At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.
We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.
Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry.
Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
About the discipline
Secondary and Post-14 and FES Initial Teacher Training Education (ITTE) at the University of Derby equips future educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in diverse teaching environments. Our programmes are designed for those preparing to teach across secondary schools and Post-14 FES training settings, combining academic study with extensive placement opportunities. We have close partnerships with local, regional and national colleges that form part of our Delivery Partner family for the QTS programmes.
Our international reach is growing through a substantial portfolio of programmes - both for ITT/E and for continuing professional development for qualified teachers, globally. We are very much one ITT/E team and so work across age phases is not uncommon, particularly for Assessment Only, L6 Teacher Apprenticeships and the PGCE (non-QTS).
Our home trainees on this programme, specialise in subject areas relevant to secondary education while also developing broader teaching skills that enable them to engage, inspire, and support learners in a wide variety of educational contexts beyond compulsory schooling.
We expect excellence in all we do and are currently graded as Ofsted 'outstanding' in every age phase of ITT/E.
