Primary with QTS (School-led)

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degree:

• a minimum 2:2 honours degree (some Lead Schools will require a 2:1). You should check the individual requirements on DfE Apply.

GCSEs and equivalents:

• GCSE Grade 4/C or equivalent in English, Maths and Science for Primary teaching

International requirements:

• IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum of 6.5 in each component)

• Receipt of a satisfactory Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate prior to enrolment.
• Completion of a medical questionnaire, for medical clearance by the LJMU Occupational Health team, to confirm Fitness to Teach.
• If an applicant needs to improve their subject knowledge, they may be asked to complete a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course.
• RPL is not accepted on this programme

Months of entry

September

Course content

Take the School-led route into Primary teaching with LJMU and gain Qualified Teacher Status and invaluable classroom experience.

(CLOSED FOR 2023 APPLICATIONS)

• Train within a school setting and be involved in school life from the first day of term
• Choose from Primary teacher training routes (see Details tab for more information)
• Follow a curriculum developed and delivered in partnership with outstanding local schools
• Learn from expert teachers
• Prepare for a career as an innovative and creative teacher with one of LJMU's excellent Lead Partners

LJMU's Initial Teacher Education programmes are designed to develop reflective practitioners who are able to apply a deep understanding of the curriculum, learners and learning to impact on the development and achievement of young people.

Training on the School-led pathway includes substantial time spent in school led by experienced practitioners. Bursaries are available on the programme, depending on your degree classification and subject area.

The School-led pathway is offered by a number of school consortia, each with a Lead Partner, who works with LJMU to develop their training programme. As each School-led programme is distinctive, you are advised to check full details of training and requirements with the Lead Partner before applying.

Applications for places with our School-led consortia are made directly to Lead Partners via DfE Apply. The interview and selection process is conducted by school staff in association with LJMU.

For the training of Primary teachers, LJMU work in partnership with the following School-led consortia:

North West Learning Partnership, St Helens

https://northwestlearningpartnership.co.uk/index.php/workstreams/school-direct

Palmerston School, Liverpool (specialising in Special Educational Needs)

https://www.palmerstonschool.co.uk/train-to-teach

Turton School, Bolton

https://schooldirect.turton.uk.com/

Wirral Schools Collaboration, Pensby, Wirral

https://pensbyprimaryschool.org/wirral-schools-collaboration-and-school-direct/

All courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status and support the development of your: critical understanding of educational theory and practice, reflective practice linked to professional development and practitioner research skills for effective teaching and learning. Your training will also enhance your understanding and the application of your subject knowledge.

Courses can be viewed on the government's Get into Teaching website.

Professional Body Recognition

In June 2023, Primary Initial Teacher Training received a “good” rating following a rigorous 4-day inspection. Ofsted noted many strengths in provision, which are noted below.

Leaders have worked with great care and attention in designing their ITE curriculum. They have thought carefully about how to embed the DfE’s core content framework into each of the primary-phase programmes. Leaders work closely and effectively with partner schools to decide what trainees should learn in the centre- and school-based training. Across all Primary programmes, leaders use experts from schools to help to teach student teachers.

Primary student teachers develop a confident, well-informed understanding of early reading, including of Systematic Synthetic Phonics. Tutors provide guidance on how to select and use a rich range of literature to inspire pupils about reading, such as stories written by authors from diverse backgrounds. Student teachers fully understand how to build on children’s early communication and language development.

The primary-phase ITE programmes are taught by expert tutors and trainers. Leaders make sure that their staff actively participate in the work of national organisations and subject networks. Students value the input given to them by tutors and trainers about pertinent education research that will help them in their careers.

Information for international students

Fees and funding

Please see the course page for more information.