Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

​Welcome to Exeter Consortium's Initial Teacher Training Programmes.

We work in partnership with over 70 schools in and around Exeter to deliver an exceptional opportunity to learn to teach with outstanding providers. Our partner training organisations are South West Teacher Training and Bath Spa University, both highly regarded by Ofsted. Each year we warmly welcome between 30 and 40 trainee teachers who are selected for their teaching potential regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, faith, sexuality or nationality.​

​We pride ourselves on training top quality teachers who:
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* put pupil progress at the heart of everything they do
* continuously develop themselves using the principles of deliberate practice
* root their classroom practice in up-to-date and relevant research.

Click on the links below for more information about what we offer, taster events, our courses and how to apply.
2022 cohort: 97% employed in schools by September

Course Overviews

Primary (3-7)

Primary (3-7) School Direct PGCE course


'Apply' programme code - 2TXN 

This is a school-based PGCE course designed for those wishing to specialise in the Early Years which spans pre-school, reception and Key Stage 1. Trainees are immersed in the Early Years with a placement in EYFS and another in KS1. Trainees have specific off-site training that is focused on the Foundation Stage, however to complement this, there is an enhanced programme of study where the trainees train alongside the 5-11 cohort covering the general professional studies programme (GPS) and the curriculum across Key Stages one and two. Those training on the Primary (3-7) course qualify to teach across the primary age range (5-11).
Exeter Consortium have been absolutely brilliant. I feel completely supported and know that my success and wellbeing as a PGCE student is really important to them. The communication is great and very prompt. The course leaders are just a lovely, committed and friendly bunch of people! TRAINEE 2021/22
We recently interviewed several Early Years trainees from a range of providers for an Early Years post. The quality of the trainees from Exeter Consortium, in terms of depth of knowledge, practical experiences and their ability to articulate their learning was outstanding. The candidates were able to apply their learning from the course exceptionally well in the interviews. We had no hesitation in shortening the field to the Exeter Consortium candidates and then had great difficulty in deciding which of these trainees to appoint. All in all, it was clear that the course is significantly strong in preparing Early Years teachers for entry into the profession. EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER FROM A PARTNER SCHOOL
primary (5-11)

Primary (5-11) School Direct PGCE course

'Apply' programme code - 2BKV 

This is a school-based PGCE course designed for those wishing to teach across the Primary age range. Trainees are immersed in either Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 in their main placement and a second placement in the contrasting Key Stage. They have specific off-site training that is focused on pedagogy and the National Curriculum. However, to complement this there is an enhanced programme of study where the trainees learn alongside the 3-7 cohort, covering the general professional studies programme (GPS) and elements of the Foundation Stage curriculum, supporting them to understand the importance of successful transition from EYFS to KS1 and beyond.
​​The PGCE School Direct course is an absolutely fantastic route which I would highly recommend to anyone looking to pursue a career in primary education.
Fantastic support given throughout the course from a range of experienced professionals.
Brilliant career links and networking across all of the Consortium schools.
High expectations leading to high achievements and employability at the end of the course.
We are happy to chat to anyone considering a career in teaching at anytime.

Please call on (01392) 927171 (Option 2) or email itt@exeterconsortium.com

Next Train to Teach Taster Event - Monday 5th December 2022

Our testimonials speak for themselves:

​Joining the PGCE cohort with Exeter Consortium has been such a positive experience. The training has been exceptional, with progressive lectures from local head teachers, SENDCOs and various education specialists. Combining the pedagogy with the 'in-school' training has been invaluable in providing real life, practical experience and this prepares us fully for future employment. The team at Exeter Consortium are so supportive; nothing is ever too much trouble and they have created such a warm and welcoming learning community. I would highly recommend! 
​Amy, Primary School Direct (5-11) Trainee 2021-22
From the get go, I was certain that Exeter Consortium was the provider to work with. From the initial interview process to now, they have been nothing short of incredible. We, as students, are constantly well supported and have our achievements celebrated regardless of how small they may seem to us. I was matched perfectly with my mentor, and feel that this course has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I would absolutely urge people to apply to this course, I don’t think I’d be where I am now if it wasn’t for the Exeter Consortium team!
​Lucy, Primary School Direct (5-11) Trainee
​Exeter Consortium Schools' Alliance is committed to robust and effective safeguarding processes. We take our duty of care to our trainee teachers, partner schools/settings and their pupils very seriously. As an Initial Teacher Training provider, our safeguarding procedures are subject to Ofsted inspection and we check, on a regular basis, that our policy and practices are in line with the latest statutory requirements. We believe that everyone stands to benefit when we embrace and value the diversity of thoughts, ideas and ways of working. We aim to recruit people from different backgrounds, experiences and identities to strengthen the quality of the teacher workforce. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion lies at the core of our teacher training programmes and underpins all areas of our commitment. It helps our trainees to grow and learn, enables them to realise their potential, improves decision-making, boosts engagement and innovation, and enables us to better meet the needs of our diverse community.