ID078 A collaborative cross-institution QTS route for Science and Mathematics

The Idea

A collaborative Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) route which partners with Staffordshire University's subject specific PGCE courses in the Sciences and Mathematics. This would allow us to advertise 'with Education' degrees and qualified teacher status as a specific outcome for subjects with high demand for teachers. Staffordshire University do not offer BSc degrees in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology but do offer PGCEs in these specific subjects. Keele’s current QTS route is the Keele and North Staffordshire Teacher Education (KNSTE) partnership which specialises in SEND and Primary education and does not support these in demand subject-specific Secondary teaching routes. This would allow a partnership to strengthen existing provision and make use of institutional specialities for both parties. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

A formal partnership with Staffordshire University to collaborate on requirements and develop an advertised 4-year route which would allow students to enrol on a 3-year BSc at Keele and continue their studies with a PGCE at Staffordshire University seamlessly.

How We Would Implement This Idea

Implementation would begin with a planning meeting between the initiator, senior university leaders, and interested staff identified through an internal call for participation. This group would set objectives, structure, and responsibilities. The preparation phase would develop the programme, secure speakers and partners, and coordinate logistics. The pilot Start-Up Fair would follow the proposed structure: Day 1 focused on inspiration, keynotes and workshops; Days 2+ on team formation, mentoring and networking with industry and alumni. After the event, the team would evaluate outcomes, refine the model, and establish the Start-Up Fair as an annual, scalable component of Keele’s innovation ecosystem. Together with our partners across the Midlands and beyond—including accelerators, incubators, and Keele Business School—we will develop a clear pathway that supports innovators from initial concept through incubation and onward to successful expansion.  

What Success Would Look Like

An advertised 4-year integrated BSc and PGCE route with seamless transition where students complete a 3-year BSc degree 'with Education' which gives them an automatic acceptance onto a Staffordshire University PGCE programme without the need to reapply. Students would get both a BSc and a PGCE to allow them to take full advantage of all government financial support.