At TCP we work closely with our partnership schools to provide a comprehensive programme – combining the latest research-based theories and in-school experience – for trainees who wish to teach in a Primary school.
For academic year 2026/27 we will place Core training route trainees in one of our partnership schools, main school placement (MSP) for 2 terms; they spend the spring term in a contrasting school placement (CSP) within a different key stage, before returning to their MSP. For trainees following our Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA) route, the main school placement is a trainee’s employing school, and the contrasting school placement will be arranged in a 6-week block during the spring half term. Alternatively employing schools can opt for their trainees to complete their CSP one day per week for the duration of the course. Our trainees graduate with QTS 3-7 or 5-11 years on successful completion of the course.
Each trainee has a mentor, in school, who offers support and guidance to ensure that they develop their skills and knowledge in teaching, planning and assessment, following a school-based training plan. The Primary Programme Manager at TCP works closely with the mentor in school to provide bespoke guidance and support for each trainee, from calendared, formal meetings to informal one-to-one chats.
For 2026/27 trainees will attend Professional Development days one day a week, often led by senior leaders or national experts, focusing on generic educational issues and how to teach the primary curriculum. They then spend the remaining 4 days of the week in their placement school, initially observing teachers and gradually building up their own teaching practice. They usually start by working with small groups, before progressing to teaching whole classes and every subject on the Primary Curriculum. The training will include 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP).
Our PGCE programme is university validated for the award of a postgraduate teaching qualification together with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You may be required to attend some lectures at one of our partner universities as part of your school-based course. The Cambridge Partnership PGCE programme takes one academic year to complete.
Trainees can choose between the QTS only route or PGCE with QTS route.
