Top of class for primary teacher training

The Smithers 'Guide to Good Teacher Training’ is an independent and well respected annual publication. It examines teacher training providers on the basis of entry qualifications, Ofsted inspections and graduates’ success in securing teaching posts.  The University of Exeter’s Primary PGCE programme is ranked top in the country, above Oxford and Cambridge.

Dr Anthony Wilson, Primary Programme Director at the University of Exeter said: “The ranking reflects the 'Outstanding' grading in our most recent Ofsted inspection and the high entry qualifications required to get on to the course as well as the excellent preparation for their first post provided by the course.”

The Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme was also ranked high, placed fourth nationally.

Dr Karen Walshe, Secondary PGCE Programme Director at the University of Exeter said: “One of our key strengths is that our teaching is research led and that many of the secondary PGCE tutors are involved in research in their field, both nationally and internationally. This means that trainees are engaged in critical debates relating to their subject specialisms from the very beginning of their training year.  In addition, Will Katene, one of our course leaders who leads the PGCE Physical Education course, has recently been awarded a National Teacher Fellowship award, which says something about the quality of teaching that trainees experience.”

She added, “We also attract high calibre trainee teachers and have very strong and effective partnerships with schools across the region.”