Teaching Practice Placements 

We have long-established and wide-ranging partnerships for our Primary and Secondary PGCE programmes that span northern England. 

Many of our Partnership Schools and staff have worked with us over a sustained period and share our vision of training high quality, creative and innovative teachers. These partnerships form a professional network of expert mentors versed in the theory and practice associated with Initial Teacher Education (ITE) mentoring. 

Our mentors are experienced teachers. They work collaboratively within our ITE partnership to ensure you receive the highest-quality training. They have excellent pedagogy, subject knowledge, and a clear understanding of high-quality teaching in various contexts. 

Partnership Placement Models 

• In Primary Education, the partnership has a 'Cluster' structure. A Lead School (School Training Centre) works with a selection of schools to host a group of Primary Trainees. This is an established and successful model which provides excellent support for our students. 
• In Secondary Education, the partnership has a subject focus, and we arrange our placements across a range of schools. A Professional Opportunities and Development Centre (POD) supports subject-specific professional input.  

In both our models, you will be supported by a University Tutor and a school-based Mentor. Through our partnerships, you also have the opportunity to work with expert practitioners in the classroom and at Durham University.  

Both models enable you to practise key skills and an opportunity to work with and learn from expert colleagues as they apply their knowledge and understanding of evidence in the classroom.  

All training programmes are inclusive at all levels; the teaching, the learning, the training and the pastoral support.