University of Northampton course receives Scottish accreditation

​The University of Northampton’s School of Education has become the first UK Higher Education Institution to have their PGCE top up course accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is the independent professional body which promotes and regulates the teaching profession in Scotland., Its landmark decision to accredit a University course outside of Scotland highlights the professional standards taught through the University’s School of Education. This accreditation showcases the quality, content, structure and resources provided by the university’s teaching offering.

Helen Scott, Deputy Dean at the University of Northampton’s School Of Education said: “The University of Northampton has over 40 year’s successful experience in teacher training, education and research. I am delighted that the GTCS have accredited our PGCE top up course. This is positive recognition of the work that our academic staff have undertaken in creating a course which is academically robust and gives our students the accreditation Scotland requires for its teachers.

Tom Hamilton from the General Teaching Council for Scotland said: “This is the first time the GTCS have accredited a course outside of Scotland. The University of Northampton is leading the way in their provision of education for teachers. This course creates qualified teachers who met the stringent standards and guidelines set by the GTCS and is providing a real service to teachers hoping to be able to teach in Scotland.”