School experience and calendars

School experience forms the backbone of the PGCE course.

The pattern of school experience allows trainees to gain deepening insights into teaching and learning, and systematically supports the development of professional knowledge and teaching skills in action in the classroom.

University tutors and school teachers work together to manage school experiences, to link these to university‑based activities and to direct trainees to appropriate reading.

The main phases of school experience for University of York PGCE includes:

Two days per week serial visits experience in the first placement school during Induction Phase
A first placement, consisting of two teaching placement blocks either side of Christmas through to February half term.
A second teaching placement in a second school consisting of two teaching placement blocks either side of Easter (ten to eleven weeks) through to May half term
A Summer Term Professional Enrichment experience in June, in educational settings of the trainee’s choice to further develop or explore areas of interest in the trainee’s early career.
A primary school placement.

If you're training with our Lead Partner, the structure of your course may differ from the core University of York PGCE.

Here are the 2023/24 academic calendars for your information:

PGCE Core calendar 23-24 (PDF , 56kb)