Primary Education 5-11 QTS PGCE Welcome Pack
Welcome to Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) PGCE – September 2026.
As course leader for the PGCE Primary 5–11 with QTS, I’m always excited to welcome our new trainees into the year. It’s a big step, and I want you to feel supported from the moment you arrive. In your first week, you’ll meet your personal academic tutor, someone who will walk alongside you throughout the course. That early connection matters; it helps you settle in, ask questions, and feel part of our community straight away.
We begin with a friendly, thorough orientation, where I talk you through how the year works, what you’ll be studying, and how we’ll help you grow into a confident teacher. Those first few weeks are deliberately gentle but purposeful. You’ll explore key ideas like pedagogy, inclusive practice, safeguarding, behaviour guidance, and how to shape meaningful learning experiences for children. You’ll also spend time in subject‑specific workshops, getting a feel for the primary curriculum and discovering what inspires you most.
Alongside this, I introduce the academic side of the PGCE — reflective practice, evidence‑informed teaching, and the research skills you’ll use in your assignments. We take it step by step, building your confidence and helping you find your voice as a developing practitioner.
By the time September placements begin, you’ll feel ready. Not perfect, no one is at that stage but prepared, supported, and equipped with the foundations you need to step into the classroom with curiosity and courage.
Your Course Leader
Lucy Westley
Senior Lecturer in Education
Lucy.Westley@Northampton.ac.uk
The course leader guides the overall direction of the PGCE 5-11 with QTS course and ensures the quality and ethos of the course provides support and challenge to all students. Working closely with the tutors, schools and students to create a nurturing and ambitious year of learning.
Additional staff
- Andrew Debenham
- Paul Archer
- Alexia Achtypi
Preparing for your course
In preparation for your course starting in September, we hold an introductory day.
Wednesday 24 June
- Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm (BST)
- Location: LH127, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Preparation and Pre-Arrival tasks
Please complete your pre course task booklet
Equipment
Laptop will be required in school – this may be provided by the school.
Reading Lists
- Cremin, T. et al. (eds.) (2025) Learning to teach in the primary school. Fifth edition / edited by Teresa Cremin, Helen Hendry and Anna Harrison. London: Routledge.
- Department for Education (2013) The national curriculum in England: Framework document. London: Department for Education.
