This initial teacher training programme enables lead schools to choose the provider they want to work with. These schools play a key role in recruiting and selecting trainees and they work with the University to provide a high-quality training programme which leads to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status at Primary level. Applicants apply direct to a lead school and undertake their placements within the lead school’s partnership. Partnerships may include a mix of primary and special. Students on School Direct primary routes at schools partnered with the University of Birmingham will normally undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (School Direct) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which will provide 60 credits contributing to Master's level.