OU ITE Partnership

Welcome to the OU ITE Partnership. Together we deliver the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Wales at The Open University in Wales. We have been accredited by the Education Workforce Council to deliver innovative Initial Teacher Education (ITE) across Wales. Anyone wishing to become a teacher needs to achieve a degree or PGCE leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This site provides information to our existing and prospective partner schools and wider stakeholders. The detailed guidance on the salaried and part-time routes will also be useful for prospective students and for schools who are considering endorsing or placing our student teachers.

The OU ITE Partnership consists of The Open University and The Open University in Wales and our extensive network of partner schools, regional consortia and local authorities. Our student teachers are at the centre of this partnership. 

We work together to provide a rich experience for our student teachers, who hone their skills and knowledge to become excellent educators. The OU ITE Partnership robustly prepares our student teachers on an academic and practical level. The programme will allow our students to achieve QTS for either primary or secondary school level and can be studied anywhere in Wales in either English or Welsh. 

Our two-year postgraduate programme provides time for reflection, self-evaluation and professional development - key elements of the student teacher journey. 

We offer a salaried (employment based) and part-time route at primary and secondary level. 

Changes to the Welsh Government salary grant contribution mean that schools no longer pay for the salaries of Welsh medium students studying to become a secondary teacher. Click here to find out more.

Salaried route

Students will study around existing school duties as part of their full-time employment in a primary or secondary school.

Part-time route

This route offers some flexibility as students gain part-time practical teaching experience in a primary or secondary school, while working around a part-time job or other life commitments.

Opportunities for schools

Our close collaboration with schools, regional consortia and local authorities is key. Be part of our rewarding pan-Wales network.

Meet the team

Our dedicated Partnership Office and Curriculum Tutors support schools and students throughout the PGCE experience.

Research

Our termly events are an opportunity for prospective students and school partners to hear about the programme and to ask questions.

Partner school resources and training

If you know someone who could be interested in our salaried or part-time route, please share these useful links.

Documents on this site are also available in Welsh / Mae’r dogfennau ar y safle hwn hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg.