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School-based routes and subject specialism

The University of Hertfordshire is a nominated provider for 10 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 2025/26 is £9,535
  • 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.

Secondary subject specialisms

The following secondary subject specialisms are open for recruitment:

  • Art and design
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Computing
  • Chemistry
  • Design and technology
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • PE (+EBacc)
  • Physics
  • RE