Why Train With Us?
Choosing where to train as a teacher is an important decision. At Exeter Consortium Schools’ Alliance, we offer supportive, school-based primary teacher training that combines practical classroom experience with expert guidance from experienced teachers and mentors.
With training hubs in Exeter, Plymouth and North Devon, and a network of over 150 partner schools, you can develop your teaching skills in a welcoming environment, with placements arranged as close to home as possible.
Our programmes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a PGCE, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin your teaching career.
With training hubs in Exeter, Plymouth and North Devon, and a network of over 150 partner schools, you can develop your teaching skills in a welcoming environment, with placements arranged as close to home as possible.
Our programmes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a PGCE, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence to begin your teaching career.
Why Choose Exeter Consortium?
Train in Local Schools
Gain practical experience in primary classrooms from the beginning of your training. We aim to arrange placements close to where you live, while ensuring you experience a range of school settings.
Learn from Experienced Teachers
Our training is delivered by experienced school practitioners who bring real classroom expertise into every session.
Personalised Support
You'll be supported by dedicated mentors, course leaders and our friendly teacher training team throughout your training year.
Over 150 Partner Schools
Our extensive school partnership across Devon and the surrounding area offers opportunities to experience different school communities and approaches to teaching.
QTS with a PGCE
Gain Qualified Teacher Status alongside a postgraduate qualification, preparing you for your career in primary education.
Three Training Hubs Across Devon
Train through our Exeter, Plymouth or North Devon hub, with local training and school placements.
Our Training Partnership: Recognised by Ofsted
Our training partnership has received positive feedback from Ofsted, highlighting the quality of training and support provided to trainee teachers.
Personalised Support
"Trainees’ needs are met exceptionally well."
A Focus on Teaching, Not Paperwork
"The partnership’s focus on ‘pedagogy not paperwork’ has been pivotal in supporting trainees to manage their workload."
Preparation for Teaching
"Early career teachers are well prepared for their first teaching post."
A Supportive Partnership
"The welcoming nature of the partnership" and "the responsiveness of partnership staff when trainees seek advice."
Findings from the relevant Ofsted inspection of our teacher-training partnership.
Our training partnership has received positive feedback from Ofsted, highlighting the quality of training and support provided to trainee teachers.
Personalised Support
"Trainees’ needs are met exceptionally well."
A Focus on Teaching, Not Paperwork
"The partnership’s focus on ‘pedagogy not paperwork’ has been pivotal in supporting trainees to manage their workload."
Preparation for Teaching
"Early career teachers are well prepared for their first teaching post."
A Supportive Partnership
"The welcoming nature of the partnership" and "the responsiveness of partnership staff when trainees seek advice."
Findings from the relevant Ofsted inspection of our teacher-training partnership.
Teacher Training Across Devon
With training hubs in Exeter, North Devon and Plymouth, our school-based primary teacher training programmes offer the opportunity to train locally, learn from experienced teachers and gain practical classroom experience in partner schools.
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Teacher Training in Exeter
Our Exeter Hub is based at Countess Wear Community School, where trainees benefit from dedicated training facilities and expert support from experienced teachers and course leaders. All trainees begin with a three-day induction in Exeter before starting their school placements in September. Exeter-based trainees also attend face-to-face training sessions on Thursdays and Fridays for 13 weeks of the programme, developing their teaching skills through practical activities, collaboration and personalised guidance. Ideal for trainees based in: Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Tiverton, Sidmouth, Crediton, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and surrounding areas. |
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Teacher Training in North Devon
Based at East-the-Water Primary School in Bideford, our North Devon Hub provides high-quality, school-based teacher training closer to home. Working closely with our Exeter training team, experienced school practitioners deliver practical sessions covering curriculum subjects, lesson planning and effective teaching strategies. Trainees benefit from dedicated training facilities, personalised support and carefully selected placements in local North Devon schools. Ideal for trainees based in: Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington, Braunton and the wider North Devon and Torridge area. |
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Teacher Training in Plymouth
Our Plymouth Hub offers practitioner-led primary teacher training, delivered in partnership with Marine Academy Primary and St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust. Most face-to-face training takes place at Marine Academy Primary, a school recognised for its double Outstanding Ofsted judgements. Trainees learn directly from experienced school practitioners and gain classroom experience through carefully matched placements in Plymouth and surrounding areas, without the need for regular travel to Exeter. Ideal for trainees based in: Plymouth, Ivybridge, Saltash, Tavistock, Torpoint, South West Devon and South East Cornwall. |
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“Choosing the right teaching pathway can be daunting, but once someone recommended Exeter Consortium, everything changed. The team were incredibly informative, encouraging and friendly. Within minutes of visiting the office, I knew it was the right course for me.
Being part of a smaller cohort means the team really gets to know you. They genuinely care about your progress throughout the training year, offering personal support, valuable CPD and excellent additional seminars.
I would recommend Exeter Consortium to anyone considering a career in teaching.
- Former Exeter Consortium Trainee
Ready to Start Your Teaching Career?
Applications are now open for our September 2027 Primary Teacher Training programmes.
Have a Question? We're Here to Help
Our friendly Initial Teacher Training team is happy to answer questions about our programmes, entry requirements or the application process.
Call: 01392 927171 (Option 2)
Email: [email protected]
Call: 01392 927171 (Option 2)
Email: [email protected]
