Primary Education (Later Years 5-11) with QTS BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Leeds Trinity University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Primary Education (Later Years 5–11) with QTS at Leeds Trinity University prepares future primary teachers with the confidence, subject expertise and practical experience needed to lead learning in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. It suits individuals who enjoy working with children, want to develop strong classroom practice, and are committed to becoming fully qualified teachers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in child development, core curriculum subjects and early professional practice. They explore modules such as Introduction to Professional Studies, Learning and Teaching in Primary Education, and Core Subjects: English, Mathematics and Science, which equip them with essential knowledge for later classroom placements.

Year 2
The second year deepens subject knowledge while developing more advanced pedagogical strategies. Students study Professional Studies in Action, Developing Core Subject Knowledge, and Teaching and Learning across the Curriculum, helping them understand how to plan effective lessons, assess learning, and support diverse learners. School placements allow students to apply these skills in real primary settings.

Year 3
In the final year, students refine their teaching identity and prepare for Qualified Teacher Status. They engage with modules like Professional Studies for Employability, Advanced Core Curriculum Studies, and Reflective Practitioner Inquiry, gaining the expertise needed to lead learning confidently. Extended placements strengthen classroom management and curriculum leadership as they transition into the profession.

Focus Areas
Primary teaching, curriculum leadership, child development, inclusive education, classroom practice, and professional development.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates demonstrate strong subject knowledge, effective pedagogical skills, confident classroom leadership, and the ability to support progress for all learners across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The degree includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling graduates to begin their careers as primary school teachers in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Leeds Trinity University is widely recognised for strong graduate employability outcomes and its well-established reputation for teacher training excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is designed to immerse students in the realities of primary teaching from the very start. Throughout the degree, students work closely with experienced teachers, gradually taking on more responsibility as they develop their professional identity and confidence. University tutors and school-based mentors provide personalised support, ensuring students can apply theory directly in real classrooms while refining their teaching skills across the primary curriculum.

Practical learning opportunities and institutional support include:

A minimum of 26 weeks of assessed school experience spread across the three years, allowing students to progress from supporting lessons to confidently leading whole-class teaching.
Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) weeks that strengthen core teaching skills, enhance lesson planning, and prepare students for upcoming school placements.
Subject-knowledge development across all primary curriculum areas, including English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, PE and the wider foundation subjects.
Dedicated training in adaptive teaching, inclusion and behaviour management to ensure students can support diverse learner needs in a primary classroom.
Modules on child development, learning theory, classroom management and educational research, which help students connect academic understanding with practical decision-making.
Blended learning supported through digital resources, allowing students to integrate university-based study with classroom practice effectively.

Why This Programme at Leeds Trinity Stands Out

Successful completion leads to an undergraduate degree and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling graduates to teach pupils aged 5–11.
Strong partnerships with a wide variety of primary schools provide rich and varied placement experiences across different school environments.
The programme builds both strong subject knowledge and practical teaching competence, ensuring graduates are classroom-ready.
Ongoing support from mentors and university tutors allows students to build confidence, reflect on practice, and prepare for a successful early teaching career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme are fully qualified to teach children aged 5–11 and are prepared to begin their careers as primary-school teachers across Key Stages 1 and 2. They may work as classroom teachers, subject specialists within the primary curriculum, or progress into roles such as curriculum coordinators or early-career leaders. In short: the degree provides a direct pathway into teaching and strong long-term opportunities within primary education.

Support from University Services: The university integrates substantial school-based training across its partnership schools. Students receive mentoring from experienced teachers, support from university tutors, structured placement experiences and targeted training weeks that prepare them for real classroom responsibilities.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): On successful completion, graduates are recommended for QTS, the essential professional qualification required to teach in UK state primary schools. This ensures immediate eligibility for a wide range of primary-teaching roles.
Employment & Graduate Outcomes: Many graduates from the programme secure full-time teaching posts soon after completing the course, with typical early-career salaries around the national primary-teaching rate.
Real-World Experience & Curriculum Breadth: Students undertake assessed placements totalling a minimum of 26 weeks across three years. Alongside their school experience, they develop the skills needed to teach the full primary curriculum, enabling flexibility to specialise in areas such as English, Maths, Science, PE or Computing.
Long-Term Career and Leadership Potential: As graduates gain experience, they may progress into roles such as subject leader, curriculum designer or senior teacher. The programme’s emphasis on evidence-informed practice and reflective teaching positions them well for educational leadership.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Hons) with QTS, a graduate may progress to postgraduate study such as a master’s in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Pedagogy or Special Educational Needs. They may also undertake additional professional qualifications to advance into senior teaching roles, specialist support positions or school-leadership pathways.