From 2026, Pen Green Research Base is proud to continue our partnership with the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT) to deliver robust, inclusive, school-centred teacher training. Whether you’re just starting out, changing career, or drawn to working in special and inclusive settings, our programmes offer clear, supported routes into the teaching profession.
Our Initial Teacher Training programme is accredited by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT). As the accredited provider, NIoT is responsible for recommending trainees who successfully complete the programme for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). From the start of the 2025/26 academic year, following successful registration with the Office for Students and the award of New Degree Awarding Powers, all students will be awarded their PGCE directly by NIoT.
Pen Green Nursery School and Early Years provision have been consistently judged Outstanding by Ofsted and, in 2018, were named Overall School of the Year and Early Years Provision of the Year by the Times Educational Supplement. Our programmes are taught by an experienced team of tutors who inspire and challenge trainees to become reflective, innovative, and resilient teachers.
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Primary (3–7) PGCE
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Primary (3–7) Teacher Apprenticeship
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New in 2026: Primary (5–11) PGCE and Apprenticeship
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New in 2026: SEND Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
All courses lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Many include, or can be supplemented with, a PGCE (60 Master’s credits), depending on your chosen route.
NIoT’s teacher training programme has been designed in partnership with school trusts, strongly recognising the importance of classroom experience, mentoring, and research-informed practice. Key features include:
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Fully Immersive & School-Centred: From day one, you’ll be in the classroom, supported by school mentors alongside central training.
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Strong Mentoring & Support: Local mentors, subject leads, welfare support, and peer networks. Emphasis on wellbeing, high expectations, behaviour management, and inclusive pedagogy.
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Spiral Curriculum & Research-Informed Learning: Progress from fundamentals to more advanced pedagogical techniques, applying your learning immediately in the classroom.
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Experienced Teaching Team: Learn from early years and primary experts, senior leaders, and practitioners actively engaged in up-to-date research.
Flying Start: A preparatory induction in late summer equips you with foundational tools before the academic year begins.
Placement Pattern:
- Main placement: most terms in one school, four days per week in school, one day for central/associate-college training.
- Contrasting placement: spring term in a different school to broaden your experience.
Assessment & Qualifications:
- Ongoing classroom observations and assessments mapped to the Teachers’ Standards and spiral curriculum.
- PGCE (if included) assessed through Master’s-level assignments.
- Apprenticeship routes available for those with relevant professional experience.
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Full-time training fee (2026/27): £9,790 for fee-paying routes*
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Part-time fee: £7,335 (first year) & pro rata for the second year
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Apprenticeship: salary on the unqualified teacher scale; fees may be covered via the apprenticeship levy; optional PGCE top-up ~£1,200
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Bursaries, scholarships, and subject/phase-specific funding may be available.
*Fees listed are for the current academic year and may be subject to change.
At Pen Green, we bring deep expertise in early years and inclusive education. Combined with NIoT’s school-led, research-informed infrastructure, your training will offer:
- A strong grounding in inclusive and SEND practices, ensuring you can adapt for diverse learners.
- Rich opportunities for reflection and application, working alongside experienced practitioners who value partnership, nurturing, and child-centred practice.
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