About – Wigan and West Lancashire Catholic School Direct

Teacher Training in Partnership with LJMU

Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct is a lead partner for Initial Teacher Training, working in partnership with an accredited teacher training institution (Liverpool John Moores University). We are a partnership of 10 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Liverpool who have joined together to offer high-quality teacher training.

The course is a one-year full-time route into teaching, with progress towards gaining a PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) Recommendation.

Prospective trainees apply directly to the Lead School (St. Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School), which is responsible for the recruitment process.

Once selected, trainees will work in various schools within the network. They will train in the classroom, supported by qualified teachers and mentors. They will also spend time studying at Liverpool John Moores University as they progress towards gaining a PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) Recommendation. All routes into teaching must comply with the ITT criteria imposed by the Secretary of State:

Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice – GOV.UK

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Sarah Holland
Director

Sarah Cole
Assistant Director

FAQs

Do I need to be Catholic to apply?

No! The Wigan & West Lancashire Catholic School Direct Partnership is not specifically designed for Catholic Teachers but rather teachers who want to train and work within a Catholic setting.

Will I receive any financial support while I train?

Yes. If you are on a postgraduate or undergraduate route into Initial Teacher Training, and are classed as home or European Union (EU), then you will be able to access the standard financial package of student support available to all students in England. This includes tuition fee and maintenance loans, and a means-tested maintenance grant. In addition to this, you may be eligible for a tax-free training bursary.

Will I receive a training bursary?

Substantial tax-free bursaries of up to £28,000 are available for people with top degrees in certain subjects. The amount of bursary you will be eligible for depends on the subject you want to teach and your degree classification. Scholarships are also available in a number of subjects.

When are postgraduate bursaries paid? What can it be used for?

They will continue to be paid in instalments during a trainee’s training year. Trainees can choose to spend the bursary as they wish.

Will I receive funding for my postgraduate teacher training if I have a degree class below a 2:2?

Anyone starting postgraduate teacher training will need to hold a degree of at least second class honours or equivalent in order to receive a training bursary from the Department for Education. Trainees holding third class or pass/ordinary degrees will not be eligible for a bursary unless they hold a higher relevant academic qualification, such as a masters or a PhD. Trainees who do not have a degree of at least second class honours may still be eligible to access a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) course and access the student support package of tuition fee loans, maintenance grants and maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company.

What if I don’t have the required qualifications?

If you don’t have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your ITT provider. Some providers may also accept skills developed through other related work experience. If in doubt, you should contact your chosen ITT provider to find out what their requirements are.