Train to Teach in a Secondary School
Our Secondary Teacher Training programme leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), which includes 60 Master’s-level credits, by the end of an academic year.
Your Secondary Pathway
Depending on your chosen subject, you will train to teach across either the 11–16 or 14–19 age range. The course is designed to prepare you for the realities of classroom teaching while developing your subject knowledge, confidence, and professional expertise.
What the Course Involves
The programme combines:
- Two school placements in contrasting settings
- Weekly centre-based, face-to-face training sessions at CTTC
- A structured professional development curriculum
You’ll also have opportunities to gain experience in a range of specialist contexts, including:
- SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
- EAL (English as an Additional Language)
- Sixth Form and 14–19 settings
Placement Structure
You’ll train in two contrasting schools over the year, with time split between placements and training days.
- Autumn Term (first half): Settle into your first placement school and gain experience across different year groups.
- Autumn Term (second half): Begin teaching full class lessons.
- Spring Term: After planning and preparation, you’ll move to your second placement school and your teaching timetable will increase to around 50%.
- Summer Term: Take on increasing responsibility, building up to teaching 80% of the timetable during the final six weeks.
Throughout the year, your progress is supported by ongoing assessments,helping you reflect on your strengths and identify areas for development. You’ll receive personalised guidance to support your growth as a teacher.
Your Support Team
You’ll be supported by a team of experienced professionals:
- Mentor – an experienced teacher in your school who works with you day-to-day on all aspects of teaching and learning
- Lead Subject Mentor – responsible for overseeing your development and the quality of your mentor support and delivering your weekly Subject Study sessions.
- Facilitators and Course Director – specialists who provide expert training and guidance throughout the course
Subjects Offered
We offer training in a wide range of secondary subjects. If your chosen subject isn’t listed on our site, please get in touch — we may still be able to support your application.