Cheshire Learning and Teaching Alliance

The Cheshire Learning and Teaching Alliance (CLTA) offers you bespoke, high-quality school-based ITT leading to the Postgraduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status.

About Cheshire LTA

We are proud to work with the University of Chester to deliver the new Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme - Primary PGCE School-Led with QTS (replacing School Direct). This is an exciting school-based training route for graduates and career changers interested in primary school teaching. We have an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative training that is practical, relevant, and up-to-date. We are there to support our Associate Teachers every step of the way, and you will soon feel part of the CLTA "family"!

For more information, please visit CLTA Train to Teach

This course enables you to work and train in the classroom, supported by experienced mentors and teachers.

Whether you have just completed your degree or have been working in a career for many years, the School-Led route could be the package for you. This is a great way to gain the qualifications and practical skills you need to become an outstanding teacher.

The programme consists of:

120 school-based learning days across 2 schools
11 academic learning days led by the University
35 training days to improve subject knowledge across the curriculum/professional skills
4 Intensive Training & Practice Weeks – a mix of university and school-based training
4 Intensive Focus Weeks concentrating on Phonics, SEND, Maths and Science

Each Associate Teacher will be allocated an experienced Professional Mentor to guide and support them through the programme, ensuring they set high standards for themselves and the children they teach.

Steve Meredith, the CLTA QA Lead Mentor, will also meet with you each half term.

Finally, the University will appoint a University-Based Teacher Educator Mentor for further support and guidance.

Later in the year, we help with the ECT job application process and interview techniques. Many of our ATs secure jobs before the completion of the programme in the summer term, and a number secure jobs in their placement schools. Please visit the CLTA website to read testimonials from previous ATs.

CLTA keep in touch with many Associate Teachers during their teaching journey as we deliver the 2-year ECT training and further Leadership Programmes. Thus delivering “the golden thread” in professional development training.

Please note, we do not offer visa sponsorship for international applicants.

Information Events

You are very welcome to meet up with some of our present group of Associate Teachers to ask them about the programme and working with CLTA. We can arrange this during one of our face-to-face training days or remotely.

Alternatively, why not join us at one of our informal ITE information events? They take place from 6:30 pm on Microsoft Teams:-

Wednesday 5th November 2025
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Wednesday 14th January 2026
Wednesday 4th March 2026
Wednesday 1st April 2026
Wednesday 6th May 2026

To register, please email carolefarrell@cheshirelta.co.uk. Alternatively, email for a one-to-one discussion at any time.

Placement Schools include:

Kelsall Primary & Nursery School (Lead School)
Mill View Primary & Nursery School
Witton Church Walk CE Primary School
Hartford Primary School
Tattenhall Park Primary School
Tarporley CE Primary School
Darnhall Primary
Broomfields Junior School (Warrington)
Lostock Gralam CE Primary School
Bradshaw CP School (Warrington)
Chester Bluecoat CE Primary School
Bunbury Aldersey CE Primary School
Eaton Primary School
Hartford Manor Primary School
Tarvin Primary School
Kingsley St- John's Primary School
Upton Westlea Primary School
Byley Primary School
Lower Peover CE Primary School
Hermitage Primary School

School-Led PGCEs

Our ‘School-Led PGCEs’ were previously named ‘School Direct PGCEs’. Recent changes within the government’s Department for Education have led to a change in nomenclature, but the courses remain the same in both build and delivery. The way we work with our partners and local schools has not changed.