TEACHER
TRAINING

St. Edward’s School and St. Mary’s University Launch Groundbreaking Primary PGCE with Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Enhancement

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A UK First Designed to Address the National SEND Crisis and growing complexity of children’s needs St. Edward’s School, in partnership with St. Mary’s University, is proud to announce the introduction of a pioneering new initial teacher training programme: the UK’s first-ever Primary PGCE with an SEMH enhancement module. Applications for the programme are now open, with the inaugural cohort set to begin in September 2026.

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The programme has been developed through a strategic collaboration between St. Edward’s — the only Catholic Independent Specialist SEMH school in the UK and a recent recipient of an Outstanding OFSTED rating in all areas — and St. Mary’s University, a national leader in Initial Teacher Training and educational research, and a Top 10 university for teaching quality with a Gold rating for student experience.

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The Primary PGCE QTS with SEMH enhancement was conceived in response to the escalating challenge facing schools nationally. Increasing numbers of children with complex SEMH needs are educated in both mainstream and specialist settings, yet many early career teachers report that their initial training does not adequately prepare them for this reality . The aim of the enhancement is to offer deepened understanding and develop the potential for leadership within mainstream classrooms and specialist SEMH provision.

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Matthew Harris, a Senior Leader at St. Edward’s School, explained the thinking behind the programme:

“Just over 350,000 children in the UK require support in education for their SEMH needs. Despite this, there are no teacher training courses that provide a qualification in understanding SEMH. St. Mary’s are a national leader for teacher training so the chance to work with them and co-write a programme that will address this directly is not only exciting, but the right thing to do for young people up and down the country.”

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Drawing directly on St. Edward’s outstanding specialist practice and St. Mary’s academic and professional expertise, the programme provides the opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the importance of supporting children with specific difficulties that manifest through SEMH needs. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of a variety of additional needs and diagnoses that are co-morbid with SEMH, such as autism, ADHD, trauma and anxiety, and subsequently explore strategies that will support children. This is set within the person-centred inclusion agenda with particular focus on communication, behaviour, relationships, mental health, plans and interventions, and progress in all its forms.

 

Emphasising the shared commitment to innovation and education, Jemima Davey, Associate Head of School for PGCE (Primary and Secondary) and a Senior Lecturer in Education at St. Mary’s, said:

“The School of Education is delighted to be working alongside St Edward’s School in designing and delivering initial teacher education which prepares future practitioners to meet the needs of all learners. We are passionate about providing programmes that reflect the current school context and equip our teachers with the best possible knowledge and skills to thrive in their career. We are excited to welcome our first cohort of enhancement students in September 2026 and proud to contribute to training in this important aspect of the education sector.”

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Graduates of the Primary PGCE QTS with SEMH enhancement will be well placed to pursue careers in mainstream and specialist SEMH provision, contributing to improved outcomes for children. Applications are now open with further details on entry requirements, course structure, and application deadlines available via St. Mary’s University.