8 October 2025 · Partnerships · Dr Susan Palmer, School of Education
The Department for Education has renewed Luma University's allocation to deliver Initial Teacher Training for the 2026–27 academic year, permitting the School of Education to recruit approximately 180 postgraduate trainee teachers across primary and secondary programmes. The renewal follows a satisfactory inspection outcome and strong employment data for recent cohorts.
Head of School Dr Susan Palmer said the allocation reflects confidence in Luma's school partnerships and the quality of its PGCE provision. "We work with over 120 schools across the West Midlands, from rural primaries in Shropshire to large secondary academies in Birmingham. Our trainees benefit from diverse placement experiences and strong mentoring," she explained.
The School of Education offers PGCE programmes in primary education, secondary mathematics, secondary English, secondary science and secondary history. A new route focusing on special educational needs and disability will launch in September 2026, responding to workforce shortages identified by local authorities.
Trainee teachers spend a minimum of 120 days in schools, supported by link tutors who visit placements regularly. Employment rates for Luma PGCE graduates exceed 95 per cent within six months of completion, with the majority securing posts in West Midlands schools.
The school will host a teacher training information evening on 22 January 2026 for graduates considering a career in teaching. Bursaries of up to £28,000 are available for priority subjects including mathematics, physics and computing.