Primary and Secondary School Direct
Article
In addition to the well-established and highly regarded PGCE, Goldsmiths is delighted to be working in partnership with schools to offer School Direct, a school-led route into teaching.
This new path into teaching is a way to gain the qualifications and practical skills you need to become a teacher while learning on the job. You'll be based in a school while you study.
Courses last for one full academic year (September - July) and involve two placements. Although you will not be able to choose where your placements will be, the lead school will do their best to place you near your home.
Successful completion leads to a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). There is a strong likelihood that your school may offer employment afterwards.
Where can I study?
Primary Schools
- John Donne School
- St Marys Walthamstow CoE/Vita London
- St Michael's College/St Michael’s Teaching
- The Bridge London Teaching School Alliance
- Warren Junior School
- Chelwood Nursery/South Thames Early Education Partnership (STEEP)
- Queensbridge School (Future Starts)
- St Margaret’s Lee
- Halstow Primary School
- Woodhill Primary
Secondary Schools
Entry Requirements
You will need to meet the following criteria to apply through School Direct.
- Training place School Direct route: a recommended 5 days experience in a state school, preferably with the same age group you’d like to work with i.e. primary or secondary
- Salaried School Direct route: paid employment experience in any field
As well as:
- Award of a degree at 2.2 or above. Please see either our Primary page or Secondary page for further information relating to your specialist subject
- Satisfactory UK fitness to train checks (including an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check)
- Satisfactory occupational health check from your GP, plus the return of completed self-declaration of suitability form
- A pass in the professional skills tests for trainee teachers providing original certificates of academic qualifications to the admissions office
How to Apply
Before you apply
We recommend that you contact the school that you are interested in before submitting your application. They can tell you whether they are still considering applications for this year and may be able to provide useful information about the school that will be helpful during your interview.
As the School Direct places are externally managed, Goldsmiths cannot provide information on how many places are remaining for each course code.
Making an application
There are some differences between applying for a PGCE and applying via the School Direct route. With School Direct, applications are mainly handled by the Lead School, who are also much more involved in your selection and recruitment.
The interview process is also different, as you will be interviewed by the University and the Lead School. The final decision following your interview will be made jointly by the University tutor and the Lead School member of staff.
Applications can be made through DfE Apply. For up to date application openings and deadlines, please visit the DfE Apply website.
Funding your studies
Unsalaried, tuition fee students will pay £9,250. Salaried students will be paid by the school. EU and home students can apply to the Student Loans Company for a tuition fee loan.
You may also be eligible for a bursary if you are following the Training place route. You don't need to apply for these - if you meet the eligibility criteria you will automatically begin receiving payments. Find out more on Get into Teaching website.
If you would like to find out more about the School Direct PGCE programmes we offer, or our Core Provision, please visit the Goldsmiths centred PGCE pages, or email tep (@gold.ac.uk).
For information about upcoming open days, please visit the Open Days page.
