Get into teaching with IOE Lead Partner Direct

IOE Lead Partner Direct is a postgraduate fee-funded route into initial teacher training that is run in partnership between UCL IOE and a Lead Partner school.

Learn to teach with the best

IOE is one of the UK’s largest providers of postgraduate initial teacher training. We offer more subjects than anyone else in the UK. Through our breadth of expertise, our unique approach and our ideal location in the heart of London, we are leading the way, shaping the future of education for the next generation.

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The IOE approach

We will support you to develop the skills and knowledge you need from the moment you step into the classroom. However, we know that learning to teach is much more than that – we’ll prepare you to build a fulfilling long-term career in education.
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Our education expertise

IOE is one of the world’s leading education and social science research communities dedicated to creating a future that is inclusive and just.

Our research into education, psychology and social science infuses our courses, providing you with new and interesting perspectives to think about and take forward into your teaching practice. 

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Study in London

Our student teachers get to experience the amazing benefits of living in London and working in the capital’s diverse and exciting schools. More London schools chose to partner with IOE for teacher training placements than with any other university.

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Meet our PGCE students

Recent student teachers share what motivates them to teach.

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IOE Lead Partner Direct (a postgraduate fee-funded route)

A programme awarding Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This programme is a postgraduate fee-funded route where you apply directly, via DfE Apply, to the Lead Partner school.

Student teachers who apply for IOE Lead Partner Direct often do so because they want to learn to teach in a specific school, and to gain employment there at the end of the course. This may be because they live locally or already have experience working in that school.

The programme follows the same structure as the core PGCE route and involves attending teaching days at IOE alongside other student teachers on the core PGCE. The Lead Partner will arrange the two contrasting school teaching placements that form part of the programme.

Structure

You will spend approximately two-thirds of your time (~120 days) in your Lead Partner’s schools and ~60 days at IOE following the core IOE PGCE programme.

Modules

The programme consists of three core modules:

  • two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments (in Primary, one module is assessed through a presentation), and 
  • the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by observation of practical teaching in placement schools and completion of school-based tasks. 

Master’s level credits

These can often be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at IOE – check individual Graduate Taught programmes for requirements. 

Partners offering IOE Lead Partner Direct 2025–26 

Recruiting for the Primary postgraduate fee-funded route (PGCE Primary) 

Recruiting for the Secondary postgraduate fee-funded route (PGCE Secondary) 

Check each partner's profile for the specific subjects and PGCE programmes that are available.

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