary education and secondary subjects. Please visit the School Direct course page at courses.hud.ac.uk for the current list of partners offering School Direct courses with us. As a School Direct trainee you’ll have the opportunity to work as part of the teaching team in the partnership of schools to which you’ve applied. Your chosen School Direct provider will be involved in your selection, recruitment and professional development throughout the programme. School Direct trainees also benefit from studying with other trainees at the University of Huddersfield on our university-led PGCE programmes. Each course has been carefully negotiated with our school partners to enable trainees to benefit from the unique experiences available within their partnership. You’ll benefit from being able to learn from and observe experienced teachers, gain practical hands-on experience and mentoring to help you develop into a successful teacher.

Placements

A key element of your studies and learning takes place during your formal teaching practice placements. You’ll have the support of a class/ subject mentor who will support the development of your teaching practice through observations, planning meetings, weekly tutorials and in-depth lesson evaluations, and a senior/professional mentor who will monitor and support your progress during the placement. Your university tutor will also visit you in school to guide, support and evaluate your progress.

Your future

Successful completion of your School Direct PGCE course prepares you to start your first teaching post within a primary or secondary school setting, depending on which route you’ve taken. Our courses are designed to prepare you to teach pupils in a specific age range, with opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of progression in the age phases before and after.

You may also consider further postgraduate study with us through our suite of Education Master’s degrees, including Education (Teaching and Learning) MA, Education (Leadership and Management) MA and more. By completing your PGCE course with us you will have already gained 60 Master’s credits and be on your way to achieving full Master’s status in reduced time. With a postgraduate qualification on top of your PGCE, you’ll be able to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and support your progression in to more senior roles.

Course info

Course length:

1 year full-time

Entry requirements:

Honours degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Please see courses.hud.ac.uk for full details of individual course requirements. GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above and Science where appropriate (for primary and some secondary courses).

Additional criteria:

DBS check Health clearances Two references Interview

“Together our academics, researchers and partners within schools and colleges work to ensure our trainees are able to equip themselves with the most relevant and up to date skills needed within the workplace. By choosing to study with the University of Huddersfield, you’ll join an inspiring, passionate and committed community focused on making your studies as enjoyable, rewarding and productive as possible. We look forward to welcoming you.”

Jayne Price, Head of Department for Initial Teacher Training