Partner with us

What’s involved

Being a partner school involves providing quality school placement experiences for our high calibre and well-motivated student teachers in the subject areas of mathematics and/or physical education. 

School placements are between 10-11 weeks long and typically run from early November through to the end of January and from late February/early March through to mid May each academic year.   

Whilst we usually encourage schools to host student teachers for both placements and in both subject areas each year, we recognise this may not always be possible and we can and do offer flexibility. Equally, we appreciate that from time to time it may not be possible to host a student in a given year.

About ITE at Loughborough

Loughborough University has a long tradition of educating and developing teachers and a well-established and successful ITE Partnership involving more than 60 partner secondary schools. We currently run successful PGCE Courses in two subjects, mathematics and physical education, developing around 80 student teachers a year.

As a partnership, we are committed to excellence and to fully collaborating with and supporting our partner schools, so that collectively we can deliver a high quality teacher training and student experience and produce outstanding teachers. 

Our aim is to inspire and develop critically reflective, innovative, caring and inclusive teachers for the future, who will make a real difference to the education and lives of young people.

The benefits of partnering with Loughborough

• Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted
  We have successively been awarded outstanding provider status by Ofsted, achieving grade 1 in all areas in our most recent inspection.
• Ranked 1^st in the world for sports-related subjects
  We have been 1st in the world for seven years running in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2017-2023).
• Home to an internationally renowned Department of Mathematics Education
  The Department represents one of the largest groups of mathematics education researchers in the UK.
• An impressive all round reputation
  We are a top 10 ranked University in all major UK league tables.
• A strong research culture
  ITE staff are internationally recognised for their cutting edge research and fully committed to research-informed teaching to positively impact on, and advance good and innovative pedagogical practice.
• High quality students
  We recruit some high calibre, enthusiastic and committed student teachers who, according to our current partner schools and external examiners, make very positive contributions to their placement schools and departments and serve as excellent role models for pupils.
• Excellent relationships and continuity with partner schools
  We really value the relationships we develop and maintain with our Partner schools and school staff and have strong continuity and sustained links with many successful schools and departments.

We also provide our partners schools with:

• On-going professional development
  Initial and on-going professional development sessions in advance of each placement are provided to support them in their work and roles
• Comprehensive support
  Course documentation and information alongside regular communication, reminders and updates from the University is provided throughout the year, alongside individual support and guidance from well qualified and experienced University staff and/or staff from other partner schools
• University-based ITE sessions
  Opportunities for partner school staff to contribute to teaching and/or attend selected University-based ITE sessions or support other ITE-related activities such as selection and recruitment
• Participate in research
  Opportunities for Partner school staff and/or pupils to participate in research projects, outreach events, or other University activities or attend University-based public seminars/talks.

We welcome expressions of interest from all types of schools to join the Loughborough ITE Partnership and collaborate in the teacher education of our student teachers. 

Details of the specific commitments and role of Partner schools and school staff are based on the ITE requirements and criteria set by the Department for Education and are outlined in the Loughborough University Partnership Agreement and Partnership Handbook which are shared with schools each year. 

In summary though, we are looking for Partners schools which can demonstrate and/or provide assurance of the following:

• a commitment to teacher education and to the development of student teachers
• that the school and relevant subject department can offer a range of quality and well structured teaching and related training experiences and activities commensurate with the provisions of the National Curriculum
• that the school and relevant subject department can provide a safe and supportive environment for student teachers and their development/needs to enable them to progressively develop their teaching skills and competencies and meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the course.

If you feel your school could support and benefit from joining the Loughborough ITE Partnership and hosting student teachers, then please contact: Sarah Kirkham, the Partnerships Manager, for further details:

• S.Kirkham@lboro.ac.uk
• Tel: 01509 222779