Choosing to study the PGCE Teaching in Education and Training at Stockton Riverside College has proven the right move for graduate Katie.

And a placement alongside her studies was just the job for gaining valuable skills and experience.

The 24-year-old said: “It was a nice opportunity to get into college as a teacher without the pressure of it being your job. I had someone to help and support me while in the position.”

Now working in a sixth form in Newcastle it all clearly set her in good stead for a promising career ahead.

A former Bede Sixth Form College student, Katie studied A levels in psychology, sociology, and history, before going on to study psychology at Leeds Trinity College.

Returning home after three years of living in Leeds, she explained living with her parents gave her the flexibility to balance part-time and agency work, while maintaining the financial stability to continue with her studies.

Today, looking back at the whole experience, she said: “Studying was more manageable than I thought it would be, entirely because of the tutor I had, Rich made it easy to do the PGCE and succeed.”

As for her time in the college, she said time spent studying in the library with classmates, and even having some lectures in there, offered a different learning environment from a typical classroom setting.

Katie started work on a one-year contract in March 2025, she hopes to go on to secure a permanent position and complete her QTLS to gain qualified teacher status.

Huge congratulations, Katie!

When asked if there was any advice she would give to others, she said: “Grasp every opportunity. Look into higher education courses at college. Higher education doesn’t need to be done through the traditional university route.”

For more information about our higher education courses, click here: Higher Education Courses | Stockton Riverside College