The IOE approach
At the IOE, we develop teachers who are phase and subject specialists, excelling in cutting-edge understanding and practice.

The tutors, the schools, the mentors and of course the students – all work very hard to make sure that they are absolutely ready and confident to step into that classroom.
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Tessa Willy
IOE Lecturer in education
Our team will support you with the skills you need from the moment you step into the classroom, but we know that learning to teach is much more than that – we’ll prepare you to build a fulfilling long-term career in education.
A gradual approach
Our unique gradual immersion approach starts with teaching a few students, then a group, and then a whole class, until you have the skills to manage, guide and inspire the children you teach.
Through this gradual introduction, we give you the time and space to be creative, experiment, take risks, reflect and develop your own approach.
Supported every step of the way
Every IOE PGCE student is supported by a personal tutor who shares your passion for your subject and phase.
They visit you on your school placements and meet in person with you throughout the year. You will also have a school-based mentor to guide you through each of your two school placements.
Diversity of learning
We cover every phase of learning and more subjects than any other university.
Many of your sessions will be led by subject experts in subject-specialist cohort groups – modelling contemporary approaches to teaching and learning so that you experience the latest subject-specific methods and can embed them in your practice.
Learn to think differently
We support independent, free-thinking professionals, not beholden to any single pedagogy, approach or doctrine.
The critical thinking skills we teach you from day one of your PGCE will will equip you to lead education for future generations throughout your whole career.
Broaden your horizons
We provide contrasting placement experiences of equal length – giving you the opportunity to learn from diverse contexts and preparing you to teach in any school.
We also encourage you to study with breadth and depth through two Masters’ level assignments – scaffolding your understanding and giving you insights from contexts beyond your own.
Apply
How to apply
Read the following application process guidelines carefully if you are considering applying to study one of our teacher training programmes.