Train to Teach Secondary
Accredited by the University of York
Inspiring Teachers. Transforming Lives. Rooted in Faith
Our school-centred PGCE secondary programmes (11-16), accredited by the University of York, offer an outstanding combination of real classroom experience, personalised mentoring, and research-informed training.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, this programme equips you with the confidence, knowledge and values to flourish as a secondary school teacher.
On successfully completing this course you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is awarded by the Department for Education (DfE).
Course length: 10 months full-time
Course start date: September 2026
Why Choose Us ?
A trusted school-centred model
You’ll be immersed in our schools, learning the craft of teaching through observation, co-teaching, and eventually leading lessons yourself; with support every step of the way.
Places are determined by capacity. We do not ‘over recruit’, ensuring applicants are accommodated in one of their preferred school-centred training bases, either All Saints Catholic School, York or Sacred Heart, Redcar for one of two placements. We work with over 100 partner schools that accommodate the additional placement.
Gold Standard University Training
The University of York is a Russell Group institution and holds a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award. The academic programme is fully aligned with the Core Content Framework (CCF) and taught by experienced university tutors and school-based experts.
Mentoring that Makes a Difference
From the beginning of your placement, you’ll be supported by a dedicated school-based mentor, as well as the wider Initial Teacher Education team. Weekly training sessions are practical, interactive and focused on the real challenges and joys of teaching.
What does the programme look like?
You’ll undertake two equal length placements, spending time observing and supporting lessons, before moving on to teach 50% teaching of a timetable by the end of your first placement. In your second placement you’ll gradually increase your teaching commitment.
Our course is deliberately school-centered, with trainees in the classroom throughout the vast majority of the programme, learning from experienced and inspirational teachers. Our school-centred programme is a full-time course from September until June, leading to a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The most substantial proportion of your training and assessment is undertaken in schools, gaining subject and theoretical knowledge to apply your understanding of child development in classrooms.
We take our trainees’ development and well-being extremely seriously; we offer a fantastic support team to accompany you throughout your training; including University of York specialists, ITE Leads, Lead Mentors, headteachers, school-based mentors and class teachers.
We are looking to nurture excellent teachers to employ within our schools and it is in our interest to ensure that future ECTs are of the highest calibre so that they and the children in their care can thrive.
Applications open from October through the Department for Education (DfE) Apply service.
Courses fill up quickly so apply early to secure your place.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
We’d love to help you start your teaching career with faith, purpose, and excellence.
Contact: Kate Vernon-Rees
[email protected]
