Primary PGCE SEND
If you are keen to become a teacher and work with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, then train to teach on our Primary PGCE SEND Programme.
Through our Primary PGCE SEND programme, Chadsgrove School offers an exceptional opportunity to qualify as a primary teacher while developing advanced skills for teaching pupils with SEND in both mainstream and specialist settings.
The Chadsgrove/University of Birmingham Primary (SEND) course is recognised as a programme of national excellence.
As the number of pupils with special educational needs continues to rise, teachers must maintain the highest expectations for every learner. The Primary PGCE with SEND equips trainees with the knowledge, skills and understanding to meet pupils’ needs and help them make progress beyond the expectations placed upon them.
Our one-year Primary PGCE SEND teacher training programme offers:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
- 60 master’s-level credits, which may count towards a master’s degree.
- Access to a tuition fee loan, subject to the Student Loans Company’s eligibility criteria. Click here for information on student loans.
1. The course
a. Training
Training takes place both at Chadsgrove School and the University of Birmingham.
Training at Chadsgrove:
At Chadsgrove, trainees learn how to adapt teaching to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.
Training includes subject-specific learning in History, Geography, Science, PE and Art.
SEND-specific practice:
Trainees also develop expertise in areas such as managing a large team of teaching assistants, working in partnership with specialists—including speech and language therapists—and supporting pupils with autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and cognition and learning needs.
University study:
The University programme complements the Chadsgrove-based training by focusing on curriculum specialisms such as English and Mathematics.
b. ITAPs
During the year, trainees complete four weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) at Chadsgrove School. Each week explores a different area of education in depth, with a focus on how it can inform the teaching of pupils with SEND.
ITAP 1: Instruction
The first ITAP explores Riseandshine’s Principles of Instruction. Trainees study the underlying
educational theory before visiting classes to observe how teachers apply the principles in practice.
ITAP 2: Phonics and Early Reading
The second ITAP focuses on how children learn to read and the barriers they may encounter. Trainees connect theory with practice by observing lessons and teaching phonics to a small group of pupils with SEND.
ITAP 3: Assessment
The third ITAP introduces trainees to the importance of effective formative and summative assessment. They then observe how teachers use assessment in the classroom to inform teaching and support pupil progress.
ITAP 4: Adaptive Teaching
The fourth ITAP focuses on adaptive teaching. Trainees select from a series of specialist workshops aligned with their interests, including vision and hearing impairment, medical interventions and physical disability.
During each ITAP, the trainees spend a day in their host school, examining how the theory is put into practice with a class they are familiar with.
c. School placements
First placement: Mainstream primary school
During the year, trainees complete two contrasting school placements. The first is an 11-week placement in a mainstream primary school during the autumn or spring term, working with an Early Years, Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 class.
Trainees begin by observing and gradually take on greater responsibility until they are teaching the full class. This progression is carefully paced and supported throughout.
Second placement: Special school
The second placement is a 14-week placement in a special school during the spring and summer terms. Trainees work in a different key stage from their first placement and learn to adapt their teaching to meet each pupil’s individual needs.
By the end of the programme, trainees teach 80% of lessons across the week and take on the responsibilities of the class teacher.
- Support
Programme support
Trainees receive coordinated support from the Chadsgrove PGCE team and the University throughout the demanding teacher-training year.
Lead mentor
Each trainee is assigned a Chadsgrove lead mentor, who visits them in school, observes lessons and provides support throughout both placements.
University support
The University Course Leader provides the same level of support and works closely with the Chadsgrove team.
Placement mentor
Each host school also assigns a mentor to support the trainee during their placement.
- Success
A strong partnership
Over 11 years—initially as a School Direct programme—the course has built an excellent reputation. The University and Chadsgrove, both outstanding providers, work in close partnership to deliver high-quality training.
Exceptional outcomes
All trainees who completed, secured employment in schools across the country. Most began their careers in special schools, while others went on to build successful careers in mainstream settings.
4. Further information
If you would like to find out more about the Primary PGCE with SEND course, please contact one of the Chadsgrove Team to discuss further. Alternatively, apply for the course at
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS) - Primary SEND PGCE - University of Birmingham
PGCE team
Anita McLaren AMclaren@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Bec Gayden rg188@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Georgia Chapman-Palmer gchapman-palmer@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Nic Ross NRoss@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Steve Charlton SCharlton@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Sally Gribble sgribble@chadsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
Our one year Primary PCGE SEND teacher training programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This incorporates 60 Masters level credits which may be used toward a Masters degree. Students are eligible for a loan to contribute towards the cost of tuition fees (subject to the Student Loan Company’s criteria). Click here for information on student loans.
Hear from one of our previous trainees here.