
Primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE)(Top-Up) FD Progression
Welcome
After talking to academics, leadership, students, mentors and school partners, we were delighted to be judged as a GOOD provider by Ofsted for our Primary and Secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE), a fantastic outcome reflecting the experience and skillset of our ITE teams.
We were also really pleased with the positive recognition of the support our students receive: “Trainees are proud to be members of Birmingham Newman University’s close-knit community. Here they gain the knowledge and skills they need to make a strong start to their careers.
University staff and partner schools know trainees very well. They seek to understand the circumstances of individuals and work hard to meet their needs. This ensures trainees receive the right support to help them manage their workload and succeed.”
When you are on placement you will be expected to attend all day Monday to Friday.
For on campus activities students are split into groups at enrolment. Each group will have its own timetable where some aspects can change on a weekly basis. Normally classes will be distributed across 3 days per week between 9am to 6pm.
In semester 1 this will be Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed online enrolment and set up your student login.
The lecturers at Birmingham Newman University have diverse specialisms and research interests in education, including SEND and inclusion, learning and teaching, philosophy of education, creativity, education and technology… there’s not enough room here to finish the list. However, it is important to remember that you have your own unique experience of education. This is extremely important, and something that we can all share and learn from.
Reflecting on our own experiences of education allows us to think about some very important issues. Some of the questions that you may want to think about before you enroll in September include:
- What is education?
- What is education for?
- What does education “do”?
- Is education fair?
- If not, why not?
- What would you change about education?
Please watch the above short video by Sir Ken Robinson.
- Do you agree with what he is claiming? Why?
- Also think about what educational issues you may have seen, read or heard in the news recently.
- What were these?
- What is your opinion?
- Thursday 18 September 2025
- 10am to 1pm
- 2pm to 5pm
- Room HI101
Please bring your photo ID with you to complete the ID verification check for Student Finance confirmation.
- Roy Broadfield Senior Lecturer in ITT
- Steve Patrick Programme Lead
- Christopher Ludlow Head of Primary ITT
- The Independent Researcher (Dissertation Module) – 40 Credits
- Leading and Learning in an Area of Expertise – 40 Credits
- Issues in Contemporary Education – 20 Credits
- Designing a Curriculum for Wellbeing – 20 Credits
- School Experience (Placement and Moodle eportfolio)
HeadStart – Monday 1 to Friday 5 September 2025
Headstart is a programme aimed at introducing our new students to University life. We understand that our students come from all walks of life and have personal and individual aspirations for taking this important step in their journey.
This programme is an opportunity to:
- Talk to staff before starting university
- Meet other students
- Understand and navigate the campus
- Find out about the support available
- Start getting comfortable with university life
Access services and support throughout your degree
At Birmingham Newman, you’re never alone.
We’re here to support you at every stage, whether it’s academic guidance, wellbeing support, or career advice.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
- Academic support – Help with assignments and study skills
- WellBeing services – Mental health support, counselling, and wellbeing resources
- Career services – CV advice, placements, and future career planning
- Disability support – Tailored support and adjustments for your needs
- E-Learning Support – Help with E-Learning systems and submitting online assignments
- Finance advice – Guidance on tuition fees, funding, and budgeting
- International support – Help with visas and cultural adjustments
If you’re unsure where to start or what support you need, just ask – we’re happy to help.
Key information
Induction
- Thursday 18 September 2025
Teaching starts
- Wednesday 17 September 2025
Subject Leader
- Roy Broadfield
- Senior Lecturer in Primary ITT and UG Year 3 Lead
Contact details
- r.broadfield@staff.newman.ac.uk
Stay connected with OurNewman app
OurNewman is your go-to place for everything you need as a Birmingham Newman student. With the app, you can:
- Receive personalised notifications about your course, timetable, and deadlines
- Access to your files, emails, and course resources
- Find support services and keep up to date with campus events
Student Handbook

Birmingham Newman University Student Handbook – 2025-2026 (PDF – 4MB)