Teacher training at Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base offers a distinctive, research-informed route into the profession, grounded in relational pedagogy and a deep understanding of early childhood development.
Our Initial Teacher Training programme is accredited by National Institute of Teaching. From the 2025/26 academic year, following successful registration with the Office for Students and the award of New Degree Awarding Powers, trainees will be awarded their PGCE by the National Institute of Teaching.
Pen Green has a long-standing national and international reputation for innovation in early years research, workforce development and practitioner inquiry. Our teacher training programmes are shaped by this research-active environment, ensuring that trainees engage critically with theory, policy and practice from the outset.
We believe that reflective practice and action research are central to effective teaching. Throughout the programme, trainees are encouraged to analyse their classroom experiences, engage with current evidence, and develop a thoughtful, principled approach to working with children and families — particularly those facing disadvantage.
Training with Pen Green means joining a dynamic professional learning community. Our cohorts are intentionally small, enabling strong relationships, personalised support and meaningful professional dialogue.
Trainees benefit from:
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Close academic and pastoral support
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Integrated tutor teams with backgrounds in early childhood, primary education, research and family support
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Structured opportunities for reflection and collaborative learning
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Ongoing feedback to strengthen confidence, subject knowledge and professional identity
Our tutor team is experienced, research-informed and committed to developing teachers who are resilient, reflective and responsive to the communities they serve.
The NIoT’s initial teacher training is a fully immersive school-centred programme – aspiring teachers will be in the classroom from the very start. But full immersion does not mean that you will be thrown in the deep end: our trainees are mentored and have central training once a week. And you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you are participating in a programme that was designed by some of the most experienced teachers and leaders in the country, drawn from four leading school trusts with decades of teacher-training between them.
We also know from experience what headteachers look for in new teachers – so we will ensure that you develop the skills necessary for finding an Early Career Teacher role.
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