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🎉 Student Bursary Applications are NOW OPEN for 26/27! 🎉
Students with a household income under £45,000 can apply for financial support. 👉 Apply now: boston.paymystudent.com/portal
⚠️ Please note that applications submitted after Friday 10th July 2026 may be subject to delays in funding and transport support (including Lincolnshire County Council travel passes or taxis).

Course Summary

The demand for skilled and inspiring primary teachers continues to grow, making this an excellent time to begin your teaching career. As a partner provider of the University of Derby, we deliver the University of Derby Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) locally through a blend of online learning and face-to-face teaching in the new Mayflower building.

This recently revalidated programme has been designed to ensure your training is up to date, meets the latest Ofsted standards and prepares you for the realities of teaching. You will learn from dedicated primary specialist tutors through university-led training sessions while gaining valuable practical experience through our strong network of partner schools. If you choose the School-based route, you will spend the majority of your training learning how to teach in school settings.

You can select the route that best matches your career aspirations, choosing either Early Years (3–7) or Primary (5–11). On successful completion, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on a programme rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you will gain 60 master's level credits to support your future professional development and career progression.

What else do I need to know?

You will be supported by our team of dedicated, friendly tutors who are renowned internationally for high quality teaching and research, ensuring you have the tools to succeed across a variety of modules designed to build your knowledge and confidence in the classroom.

Modules Include:

  • Understanding behaviour and learning
  • Curriculum and pedagogy
  • Progression and assessment
  • Professional practice

For entry on to any Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, there is a minimum requirement nationally of a Grade C (Grade 4) or above in English, Science and Mathematics at GCSE. Equivalency tests will be accepted in English, Mathematics and Science. Applicants must also have an Undergraduate Honours degree or equivalent of which the minimum classification is 2:2.

Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required at the point of accepting your place on the course; the Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this course.

If English is not your first language you will need to have passed the International English Language Teaching System (IELTS) at the overall level IELTS 6.5, including a minimum score of 6.5 in each test category.

All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby. The information included in your application will be considered, and the University of Derby will want to see that you are enthusiastic and motivated to take this course, and that you will benefit from university level study. For the University of Derby to approve your application, we are required to share your personal information, including the application form that you have completed, and in some instances, copies of your qualification certificates.

The Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will take you 1 year to complete. You will attend a mix of online sessions led by the University of Derby and in person sessions at our Mayflower building in Boston.

The Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will cost £9790.00 for the full course.

You can apply for a student loan to cover the costs of course fees. You may also be able to apply for various grants and loans to support your learning. Specific advice regarding student loans and other benefits can be obtained from www.gov.uk/student-finance.

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

If you’re studying a Higher Education course you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). DSA supports students with learning difficulties (such as dyslexia and ADHD), mental health problems, disabilities and long-term illnesses. You can get DSA on top of your Student Loan, but unlike the loan you never have to pay it back. DSA can help you access resources like specialist equipment, computer software and support with your studies.

Please note that all fees are subject to change and they may vary depending on personal circumstances; please enquire with the Registry Department for further information on 01205 365701 or email fees@boston.ac.uk.

Assessment methods include practical assessments, observations, critical reflections and presentations.

Successful completion of the Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) course gives you the ideal springboard into a worthwhile career: a PGCE, Qualified Teacher Status, 60 credits at masters level and substantial practical experience.

The Provider-Led, School-based route is a popular choice for students who would like to secure a role in the network of schools where they train and we pride ourselves on producing highly employable graduates. Ofsted said: “Many trainees gain teaching posts before they finish their training and almost all have obtained a teaching post within a very short time of leaving the University.”

In a profession with lots of opportunities for career progression, we also give you a stepping stone towards a masters degree. With your 60 credits at masters level, you can ‘fast track’ to stage two of a masters degree and accelerate your professional development.

How to Apply.

Apply through the Department for Education site, linked below.

Apply for this Course

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