Local teacher training provider expands offer due to popular demand 

HFC Teacher Training, Bebington, has relaunched and expanded its provision to provide tailored training for future primary and secondary school teachers.

HFC Teacher Training is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT), and was formerly known as Ignite Institute. It offers the ‘Lead Partner Route’ to provide high quality training into the teaching profession. It has now introduced a primary PGCE programme alongside its successful and well-established secondary PGCE programme. 

HFC Teacher Training delivers its teacher programmes in partnership with Liverpool Hope University. HFCMAT and partner schools across Merseyside welcome training participants in from day one of their programme, where they complete school-based training and professional studies. 

HFC Teacher Training has successfully supported over 100 initial teacher trainees. Trainees have gone on to secure appointments within HFCMAT, as well as schools across the North West. Last year, over 95 per cent of trainees secured their first teaching role during their training year. 

In 2025, Lydia Evans completed HFC Teacher Training’s secondary PGCE programme. She secured her first teaching role at St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington. She said:

“My school-based teacher training experience in art and design was incredibly positive. Working in two very different secondary schools helped me adapt my teaching style and understand how art can inspire students in diverse settings.

“The support from my school-based mentors was invaluable. Their guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to grow as a creative and reflective teacher.”

Heather Garland, head of the secondary PGCE programme at HFC Teacher Training, said:

“Building on the success of last year’s teacher training partnership with Liverpool Hope University, where we supported secondary teacher trainees, we are delighted to now be offering prospective teachers the opportunity to complete a primary PGCE programme with HFC Teacher Training.” 

Laurie Smith, head of the HFC Teacher Training’s primary PGCE programme, added:

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to expand our provision to support the increase in demand from people looking to qualify as primary school teachers through a school-based route.

“With seven amazing primary schools within our Trust, there are so many fantastic opportunities on offer for our trainees to experience high-quality training, guided by a team of wonderful teachers and leaders.”

Through the HFC Teacher Training programme, trainees learn to teach at each stage in a child’s development. They develop their own subject and phase knowledge to successfully plan and deliver the National Curriculum. 

Participants get all the support and guidance needed to thrive in the classroom. They are guided closely by an in-school mentor, lead mentor and curriculum specialists at Liverpool Hope University.

Andy Moor, CEO of HFCMAT, commented:

“It’s fantastic to see our teacher training provision thrive with the introduction of a new programme as we continue our mission to train, recruit and retain the very best teachers. This begins with exemplary initial teacher training. 

“We know our children and young people’s aspirations are shaped every day by the quality of education they receive, and that’s why HFC Teacher Training also invests in the long-term success and wellbeing of our teachers.”

Applications for HFC Teacher Training’s 2026 intake for both programmes is now open on the website: teachertraining.hfcmat.com