About us

Mortimer PGCE

Mortimer PGCE provides an immersive school-based route into teaching. Trainees will work throughout the academic year as part of the teaching team in their placement school with the support and guidance of a mentor. This ‘on the job’ training will prepare you for your future career in teaching as the skills learned in school alongside the theoretical knowledge gained at University of Northumbria will be put into practice throughout the year.

This year-long training will result in Qualified Teacher Status alongside a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Masters credits are also available.

Why train with Mortimer PGCE?

Mortimer Primary School has been the lead primary school for the School Led PGCE since 2016. We are an Ofsted ‘Good’ (2024) rated school and a thriving teaching school from 2014 to 2021. Our accredited provider is the University of Northumbria. Subject specific training is delivered by many of the staff at Mortimer and on occasion staff in our partner schools. Your placement schools will be carefully selected and we ensure that you have a highly quality mentor for the duration.

Who Are We

Karen Mackay is Lead School Mentor for the School Led PGCE. Her role involves co-ordinating the course and compiling the training programme. She is Assistant Head Teacher for Curriculum and Teaching and has been a class teacher at Mortimer since 2005 and has led the School Led PGCE since 2016. Karen is a Special Leader of Education and delivers in-house training on the course as well as liaising with partner schools organising placements and monitoring student progress. Any questions regarding the course can be directed to [email protected] or 0191 4554504. Visits to school and to meet Karen are also welcome.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for ambitious, driven individuals with a passion for teaching and learning. You will need to be a graduate with at least a 2:2 qualification and have the necessary skills to thrive in teaching. A GCSE grade C or 4+ or equivalent is also essential in English, Maths and Science. Adaptable, organised, the ability to reflect, approachable and resilient are just some of the qualities our most successful trainees possess as well as being motivated to work in the best interests of the children you will work with.