Launch Your Career in Teaching
Whether you're a graduate ready to inspire the next generation or looking for a salaried training route, we have the pathway for you.
PGCE — Postgraduate Certificate in Education
Gain PGCE and QTS within one academic year through real classroom experience with full mentorship and dedicated CPD time.
Applications re-open in October for a September 2027 start.
- Gain PGCE and QTS within one academic year
- Real classroom experience
- Full mentorship throughout your course
- Guaranteed out of class, dedicated CPD time
- Training based in schools local to you
- Aimed at those with a 2:2 honours degree or above, with little to no experience in a school
- Laptop provided for the duration of the course
All trainees will complete two school placements during their training, with Aspirations Academies schools offering you a first choice placement.
Full-time trainees (Lead Partner route)
- Attend one school five days per week.
- Complete a 4 week second placement in a contrasting local school in the spring term.
Part-time trainees (Lead Partner route)
- Attend one school 2.5 days per week.
- Complete a second placement in a contrasting local school, lasting twelve weeks over 2 years (also 2.5 days per week).
Trainees will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in school life and over time, will build up their teaching timetable to 80% in module 3. This ensures that our trainees receive practical, hands-on experience of teaching and learning in the classroom, whilst also allowing them the scope to observe and learn from other teachers around the school.
Placements
All trainees will complete two school placements during their training, with Aspirations Academies schools offering you a first choice placement.
Full-time trainees (Lead Partner route)
- Attend one school five days per week.
- Complete a 4 week second placement in a contrasting local school in the spring term.
Part-time trainees (Lead Partner route)
- Attend one school 2.5 days per week.
- Complete a second placement in a contrasting local school, lasting twelve weeks over 2 years (also 2.5 days per week).
Trainees will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in school life and over time, will build up their teaching timetable to 80% in module 3. This ensures that our trainees receive practical, hands-on experience of teaching and learning in the classroom, whilst also allowing them the scope to observe and learn from other teachers around the school.
Course Content
Throughout our course, trainees will engage with four modules of study:
- Module One: Behaviour and Classroom Management
- Module Two: Curriculum Delivery and Assessment
- Module Three: Development of Teaching
- Module Four: Practical Teaching Practice
ITAPs
Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) is an off-timetable component of our course, designed to strengthen the link between research, evidence and classroom practice. The aim of the ITAP is that trainees will get the opportunity to focus on specific pivotal areas of their teaching practice. Our ITAPs powerfully establish the link between evidence-based theory and practice.
ITAPs are completed in three blocks, each one consisting of seven days. Trainees will be off-timetable during the ITAP.
- Full-time trainees have one ITAP per term, each consisting of seven days.
- Part-time trainees have three ITAPs over their course of study (two years).
- ITAPs for part-time trainees will be scheduled for Term 1, 3 and 5 of the trainee's course.
Mentorship
Mentor support will be provided throughout by both NITE and the academy the trainee is placed within.
You will have a highly trained mentor throughout your placement academy who will work with you weekly to support your journey.
NITE provides a university support package and in collaboration with Aspirations' staff, we create a strong foundation for your success.
How to Apply & Funding
Self funded or funded through student bursary (some secondary subjects only — DfE funding information).
Postgraduate QTS Apprenticeship
Train to teach while earning a full salary. Our 1-year salaried apprenticeship offers the highest levels of professional development with mentored support.
What Comes After Training?
Your journey doesn't end with QTS. We support your continued growth.
Early Career Training
Seamless transition from ITT to ECT with tailored programmes that enhance your teaching skills.
Specialist Courses
Build expertise in your chosen field with our range of specialised professional development courses.
Leadership Qualifications
Progress to school leadership with our NPQ programmes delivered in partnership with LLSE.
Explore NPQsWhat You Need to Apply
All our teacher training routes share the same entry requirements. If you meet these, you’re ready to start your journey into teaching.
Degree 2:2 or Above — A relevant undergraduate degree from a recognised institution.
GCSE English & Maths (Grade 4/C) — Essential literacy and numeracy qualifications.
GCSE Science (Primary Only) — Grade 4/C in a science subject for primary teaching routes.
