Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about training to become a primary teacher with Exeter Consortium?
Find answers to some of the questions we're most frequently asked about our programmes, applications, placements, qualifications and training.
Find answers to some of the questions we're most frequently asked about our programmes, applications, placements, qualifications and training.
How long Does the Course take?
Our programmes follow the school academic year, beginning with an induction at the end of August and finishing at the end of June. Successful trainees complete the programme with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE.
How much does The Course cost?
The tuition fee for our full-time Primary (3–7), Primary (5–11) and Primary (SEND) programmes is £10,050.
Is there any funding available?
Eligible trainees can usually apply for financial support towards the cost of teacher training, including a tuition fee loan and maintenance support through Student Finance England.
Eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.
Eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.
What qualifications do I need?
To apply for one of our primary teacher training programmes, you will need:
We're looking for applicants who have the potential to become excellent teachers. Qualities such as enthusiasm for teaching, strong communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, organisation, reflective thinking and a commitment to inclusive practice are all important.
You'll also need to complete the required safeguarding, DBS and Occupational Health checks before beginning the programme.
If you're unsure whether your qualifications meet our requirements, please get in touch with our Teacher Training team – we'll be happy to advise you.
- an Honours Degree or equivalent
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent
- GCSE Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
We're looking for applicants who have the potential to become excellent teachers. Qualities such as enthusiasm for teaching, strong communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, organisation, reflective thinking and a commitment to inclusive practice are all important.
You'll also need to complete the required safeguarding, DBS and Occupational Health checks before beginning the programme.
If you're unsure whether your qualifications meet our requirements, please get in touch with our Teacher Training team – we'll be happy to advise you.
Where can I find out more information about the courses?
You can explore all of our Primary (3–7), Primary (5–11) and Primary (SEND) programmes on our Course Information pages.
If you're unsure which programme or training hub is right for you, please get in touch with our Teacher Training team. We're always happy to talk through your options.
If you're unsure which programme or training hub is right for you, please get in touch with our Teacher Training team. We're always happy to talk through your options.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the Department for Education's Apply for Teacher Training service.
Search for Exeter Consortium Schools' Alliance using provider code 1QX, or search using the individual programme code for the course you're interested in.
Visit our How to Apply page for a step-by-step guide.
Search for Exeter Consortium Schools' Alliance using provider code 1QX, or search using the individual programme code for the course you're interested in.
Visit our How to Apply page for a step-by-step guide.
What Qualifications will I gain?
Successful completion of the programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
QTS is awarded through our accredited provider, the Ted Wragg Teacher Training Partnership.
Your PGCE is awarded by the University of Exeter and includes 60 Master's-level credits, which may contribute towards further postgraduate study should you choose to continue your academic development.
QTS is awarded through our accredited provider, the Ted Wragg Teacher Training Partnership.
Your PGCE is awarded by the University of Exeter and includes 60 Master's-level credits, which may contribute towards further postgraduate study should you choose to continue your academic development.
How much experience do I need in schools?
Previous experience in a school can be useful and may help you develop your understanding of teaching, but you do not need recent school experience to apply for or be accepted onto our programme.
Relevant experience working with children and young people – whether paid or voluntary – can also help you demonstrate your skills and motivation.
If you'd like to gain some experience in a school before beginning your training, please get in touch. We may be able to help you arrange an opportunity with one of our partner schools.
Relevant experience working with children and young people – whether paid or voluntary – can also help you demonstrate your skills and motivation.
If you'd like to gain some experience in a school before beginning your training, please get in touch. We may be able to help you arrange an opportunity with one of our partner schools.
WHat Happens at the interview?
Our interviews are currently held online, making them easier to attend wherever you're based. If you'd like to visit us and meet the team beforehand, we'd also be delighted to welcome you.
If you're shortlisted, your interview will typically include:
We know interviews can feel daunting, so we aim to make the experience as welcoming and supportive as possible. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about us and ask questions, and we'll provide feedback following your interview.
If you're shortlisted, your interview will typically include:
- a short presentation based on a planned lesson
- a few shorter written tasks
- a panel interview
We know interviews can feel daunting, so we aim to make the experience as welcoming and supportive as possible. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about us and ask questions, and we'll provide feedback following your interview.
Who will conduct the interviews?
Your interview panel will typically include two colleagues from our Teacher Training team, including our Primary Programme Lead.
How Can I strengthen my application?
Take some time to research the programme and explain clearly why you want to become a teacher and why the school-based route appeals to you.
Relevant experience with children can help you demonstrate your skills and understanding of the profession, although recent school experience is not a requirement.
Before submitting your application, check it carefully for spelling and grammar, make sure your references are appropriate, and ensure your motivation and potential to become an excellent teacher come through clearly.
You're also very welcome to contact our Teacher Training team before applying if you'd like to discuss the programme.
Relevant experience with children can help you demonstrate your skills and understanding of the profession, although recent school experience is not a requirement.
Before submitting your application, check it carefully for spelling and grammar, make sure your references are appropriate, and ensure your motivation and potential to become an excellent teacher come through clearly.
You're also very welcome to contact our Teacher Training team before applying if you'd like to discuss the programme.
How soon Will I heaR From You After Applying?
Once we receive your application through Apply for Teacher Training, we'll contact you shortly to confirm that we've received it.
If your application meets our criteria, we'll then get in touch to arrange an interview.
You're very welcome to contact us at any point after submitting your application if you have any questions.
If your application meets our criteria, we'll then get in touch to arrange an interview.
You're very welcome to contact us at any point after submitting your application if you have any questions.
What Will I need to do if I'm offered a place?
If you're offered a place on the programme, we'll guide you through everything you need to complete before your training begins.
This will include:
We'll keep in regular contact with you before the course starts so that you know what you need to do and feel prepared for the year ahead.
This will include:
- completing the necessary registration paperwork
- completing an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- completing the required Occupational Health process
- attending our virtual induction event in July
- visiting your Home School before the programme begins
We'll keep in regular contact with you before the course starts so that you know what you need to do and feel prepared for the year ahead.
How will my school placements work?
You'll be immersed in school life from the beginning of your training. You'll spend the autumn and summer terms in your Home School, with a contrasting second placement during the spring term, giving you experience of different school settings and approaches.
During the first week of the autumn term, you'll be in school full-time, allowing you to get to know your colleagues, pupils and school community and observe how an experienced teacher establishes a positive learning environment.
For much of the programme, you'll usually spend Monday to Wednesday in school, observing, teaching and working alongside your class teacher mentor, with professional and curriculum training taking place on Thursdays and Fridays.
During block practice periods, you'll spend the full week in school, gradually developing your confidence, independence and classroom experience.
Throughout your placements, you'll be supported by experienced school-based mentors and the Exeter Consortium team, with regular visits and additional support available whenever needed.
During the first week of the autumn term, you'll be in school full-time, allowing you to get to know your colleagues, pupils and school community and observe how an experienced teacher establishes a positive learning environment.
For much of the programme, you'll usually spend Monday to Wednesday in school, observing, teaching and working alongside your class teacher mentor, with professional and curriculum training taking place on Thursdays and Fridays.
During block practice periods, you'll spend the full week in school, gradually developing your confidence, independence and classroom experience.
Throughout your placements, you'll be supported by experienced school-based mentors and the Exeter Consortium team, with regular visits and additional support available whenever needed.
WHAT DOes OFSTED SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME?
We are proud that we were the very first Teacher Training Provider to be inspected under the 2020 framework. Our programmes were recognised as Good by Ofsted in 2021. Read the full report here. Since this report, we have continued to develop our programmes and are proud to offer programmes which are ahead of the curve and committed to excellence.
Strengths of our training programme praised by Ofsted are:
Strengths of our training programme praised by Ofsted are:
- Newly qualified teachers are well prepared for their first teaching post
- Highly regarded by headteachers
- The partnership is overseen effectively by well-qualified leaders
- The welcoming nature of the partnership
- The responsiveness of partnership staff when trainees seek advice
- Personalised support that trainees receive means that trainees’ needs are met exceptionally well
- The partnership’s focus on ‘pedagogy not paperwork’ has been pivotal in supporting trainees to manage their workload
- Strong communication across the partnership and regular feedback mean that trainees develop into reflective practitioners
where does the training take place?
Our training is delivered through hubs in Exeter, Plymouth and North Devon, allowing trainees to undertake much of their training within their local area.
You'll spend a significant proportion of the programme in your placement schools, alongside face-to-face professional and curriculum training at your training hub.
School placement days tend to be from 8.00am - 5.00pm but this can vary depending on a trainee's own commitments and the school setting.
Training days usually take place on Thursdays and Fridays (9.30am - 2.30pm), with school-based training generally taking place Monday to Wednesday and during full-time block practice periods.
There are also two PGCE launch days in Exeter as part of the University of Exeter element of the programme.
You'll spend a significant proportion of the programme in your placement schools, alongside face-to-face professional and curriculum training at your training hub.
School placement days tend to be from 8.00am - 5.00pm but this can vary depending on a trainee's own commitments and the school setting.
Training days usually take place on Thursdays and Fridays (9.30am - 2.30pm), with school-based training generally taking place Monday to Wednesday and during full-time block practice periods.
There are also two PGCE launch days in Exeter as part of the University of Exeter element of the programme.
WILL I NEED A VISA or THE RIGHT TO WORK OR STUDY IN THE UK?
To train as a teacher in England, you must be a British or Irish citizen, have the right to work in the UK, or hold a relevant visa. You will need to demonstrate your existing right to work in the UK by showing us your documentation, as we are unable to sponsor visas. If you are awaiting your visa, you can still submit your application, and it will be placed on hold until your visa is granted.
