Course description

PGCE Primary School Direct provides you with the practical training and theoretical knowledge required to become an outstanding primary school teacher.

The course leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with your progress audited against QTS Standards designed to ensure you graduate fully prepared to teach children aged 5-11 in the primary phase. The course offers high-quality training across the National Curriculum subjects, with support provided by University-based tutors and trained school-based tutors.

Compared with non-School Direct teacher trainees, you will benefit from additional time in school. School Direct partners will deliver training on agreed National Curriculum subjects and aspects of professional studies. This content will be planned, organised and delivered by each School Direct alliance.

School Direct alliances will also arrange your main teaching placements and most of the minor placements across the PGCE year. You will receive support and advice from a nominated School Direct representative during your two main teaching placements. The University will maintain a quality assurance and training role during your time on the course.

We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester, many of whom are longstanding partners with us, to offer the School Direct route into teaching.

School Direct allows schools to recruit and select their own trainees, using the University's PGCE recruitment criteria and systems. Applicants apply directly to the nominated lead school and interviews will be arranged directly with the candidates.

Many trainees gain employment in our School Direct partner schools, although this is not guaranteed nor should it be an expectation of candidates.

School Direct follows a PGCE course structure but on a modified timetable including the school-based learning content, known as alliance-led days.

Career opportunities

Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally and internationally.

When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.

In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a Master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development by completing a Master's as you progress further in your career.