Teacher training PGCE routes

When you’re choosing a PGCE course, there are two main options to consider: Do you want your training to be led by a university or a school?

There are different advantages to each option, so it all comes down to how you want to learn. 

We offer a University-led route (the Leeds Trinity University PGCE) and two school-led routes (School Direct and SCITT) for Primary and Secondary PGCEs. All three routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

You can also read our Teacher Training Frequently Asked Questions.

The University-led route

The Leeds Trinity University PGCE

If you want to start your first teaching placement equipped with research-informed techniques, practice and confidence, the Leeds Trinity University PGCE is the route for you.

We offer a range of Primary and Secondary University-led PGCEs. They are one-year, full-time courses structured in three stages to gradually build the confidence and knowledge you’ll need to become an outstanding teacher.

You’ll spend the first two weeks learning the foundations of teaching on campus at Leeds Trinity.

Working closely with our experienced teachers and lecturers, you’ll receive the knowledge and support you’ll need to feel confident and prepared for your first day in a classroom in week three.

You'll continue to benefit from the support and expertise of our tutors in regular - often weekly - training sessions during your placements, whilst continuing to deepen your understanding of what it takes to be an outstanding teacher.

Find out more about our University-led PGCE

School-led routes

School Direct

If you feel ready to go straight into a school, our School Direct route might suit you. Leeds Trinity will be your provider, but from day one, you’ll be in a school and your training will be delivered by experienced teachers, as well as university lecturers in partnership with the school.

Find out more about School Direct

School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

Our SCITT route is a partnership between Leeds Trinity and a group of schools in Leeds. You’ll complete the majority of your teacher training in a school environment, but you’ll also spend time at Leeds Trinity learning about your new profession and research-informed practice.

Find out more about SCITT

Supporting the development of teachers in their early career through the Early Career Framework (ECF)

From September 2021, the government is funding an entitlement for all early career teachers in England to access high-quality professional development at the start of their career.

Leeds Trinity University is working as a Delivery Partner with lead training provider Capita for the Full Induction Programme of the Early Career Framework (ECF) to provide Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and their Mentors a tailored programme of continuous professional development.

If you are a school or an individual interested in participating in the Capita ECF programme, please register for more information.

Schools and multi-academy trusts can choose the ECF provider who best meets their needs. If you would like a conversation about the support Leeds Trinity can offer as an independent, local delivery partner, please email: C.Bell@leedstrinity.ac.uk