Secondary School-Based PGCE Programme

Course Structure and Expectations

Secondary Programme:

Our Secondary Teacher Training programme gives you the opportunity to learn by doing from day one. Based in your placement school from the start of the programme, you’ll work alongside an experienced mentor and department colleagues, building your confidence and developing the practical skills you need to become an inspiring and effective secondary teacher.

Alongside your classroom experience, you’ll benefit from regular professional and academic training at the University of Derby and the FWITT Training Hub. Sessions are delivered by our experienced Delivery Partner Leads, university tutors, external specialists and practitioners from our partnership schools, giving you access to a broad range of educational expertise and real-world experience.

Most University and Hub training takes place on Wednesdays, giving you dedicated time each week to focus on developing your professional knowledge and understanding.

Two Placements. A Broader Teaching Experience.

Your training will include two school-based placements, giving you the opportunity to experience different school environments and broaden your understanding of secondary education:

Main placement: Autumn and Summer terms

Short placement: Spring term in a contrasting school setting

We take a personalised approach to selecting your placements. Before your placement is confirmed, we’ll take the time to understand your previous experience, existing skills, personal circumstances and transport requirements.

When selecting your second placement, we’ll consider what you have already experienced and identify a setting that will help you develop new skills, experience different approaches and broaden your knowledge of secondary education.

Most of our partnership secondary schools are based across Leicestershire and the surrounding areas.

Successful completion of your school placements will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Develop Your Subject Knowledge and Teaching Expertise

Your practical experience is supported by a carefully designed academic and theoretical programme delivered by subject leads and professional tutors at the University of Derby and the FWITT Training Hub. You’ll explore the theory behind effective teaching and learning while developing your understanding of your subject, the wider curriculum and the needs of the young people you’ll teach.

You’ll also complete three assignments during the year, leading to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The combination of QTS and PGCE gives you a strong foundation from which to begin your career as a secondary teacher.

Expand Your Experience Beyond Your Main Placement

Our Enhanced Placement Opportunity Week gives you the chance to experience education from different perspectives and develop skills that will benefit you throughout your teaching career. During March, you’ll spend:

Two days at Forest Way School

Learn from specialist SEND practitioners and gain an insight into approaches that support pupils with a wide range of additional needs. You’ll be based with an experienced practitioner, giving you the opportunity to observe, ask questions and get involved in teaching and learning if you feel comfortable doing so. You will not be expected to teach during this placement.

Two days in a primary school

Spend time in a Year 5/6 classroom to strengthen your understanding of the primary curriculum and explore the important transition from primary to secondary education.

These experiences will help you develop a broader understanding of the education system and the different experiences pupils bring with them when they enter secondary school.

Regular Feedback to Help You Succeed

We believe that the best teachers are reflective practitioners who are always looking for ways to improve. From the beginning of your training, you’ll receive an Assessment Framework that clearly sets out the expectations of the programme and helps you track your progress.

Your school mentor and department colleagues will provide regular guidance and feedback throughout your placement. You’ll also receive frequent observations, with your strengths and development targets recorded so that you always understand where you are in your journey and what you need to focus on next.

You’ll also be supported by your FWITT Lead Mentor and Subject Knowledge Tutor, who will visit you during the year to review your progress, provide additional guidance and check on your wellbeing.

Our approach is designed to make sure that you always know what you’re doing well, where you can improve and how we can help you get there.

Dedicated Support Throughout Your Training Year

We know that training to teach is a significant commitment. Whether you’re coming straight from university, changing career or balancing training alongside family life, we understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why our full-time FWITT Delivery Partner Leads are there to support you throughout the year. You’ll have access to a team who understand the challenges and rewards of teacher training and who are committed to your success. We support both Beginning Teachers and their school mentors, helping to resolve questions or concerns quickly and ensuring you have the guidance you need at every stage.

Could You Be Our Next Beginning Teacher?

You don’t need to arrive with years of teaching experience to apply.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about education, excited about working with young people and ready to embrace the challenge of becoming a teacher.

Teaching is demanding, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. We want to hear from applicants who have the potential to develop into confident, reflective and inspirational teachers.

What subjects do we offer?

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for our Secondary School-Based PGCE, you will need:

A minimum 2:2 degree

GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics *

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.