Join the partnership

Helping Schools Develop the Teachers of the Future

The Open University PGCE Partnership is a Wales-wide network of schools, local authorities and education partners working together to develop the next generation of teachers.

Whether you want to recruit future staff, develop existing colleagues or strengthen your contribution to teacher education, our flexible partnership model enables schools of all sizes and contexts to get involved.

Recruit the Teachers of the Future

Endorse and employ your own student teachers through our salaried route
Access Welsh Government salary grants of 50% to 100%
Build a sustainable pipeline of future staff
Support local recruitment and workforce planning

Develop Your Staff

Professional development opportunities for mentors, school coordinators and Practice Tutors
Leadership opportunities through partnership groups and committees
Access to training, resources and networking opportunities

Strengthen Your School

Help shape the future of teacher education in Wales
Contribute directly to programme development and quality assurance
Raise your school’s profile as a centre of excellence for teacher training
Join a growing network of schools across Wales

“It’s a privilege to chair the OU PGCE Board and work with such a passionate team. This programme is innovative, inclusive, and truly preparing the teachers of the future.”

— Richard Hatwood, Headteacher, All Saints’ Primary

Become an Endorsing School

Support a salaried student teacher in your school while accessing Welsh Government salary grants.

Host a Student on Placement

Provide valuable teaching experience for student teachers and support the development of the future workforce.

Become a Practice Tutor

Support and assess student teachers while sharing your expertise and experience.

Professional Development

Access a range of formal and informal training opportunities through the Partnership.

Joining the partnership is about much more than providing placements for student teachers. As part of the Open University’s Wales-wide network, you will contribute to the development of teacher education in Wales and help shape the strategic direction of the programme.

As a Partner School, you will have access to:

Formal and informal training for staff
Research and professional development opportunities
Networking events and opportunities to share good practice
Opportunities to contribute to partnership boards, committees and working groups
The Open University’s academic expertise and research
A connection with a university supporting over 200,000 students across the UK and beyond

The partnership offers a unique opportunity to influence teacher education, develop your staff and strengthen connections between schools, research and practice.

Our Lead Schools play a key role in shaping and supporting the partnership across Wales: