This training route provides trainees with a balance of academic study, formal training and ‘on the job’ school experience which includes ongoing coaching and mentoring.

Partnership courses with University of Bedfordshire:

Applications close 1st July 2026

Four days a week – on placement in one of our Diamond Learning Partnership Trust schools.

One day a week – lectures and seminars at the University of Bedfordshire.

PGCE Primary (code 2C9X) full or part time covers the age range from 5 to 11 year olds.

PGCE Primary Early Years (code R997) full or part time covers the age range from 3 to 7 year olds.

  • Assigned an experienced school-based mentor. They meet with you on a weekly basis to provide guidance and support. Starting on a zero timetable, with the support of your mentor this will gradually increase over the academic year until you are eventually teaching around 80% of a full timetable.
  • Contrasting placement in a second setting undertaken during the Spring term (full time trainees) or in the second year (part time trainees). This will provide a broader view of educational issues and experiences.
  • Upon successful completion of the course, you will have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and credits towards a Masters degree.

Partnership courses with CTSN SCITT:

Four days a week – on placement in one of our Diamond Learning Partnership Trust schools.

One day a week – lectures and seminars with CTSN either in Cambridge or Bury St Edmunds.

PGCE Primary (code B578) full time covers the age range from 5 to 11 year olds.

PGCE Primary Early Years (code Y399) full time covers the age range from 3 to 7 year olds.

QTS only Primary (code N479) full time covers the age range from 5 to 11 year olds.

QTS only Primary early Years (code P431) full time covers the age range from 3 to 7 year olds.

  • Assigned an experienced school-based mentor. They meet with you on a weekly basis to provide guidance and support. Starting on a zero timetable, with the support of your mentor this will gradually increase over the academic year until you are eventually teaching around 80% of a full timetable.
  • Contrasting placement in a second setting undertaken during the Spring and Summer terms . This will provide a broader view of educational issues and experiences.
  • Upon successful completion of the course, you will have achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE if you choose the relevant course.

Hear what some of our trainees and mentors say:

I have found the training school to be very organised and I always knew about my placements in advance. My mentor in my first placement was really helpful and made me feel at ease! The extra training received throughout the year was also really useful.

MD September 16, 2020

My year training with the DLPT highlighted the realities of the teaching profession, making the transition from trainee to newly qualified teacher much smoother. It was an amazing year, full of laughter and joy! Both of my mentors were always willing to answer my questions (even the silly ones) and the Trust provided me with amazing CPD which I now use on a daily basis.

SN September 16, 2020

Doing my teacher training through the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust was the best teacher training experience I could have had! My placements were at two very different schools within the Trust, however my learning and understanding went far beyond two schools and I always felt supported by colleagues across the Trust! It is brilliant having the opportunity to so frequently network with others, observe experienced teachers in multiple settings and share ideas. My student mentors at both schools were really great at helping me on my journey, giving advice and encouragement on how to improve. My mentor for term 1 & 3 was really excellent helping me understanding the teacher training journey as she had been through the same experience herself in recent years. This excellent foundation for teacher training continued through to my first year of teaching and beyond with support from colleagues across the Trust.

CG September 16, 2020


Read what one of our part time trainees has said about her experience with us:

As a part time Primary PGCE trainee with the Diamond Learning Partnership trust, I was on placement two days a week and at University for one day a week.

Training with a trust, like the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust means you have access to a great wealth of people who are willing to help you and offer advice. I have always felt very well supported and any questions or concerns I had were alleviated, either by my mentor, the leadership team, or by the Training School Lead. The excellent communication that the training school provides its trainees gives you confidence. Feeling supported is a crucial element on your training journey, as you learn and do so much.

If you are looking for a supportive, nurturing and personable training provider, then I would highly recommend the training routes that the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust offer. (MB)