Here at Ratton, part of the South Downs Learning Trust, we are able to support and guide you in your aspiration towards becoming a Teacher and gaining Qualified Teacher Status through routes tailored to your experience and circumstances. Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs there is and getting into the classroom will usually take between nine and twelve months depending on the journey you take.
We currently offer the following routes with a variety of partnerships : PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education), SC (School Choice) and PGTA (Post Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship), all of which are explained in more detail below. To explore these pathways in more detail and to answer any questions you may have, one of our Professional Tutors here at Ratton, Mr Neil Stocker, is available to have a meeting with any enquiring students at Ratton, so potential candidates can see what we do here and demonstrate what makes teaching so special. If a meeting in person is not viable, Mr Stocker can also arrange for a meeting to be conducted by either telephone call or online via Microsoft Teams app. To make a direct initial enquiry with Mr Stocker, Professional Tutor, please email him on: nstocker@ratton.co.uk
Secondary PGCE : Our main partnership providers here at Ratton are Sussex and Brighton Universities. Historically, we have also worked with Canterbury University, UCL and Teach Kent/Sussex.
The PGCE works with two blocks of Teaching Practice, across two different schools. Typically, placement one would take place between September and February, and placement two being February to July.
You will build up your knowledge at University one day a week and then spend the rest of the practice with a dedicated, subject specific, mentor putting teaching theory into practice, building up teaching hours as you go.
You will also receive a school based Professional Study Programme in your placement school to contextualise the pedagogy from University.
The cost of a PGCE can range from around £9,000 to £12,000. However, there are various funding options available, for example:
PGCE Bursaries by subject (2025/26)
Our typical subject offer would include:
Here at Ratton, we work in partnership with Lead School, Willingdon Community School, to deliver a version of the PGCE called ‘Sussex School Choice’.
Many of our current staff (previous trainees) have successfully completed this route because the structure of your course means that you are based more heavily in the school of your choice. The same as the PGCE, but you spend more contact hours with your host and get a chance to get school experience with us prior to starting. We also negotiate your second placement with our other partner schools to tailor your experience more.
The Sussex School Choice route works for those who want to be in a specific school in a specific area. If this feels like the right route for you then please contact Mr Neil Stocker, Personal Tutor, on: nstocker@ratton.co.uk
Get in touch, your journey starts here!
