Teaching placements
Teaching placements are a fundamental part of many of our Teacher Training and Education courses and are designed to prepare you with the valuable work experience required for when you qualify as a teacher.
Placement opportunities for trainee teachers
One of the most exciting aspects of our Teacher Training and Education courses is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in schools, working alongside other teachers and their pupils. Teaching placements will allow you to develop your practical skills in a classroom setting as you progress towards Qualified Teacher Status and will ensure you're fully prepared when it comes to securing your first job when you graduate.
Some of our undergraduate courses will require you to undertake a placement during each year of your studying, and if you're studying for a PGCE, you will also have to take part in a minimum number of hours or days on placement, sometimes with more than one provider. To find out more about what each individual course offers, head to our course pages. You can also read our useful article which will give you more insight into what to expect on your teaching placement.
Our partnerships with schools and colleges
The quality of our teaching placements reflects the positive relationships we have developed with primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges across the North East and beyond, where we're proud to have over 650 partnerships.
Our strong links with partner schools not only guarantees that you will acquire a high quality teaching placement, but you'll also benefit from having a wide network of professional contacts who may be able to help you find the right career opportunities when you start applying for teaching jobs.
How we support you with placements
Going out on placement for the first time can feel like a daunting experience, but you won't be alone, and a network of support will be available to you from start to finish. We have a University Placements Office who will help you to find the right teaching placement to suit your needs. We even have a dedicated Placement Officer for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who can offer support if you're studying one of our SEND courses.
During your teaching placement, you will receive ongoing support from your University-based tutor, as well as an in-school mentor who will monitor your progress and deliver regular feedback. Your school or college will also be in close contact with the University to make sure everything is on track throughout your time on placement.
Top tips for your teaching placement
Hear from some of our current Education students as they share their top tips and advice around teaching placements.
Hear more from our students and graduates
Hear more about placements from our trainee teachers and graduates below, or see the full list of our student stories: