Why Leicester?

Expert tutors

Our PGCE teacher training courses are taught by academics who are leaders in their field, with years of experience as teachers themselves. It's a combination that makes for inspirational teaching, informed by current research and grounded in a practical understanding of what works in the classroom.

Inspiring school placements

Our long-standing partnerships with schools ensure that our students have opportunities to experience practical teaching placements in a diverse range of schools. This means that, when you start your teaching career, you'll have the confidence and ability to teach in a variety of settings.

During your teaching placements, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside some of the very best and most inspiring teachers, observing them in the classroom and being guided by them throughout your time in school.

Graded Outstanding by Ofsted

We’re delighted that in 2024, Ofsted graded our initial teacher training programmes as Outstanding. This means that both our Primary and Secondary teacher training adheres to the highest standards set by the Department for Education.

According to the report, “trainees are exceptionally positive about the high quality of training they receive. They benefit from an ambitious curriculum, delivered by experts, and supported by relevant, up-to-date research. Trainees have ample opportunities to integrate theory and practice. They learn to be instinctively reflective, and this helps them to decide the beliefs and values they will hold as a teacher. Trainees gain rich experiences in schools with different contexts.”

Read the full report.

High levels of personal support

Becoming a teacher can be challenging – but it won't be a lonely journey. You'll have ongoing support from a range of tutors throughout your studies, helping to build your confidence and skills as you progress through the course.

A choice of study routes

We recognise that people look for different things when choosing where and how to study, so we work with our school partners to offer a range of study routes - which include University-led, Lead Partners and School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT). Our study routes page will help you to understand how they compare. Alternatively find out more by attending one of our Routes into Teaching open evenings.

A city rich in cultural diversity and opportunity

Leicester is a thriving and vibrant city, renowned for the many different cultures and faiths that make up its population. As a trainee teacher, you'll work with pupils and families from wide-ranging backgrounds, getting to know and understand the different challenges and issues that are part of today's multicultural society. It's a grounding that will serve you well, wherever you start your teaching career.

A fantastic start to your teaching career

Our PGCE courses focus on developing the kind of teachers that schools tell us they want to employ. It's no wonder then that our graduates are in high demand, with well over 90% securing their first teaching post within 12 months of finishing the course.

All the benefits of being a University of Leicester student

Whichever study route you choose, as a University of Leicester PGCE student you'll have access to the full range of University student services, such as study support and welfare counselling.

You'll also be able to use the extensive services of our award-winning University library, where a significant proportion of resources are available electronically, enabling you to study whenever, wherever.