Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Mathematics
About this course
The Leeds Trinity PGCE course aims to develop excellent future maths teachers through a rigorous, school-centred, professional training approach. By the end of the course, you will have developed your own approaches to teaching which engage and excite pupils of all ages.
Key details
- Start date(s): September 2025
- Study Mode: Full-time (1 year)
- Location: Main Campus (Horsforth)
- School: Education
Course modules
You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Year 1
- Stage One - Introduction to Teaching: From September to December you'll complete three months of integrated training, in which you’ll build up to spending four days a week in your stage one school. The other days will be spent learning with your peers, in order to support you in becoming a skilful teacher who is an pedagogy expert in your subject area.
- Stage Two – Developing your Knowledge, Understanding and Practice: From January to March you’ll start a second placement in a different school for stage two. Ongoing support from, and fortnightly training days at University will continue until the end of Stage 2. This stage includes targeted support and training to help you secure your first teaching job, alongside the development of your teaching skills.
- Stage Three - Embedding your Skills and Preparing you for your New Career: From May to July you'll continue to teach in the same school as for stage 2. At this point in the programme, you begin to take much more ownership of your classes. Embedding the skills you have learned in the first two stages you will begin to take on more teaching and only have a small amount of taught University training days.
Learning and teaching
- Assessment methods: Our strategy
- At the end of each placement: Your school mentor, who will have supported you throughout your time in school, will assess your practice, using evidence from the whole of your time in school including observations, lesson plans and marked work.
- Progress portfolio: You’ll complete a progress portfolio to collate evidence of your teaching practice. At the end of the course, we will use this evidence to show that you have met the Teachers’ Standards.
- Master’s assignments: You’ll also complete two level 7 Master’s assignments to test your ability to be critically reflective and research-led in your approach to teaching.
Entry requirements
- A good honours degree: (usually a 2:2 or above) with a significant proportion in Mathematics. Please note that applicants with third-class honours degrees will be considered on an individual basis, and normally only if applicants have additional qualifications and/or significant relevant professional experience.
- GCSE Grade 4: (or C or accepted equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, please refer to the GCSE Equivalency information below.
- The ability to read effectively: and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
- Suitable personal and intellectual qualities: required for teaching in secondary schools.
- Applicants also need to demonstrate: the commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a secondary teacher and the potential to train as a teacher. Strong applicants often have experience in secondary schools, but this is not a requirement.
Additional entry requirements
- Advanced level qualifications: (or equivalent) in Mathematics.
- Experience of observing the teaching: in a secondary school in this country.
- Health check: and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For further information, please visit our Initial Teacher Training additional entry requirements page.
Fees and finance
- Funding: For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.
- Leeds Trinity University does not offer scholarships: for teacher training courses for international students. The Institute of Mathematics scholarship is not eligible for international students. International applicants will need to ensure that they have sufficient funds to self-fund their study in the UK.
Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)
- Achieve an additional qualification: alongside your PGCE with the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.
- Although the CCRS isn't compulsory: it is recognised across the Catholic school sector as a desirable qualification that can expand on both your expertise and your vocational focus. The course aims to ensure you have the basic knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the beliefs and principles of the Catholic Faith while providing a basis for further study.
Program Outline
PGCE Mathematics - Leeds Trinity University
Degree Overview:
This program aims to equip aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge required to become excellent secondary mathematics teachers. Participants will receive rigorous training, both at the university and within real-world school environments, to develop their pedagogical expertise and engage students of all ages and abilities. Upon successful completion of the program and demonstration of competence in teaching through the Teachers' Standards, participants will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The program culminates in the award of a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Outline:
The program progresses through two distinct stages:
Stage A: Introduction to Teaching (September to December)
- University-based training: Participants will be immersed in a supportive and hands-on learning environment, spending three days, then four days a week in their designated Stage A school.
- Professional Education Studies: These sessions provide participants with an overview of crucial topics and issues relevant to teaching practice, professional values, and successful classroom management.
- Subject Knowledge and Applied Pedagogy (SKAP): Subject experts guide participants in understanding how to effectively teach mathematics, including curriculum analysis, effective sequence planning, and addressing the needs of diverse learners.
- School-based training: Participants will gain firsthand experience through their Stage A school placement, where they will begin applying acquired knowledge and skills under the guidance of university and school mentors. ### Stage B: Developing Your Knowledge and Preparing for Your New Career (January to June)
- University-based training: Participants will continue their learning journey with SKAP sessions and professional development opportunities, focusing on further developing their understanding of effective teaching practices and preparing for their future as educators.
- School-based training: Participants will embark on a second placement in a different school, providing further opportunities to refine their teaching skills and engage with students across the full age range. Close collaboration with university and school mentors will provide continuous support and guidance.
- Qualified Teacher Status: Continuous assessment and feedback throughout both stages will culminate in a summative assessment at the end of Stage B, where participants will demonstrate their mastery of the Teachers' Standards to be recommended for QTS. ## Assessment: Participant progress and teaching competence will be assessed throughout the program. Each stage will incorporate both formative and summative assessments to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the Teachers' Standards. Assessments may include:
- School-based observations and feedback from mentors.
- Marked student work and lesson plans.
- Completion of a progress portfolio showcasing evidence of teaching practice.
- Two level 7 Master's assignments assessing critical reflection and research-informed teaching approaches. ## Teaching: The program adopts a collaborative and supportive approach to teaching, emphasizing active learning and engagement. Participants will benefit from:
- Expert tuition from experienced faculty in both university and school settings.
- A strong focus on developing subject-specific knowledge and pedagogical skills.
- Collaborative learning activities and peer support within the cohort.
- Individualized feedback and guidance from mentors throughout both stages.
- Regular opportunities for reflection and professional development. ## Careers: Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers as secondary mathematics teachers in diverse school settings. The program prepares them for:
- Effective teaching of mathematics across the secondary school age range.
- Creating engaging and inclusive learning environments for all students.
- Addressing the diverse needs of learners and promoting positive academic outcomes.
- Contributing to the school community and promoting positive relationships with colleagues and parents. ## Other:
- Successful completion of the program may be eligible for the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies, providing an additional qualification for those interested in Catholic school settings.
- Participants will receive support in securing their first teaching position through dedicated careers and placement services. ## Admission Requirements:
- A good honours degree with a significant portion in Mathematics. Third-class honours degrees may be considered on an individual basis with additional qualifications or relevant professional experience.
- GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent) in English Language or Literature and Mathematics.
- Evidence of strong personal and intellectual qualities suitable for teaching in secondary schools.
- Commitment, attitudes, and values aligned with those of a secondary teacher, with prior experience in secondary schools preferred but not required.
- Applicants requiring a student visa must meet the English language requirements and have sufficient funds to self-fund their studies. ## Additional Entry Requirements:
- Advanced level qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics.
- Experience observing teaching in a secondary school setting within the UK. ## Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Department for Education's Apply for Teacher Training platform. You can create an account and search for the program using location, provider, and subject filters. The deadline for applications varies depending on program capacity.
Entry Requirements:
UK/EU Applicants:
- Good honours degree with a significant proportion in Mathematics. Please note that applicants with third-class honours degrees will be considered on an individual basis, and normally only if applicants have additional qualifications and/or significant relevant professional experience.
- GCSE Grade 4 (or C or accepted equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, please refer to the GCSE Equivalency information below.
- Ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
- Suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in secondary schools.
- Applicants also need to demonstrate the commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a secondary teacher and the potential to train as a teacher.
International Applicants:
In addition to the above essential entry requirements, international applicants will also need to:
- Meet the English language requirements. Minimum English Language entry requirements:
- IELTS Academic 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent .
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International applicants who require sponsorship for a student visa will also need to meet the English language requirements. Minimum English Language entry requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent. ## Additional Notes:
- Applicants who require a Student Route Visa will also need to meet all the conditions of their offer and present all supporting documentation required for the visa application no later than Friday 31 May 2024.
- Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.
- Further information on meeting English language requirements and academic requirements by country can be found on the International Applicants page.