PGCE Secondary Mathematics with Lead Programme Partners

If you’re considering studying Teacher Training at The University of Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more, such as:

• Live virtual events hosted by PGCE academic staff
• Get Into Teaching events
• Guided campus visits

Please see our virtual event registration form for available dates. The form will be updated regularly throughout the cycle with the event schedule. For more information on guided campus visits, please visit our meet us page

Apply through the government website

All applications for our PGCE with QTS via our Lead Programme Partners are processed through DfE Apply. To find these partners and further details of what they are offering, and to apply, please go to DfE Find, put in the subject (Primary, Spanish etc), click 'search by provider' and put in ‘The University of Manchester’ - then Search.

We will review your application together with the lead school that you have selected. If your application is successful, the lead school will invite you to an interview.

Note: international applicants should apply through PGCE Core only by selecting 'University of Manchester' as your training provider. The Lead Programme Partner route is not open to international applicants.

For more information, please visit here

We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester to offer the Lead Programme Partner route into teaching; all routes involve the joint selection of candidates by schools and tutors at The University of Manchester.

When choosing a Lead Programme Partner route, you should identify the arrangement that the Lead Programme Partner lead school has made for delivery of Lead Programme Partner with The University of Manchester, as this will determine your pattern of training.

You should also clarify the 'expectations' to employ by the lead school - while schools can offer you a permanent role at the end of the training, there is no guarantee of employment.

You must apply through DfE Apply .

Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.

You must submit the following with your completed application form:

• contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
• a personal statement (2 sections: maximum 600 words for the 1 ^st question; maximum 400 words for the 2 ^nd question) detailing your commitment to and enthusiasm for teaching, your rationale for applying to be a teacher in your subject, an awareness of the role and responsibilities of the teacher, relevant experience suggesting suitability for the role, and a good standard of written English.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.

Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.

PGCE Secondary Maths with Lead Programme Partners provides practical training and theoretical knowledge to help you become a confident Maths teacher.

You will focus on the11-16 and 11-18 age range in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), learning to teach the National Curriculum surrounding GCSE and A2-level study.

You will follow a PGCE course structure, with a modified timetable that includes increased contact with your Lead Programme Partner school. Compared with non-Lead Programme Partner teacher trainees, you will benefit from additional time in school before the PGCE starts and throughout the course.

The course focuses on practical training in teaching and learning-related skills. You will spend 25 weeks experiencing and working in different types of school, including opportunities to work in a primary setting and teach in at least two different secondary schools.

Your practical training is underpinned by educational theories, ideas and concepts, including current issues and developments in education. This will help you connect professional knowledge with classroom practice as you develop your teaching approach.

We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester to offer the Lead Programme Partner route into teaching. Lead Programme Partner schools recruit and select their own trainees, with the expectation that trainees may go on to work within the school, or group of schools, in which they trained, although employment is not guaranteed.

You will:

• gain quality teaching experience in our partner schools and colleges;
• study current, challenging educational issues;
• receive careers planning and early professional development guidance and support from experienced tutors and mentors;
• receive opportunities for reflective practice and research.

• We have links with more than 200 schools, academies, and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
• Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
• Our students come from all over the globe and are from a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
• Our Ofsted (2024) inspection report noted that “through exceptional centre-and school-based training experiences, trainees are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills that they need to successfully develop and refine their classroom practice. Trainees across all routes thrive.
• Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by helping to expand access to high-quality learning and inspire future generations.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. SEED will consider:

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met. Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement.

It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor. Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or due to poor conduct, a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged.

The University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) with most PGCE University days based in the Ellen Wilkinson building, centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, and the Students’ Union.

Career opportunities

This PGCE with Lead Programme Partners is one route into a career as a qualified secondary Maths teacher. Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a qualified teacher. This course is suited to graduates who want to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is needed to teach in state-maintained or special schools in England and Wales.

The PGCE also gives you a postgraduate qualification and can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree if you choose to continue your professional development in Education.

Careers support

As a trainee Maths teacher, you will be supported to prepare for teaching applications and future opportunities in education. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability, such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated Careers Service. As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.