When it comes to choosing the right teacher training route for you, there may be questions you need the answers to.

Please take the time to read through our FAQs and if you still find that you need more information, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist with your queries.

What is the school centred approach?

We offer a school-led route into initial teacher training.  In partnership York St John University, we work with a number of primary and secondary schools in Tees Valley.  As a trainee, you will spend most of your time in the school setting, along with participating in training sessions ran by Campus Tees Schools Alliance and the university.  During the training year, you will have a main placement as well as a second, shorter placement in a different school.

What phases and subjects does Campus Tees Schools Alliance offer?

We offer primary (ages 4-11) and secondary (ages 11-16) teaching phases.

Find out more about what we offer at primary and secondary levels.

How much time will I spend at York St John University to complete the PGCE?

Our school centred PGCE course is in partnership with York St John University, which accredit the university-based elements of your PGCE.

As part of the course, you will receive a two-week induction at York St John University. Following this, they run a programme of training which currently take place on Tuesdays for primary and Wednesdays for secondary.

York St John University use a blended approach to training with face-to-face learning and online learning when appropriate. The university is responsible for the assignments. and you will have a tutor to support you through the two 5000-word essays/research assignments. You also have a tutor from the university to support you with your school placements.

Will I be a York St John University student?

As a CTSA trainee, you are a York St John University student and have access to their facilities and support services. You will also receive 60 credits towards a Masters In Education.

What funding is available to study for PGCE/QTS?

Please follow this link for more information on what funding is available.

How long is the course?

The course starts in September and finishes in June, so approximately 10 months. The course is full time.

What is the assessment process?

For the award of QTS at the end of the course, your progress is mapped throughout the year at key formative assessment points with your York St John University tutor and your school mentor. This culminates in a final summative assessment at the end of the year.

All assessments are carried out in a supportive way and at points that correspond with your development opportunities.

Primary – For your PGCE you will complete an essay titled: ‘Critically evaluate research and theory relating to assessment, teaching and learning. Analyse how this influences teaching and practice’ (5000 words) and also a literature review and methodology with a presentation. This is underpinned with a research project of your own design (3000 words).

Secondary – For your PGCE, you will complete an essay titled Learning and teaching in the Secondary Curriculum and a Research project both of 5000 words.

When can you apply?

Applications open in October and remain open until the subject area is full for that academic year.

What support does CTSA offer?

All of our trainees are allocated a subject mentor in the school that they are placed in who meet regularly with them each week. Each school also has a lead mentor who will support and deliver training in school.

CTSA organise training for secondary and primary trainees which is delivered by experienced practitioners from partner schools. You will have one to one sessions with secondary and primary leads and catch up events throughout the training.

We pride ourselves on being there for you throughout your training and this will continue once you are a qualified teacher.

How long will I spend in school?

After a short induction with York St John University you will spend fourteen weeks in your placement school. After Christmas, you will move to your second placement school for six weeks and then following this, return to your first placement school for ten weeks to complete your training.

What support is available before I start the course to prepare me?

Once you have accepted an offer of a place on Campus Tees Schools Alliance, York St John University will be in touch to complete your registration. Subject enhancement training is available and the university and CTSA will support you in applying for this if you wish to do so. CTSA and York St John University run induction events over the summer term that you can attend.