After a couple of years of thinking about teaching I finally decided to dive in and apply for a PGCE last year. I spoke to everyone I knew who was involved in teaching and education, and everyone told me that Leeds Trinity University had a great reputation. I came to the PGCE Open Day and knew that I would be happy studying here – I haven’t looked back since! 

Leeds Trinity was my first choice for teacher training because I’d heard so much about the incredible support that students receive when studying here. I wanted to be sure I would be supported by expert researchers at University and have excellent placements with outstanding teachers in school. I chose to take the School Direct training route as this combined lots of hands-on teaching in school in a partnership I was hoping to work with in the future with all the knowledge and support from leading researchers and lecturers at the University. 

I have made best friends through my PGCE. The PGCE is an intense but incredibly rewarding programme of study and you rely so much on the friends you make. Even through COVID-19, Leeds Trinity made sure that we were connected with other students on our course so that we were able to build support networks while studying from home. 

Training to teach is a rollercoaster; I have learnt so much about myself and grown in confidence, resilience and ability throughout my studies. Every member of staff I spent time with at University played a huge role in my success. I am so grateful to my personal tutor, Jenny Stuart Collins, who was there for me every step of the way throughout my PGCE, for academic and personal support and to the teachers in school who have taught me so much. 

My time at Leeds Trinity has hugely influenced my future; I am now a qualified teacher and about to start my first teaching role at a fantastic school. The University provided so much guidance when it came to applying for jobs. With the support provided by my school and my mentor at University, I was able to secure my first teaching job.

Now that I’ve finished University, I am so excited to be starting my first teaching role in Year 3. All the hard work this year has paid off; I have learnt so much and cannot wait to get started and meet my new class! In the future I hope to become a Maths Curriculum leader in school.

My advice for any current or future students is to make the most of the incredibly knowledgeable and supportive staff, mentors and lecturers at Leeds Trinity. There is a wealth of support and guidance available for you. 

Tasmin Ivory-Connor graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a PGCE in Primary Education in July 2021. Find out more about teacher training routes on the Leeds Trinity website.