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School-based routes 2024/25

The University of Hertfordshire is a nominated provider for 11 Lead Partners. In partnership, we provide training in primary and secondary settings. We offer the following school-based routes:

  • PGCE Primary or Secondary (Unsalaried). This is a fee-paying route. The student teacher is registered as a full-time PGCE student at the University of Hertfordshire. This includes working towards a recommendation for qualified teacher status (QTS )and 60 Level 7 (masters level) credits. Student teachers apply directly to a Lead Partner and, therefore, know the school in which they will undertake school-based training. The student teacher is supernumerary: an additional member of the team not employed by the school and not solely responsible for classes.
  • Employment-based Primary or Secondary (Salaried). This is an employment-based route, leading to QTS. The student teacher is employed full-time by the training school and registered as a part-time student at the University of Hertfordshire. Salaried student teachers may have been appointed as supernumerary, partially supernumerary or not supernumerary.

PGCE Primary or Secondary (Unsalaried)

Key information:

  • student teachers are enrolled as full-time postgraduate students at the University of Hertfordshire studying for a primary or secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at masters Level
  • student teachers apply directly to the Lead Partner who will confirm the name and location of the school in which they will undertake their training
  • at the end of the programme, successful student teachers will be awarded a primary or secondary PGCE, which includes a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and 60 masters level credits
  • the student teacher attends provider-based training at the University of Hertfordshire
  • student teachers may apply for and be entitled to a student loan from Student Finance England
  • the University of Hertfordshire fees for UK students in 2024/25 is £9,250
  • training bursaries are available for eligible students in some secondary subjects
  • student teachers enrolled on this route must not be in receipt of a salary
  • the University of Hertfordshire, as the accredited provider, is accountable for quality assuring the training and ensuring that it meets the requirements of the ITT supporting advice and guidance.

Employment-based Primary or Secondary (Salaried)

Key information:

  • student teachers are employed full time by their training school on a minimum of point one of the Unqualified Teachers' Pay Spine
  • student teachers are registered as part-time postgraduate students of the University of Hertfordshire
  • the qualification aim for this route is Qualified Teacher Status. This does not include masters' level credits
  • the student teacher attends provider-based training at the University of Hertfordshire
  • the employing school pays the University of Hertfordshire £5,200 for training
  • unlike unsalaried routes, salaried student teachers may be responsible for classes immediately and are not necessarily appointed as supernumerary (additional) members of staff
  • student teachers on this route are not eligible for training bursaries
  • the University of Hertfordshire, as the accredited provider, is accountable for quality assuring the training and ensuring that it meets the requirements of the ITT supporting advice and guidance.