PGCE Primary Education

When you work with primary-age children you really can make a difference every day.

In the primary classroom, children need motivating and engaging so that every day provides a new possibility to learn. There is nothing more rewarding than being the teacher leading that adventurous learning journey.

Our courses

We offer two Primary PGCE courses:

• PGCE Primary (3-7)
• PGCE Primary (5-11)

Whichever age-phase you train for you will still be qualified to teach across ages 3-11 in the primary sector.

PGCE Primary (3-7)

The 3-7 programme prepares you to specialise in teaching pupils within their first few years of schooling as well as a fundamental understanding of the primary curriculum. In this role, you will have school experiences in Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.  You will become experienced in delivering the Early Years and Key Stage 1 Curricular, teaching the essential knowledge to enable children to become confident, independent thinkers and the skills needed to prepare them for the rest of their school years and beyond.

PGCE Primary (5-11)

The 5-11 programme prepares you to build on the early childhood experiences that children bring with them to their first years of more formal schooling. You will build on best practice through experiences across the Primary age phase. You will have a placement in both Key Stage 1 and 2, so you’ll develop the skills needed to teach across the curriculum. By developing your knowledge of how children learn and retain information, you’ll support them through their formative years of education and help prepare them for the challenges of secondary education and their future careers.

Course structure

We believe the most effective path to becoming an outstanding teacher is a gradual one, filled with plenty of support and opportunities to put what you’ve learnt into practice in stages. That’s why we’ve designed our PGCE Primary courses in three main stages. Each stage consists of University-based and School-based training.

How we’ll support you throughout your training

Every school-based training placement will be full-time, during which you’ll gradually build up the amount of time you spend planning and teaching. By the end of stage 3, you'll be taking on more of the role of the class teacher but with their continued support and guidance. Throughout stages 1 and 2 you will return to the University for top-up training in the curriculum and professional studies.

Our School Partnerships team will source your placements for you and. Prior to each placement, you will attend extensive and comprehensive preparatory sessions to support you in meeting the expectations of each block of your school-based training.

Throughout your placements, you’ll have the support of an expert mentor based at each of your schools. This mentor is trained by Leeds Trinity to support you as you complete your school-based training and to review your ongoing training needs throughout the placements.

You’ll have a development and link tutor at Leeds Trinity who will visit you at school and provide the vital connection between your school-based training and your University learning. Their role is to provide quality assurance for your training in school, as well as to offer any support and advice you may need.

How we’ll assess you

You’ll be assessed on your subject knowledge in English (including phonics), Mathematics and other subject areas through directed tasks.

You’ll also complete two level 7 Master’s assignments to test your ability to be critically reflective and research-led in your approach to teaching.

Entry requirements

Our normal entry requirements for the Primary Education PGCE are:

• An honours degree
• GCSE Grade C (or 4) English, Mathematics and Science
• Suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in schools
• The commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a primary teacher
• The ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English

Strong applicants also have experience in primary schools. 

At Leeds Trinity, we treat every applicant on their own merits and value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

PGCE Primary University-led Interviews

If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview which comprises of two elements. Read more about our PGCE Primary Education University-led interview days.

GCSE Equivalency

If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, we can accept some GCSE equivalency tests. Further details are emailed to applicants who accept offers with us.

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