Lead School Partner PGCE Route into Teaching- What is it?

Lead School Partner Route Explained

In its most bare bones terms, the Lead School Partner PGCE pathway is a school-based route into teaching. The LSP route is a fee paying, PGCE programme where Lead School Partners share the delivery of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) with an accredited provider, the University of Chester.

Our Lead School Partners open doors to schools in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin as well as Cheshire and the Wirral. The full list of our partners and the areas they cover can be found on our Lead Partners page.

In some locales like Shropshire, these partnerships have worked incredibly well to extend the availability of ITT locally so more students can access this teacher training course route.

Having local providers available meets the needs of students who are considering training as a teacher. It also has the dual benefit of giving schools and trusts greater involvement in the training of their future teachers.

You may be more familiar with School Direct, which initially paved the way for the close integration of theory and practice under the guidance of tutors and mentors who know the school, the training curriculum, and the evidence base for the curriculum well. The Lead School Partner programme works exactly the same way!

At Chester, we have maintained our previous School Direct partnerships, as well as establishing new ones (Sandstone Trust), which is testament to the strength and quality of provision available at Chester.

The LSP pathway means you will gain:

• A PGCE qualification with QTS in either Primary, Early Years or Secondary.
• Opportunities to train to teach in local schools designated by our Lead Partners.
• An academic qualification, training and pastoral support provided from the University of Chester.
• Professional training and pastoral support provided by Lead Partners.
• Training accredited and quality assured by the University of Chester.
• Subject-specific training provided by Lead Partners (Primary and Early Years only – for Secondary, this is provided by the University of Chester). 
• A 180-day ITT programme with 120 days on placement in school (same as with core PGCE routes).
• Minimum of two school placement schools (same as with Core PGCE routes).

Our Partners

Partnership with the learner at its heart is a key ethos for the University of Chester and all our partners. We work extremely closely with them to assure and develop all aspects of the programme, and the strength of our partnerships was recognised in the most recent Ofsted inspection. Our partner information can be found on our Lead Partners page where you will be able to find the best place for you to carry out your teacher training.

Excellent Support

Our partners work closely with local schools’ training staff to meet their requirements and develop training which recognises and meets the needs of the communities they serve. This provides trainees with opportunities to train to teach in their local area along with excellent employment opportunities. Trainees in these schools also often develop close links with their placement school and Trusts as they go through the programme.

Placements

Placement structures will vary depending on the programme design for each Lead School Partner. All Associate Teachers can expect a minimum of 120 days working in at least two placement schools. 

Placement schools are provided by the Lead School Partner and are usually from schools within their local area or Trust, although this can vary dependent upon availability and Associate Teacher’s individual circumstances. Lead Partners work closely with Associate Teachers to determine their needs and identify placement schools best placed to support their training.

Success Stories and Comments From Partners

Check out the Alliance of Leading Learning’s video about their student experiences being involved with the Lead School Partners. 

Wade Deacon Trust also have a fantastic video where students and staff talk about the benefits of training to teach through the Lead School Partner route.

“There is a true working relationship, with regular communication and supportive colleagues at the University who listen and offer advice. The voice of partners is listened to through fortnightly meetings and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues to develop materials and influence the shape of the course. The course is rigorous and ensures that you are well prepared to engage with your first teaching role in your local area. We have ex Associate Teachers (ATs) who are now in senior positions in our schools and mentoring trainees. We have a family of successful ATs, with a mum and a daughter who trained with us and now there’s a second daughter ready to train in 2025-2026.” Sian Deane, Project Manager and School Improvement Adviser/ITT Lead for Severn Training & Schools Alliance (STSA)

“At Cheshire Leadership and Teaching Alliance (CLTA), we are proud to train the next generation of primary school teachers. Over the years, our school-based training has evolved, and now, with the transition from School Direct to the Lead School Partner (LSP) route, we continue to offer a practical, supportive, and immersive pathway into teaching.” Carole Farrell, Operations Director for CLTA

Student Quotes

“The expert subject-specific training for core and foundation primary subjects on the course really helped me when planning and delivering lessons.” Kath- Primary Teaching (Severn)

“The PGCE course at Severn Training and Schools Alliance was the scariest, but most rewarding challenge I have ever undertaken. As a mother of children with special needs, I particularly appreciated that mental health and wellbeing were at the forefront of the training programme. I felt supported and encouraged at every stage, and I made friends and memories that will last a lifetime! Stepping into your own classroom for the first time can be overwhelming but having trained with Severn Teaching and Schools Alliance I felt empowered, confident and ready to make a difference.” Louise- Early Years (Severn)

Find Out More

Head to our School of Education page to see when our next open evenings are or head to our Lead Partner page for more specific information about our partners.