University Launches Innovative Partnerships With North Wales Schools to Bid For New Teacher Training Programmes

Wrexham Glyndwr University has launched innovative partnerships with top schools to bid for new-style teacher training programmes in Wales.

The Welsh Government wants schools to work more closely with universities to train teachers and has invited school-university partnerships to apply for teacher education accreditation later this year.

As part of the process, Wrexham Glyndwr University has signed agreements with four lead partner schools: Ysgol Glan Gele, Abergele, Victoria Community School in Wrexham, Ysgol Uwchradd Y Fflint, Flint, and The Maelor School, Penley.

The university has a strong track record as a provider of programmes for the education sector and delivered accredited Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses for 67 years, up until 2012.

Should the university’s bid for accreditation be successful, new degree programmes would be taught in Wrexham from September 2019.

Accredited teacher training courses lead directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the qualification needed to start teaching in schools, without the need for further study.

Dr Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to be working with high performing lead partner schools that are dedicated to ensuring the very best learning opportunities for children and young people across our region.

“New approaches to teacher education are needed in order to develop a world-class education system for Wales and we are pleased to be part of a national conversation currently taking place about the future shape of teacher education and development going forwards.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University already has strong relationships with all four partner schools, which cover primary and secondary education.

Each of the lead schools complements the partnership with opportunities for trainees to experience classroom settings across every stage of compulsory education from Foundation Phase to Sixth form.

Julia Buckley Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Glan Gele, said: “We are confident that we have the skills, knowledge and expertise to contribute to this exciting development in ITE in Wales.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University currently has four specialist undergraduate education routes that enable graduates to access roles in teaching, additional learning needs and the wider family and community support professions.

It also trains students to work as teachers in the post-compulsory sector via a PGCE (PcET) course.

The University’s open day runs from 10am until 2pm this Saturday (March 4) in the sports centre. Visit the Wrexham Glyndwr University website for more.