Education

Getting Ready for Placement 

As part of the University’s Teacher Training (QTS) programmes, all students must complete placements in schools or other educational settings. 

Teaching placements should be approached professionally. Schools and the University regard placement attendance in the same way as full-time employment. Placement must be your first priority, and you are expected to manage personal commitments, so they do not affect your attendance or ability to complete the placement successfully. Students are training to enter a professional career and are treated accordingly.  

To help you prepare, the information below outlines key expectations and useful resources.  

Placement Organisation 

The University works with partnership schools across Cumbria, Lancashire, London, and the North East. Schools voluntarily offer placement opportunities to support trainee teachers in gaining practical classroom experience and meeting professional teaching standards.  

Placements are allocated by the University, usually by your University Lead Mentor with support from the Placements Team. Allocations are based on: 

• Your location and travel options 
• Key stage or subject requirements 
• Schools to avoid 
• Disability Adjustment Plan (DAP) requirements 
• Availability of suitable placements 

Students may be required to travel up to 90 minutes each way from their term-time address, home address, or campus base, whichever is closer. Travel times are calculated using approved route planners such as Google Maps or Traveline. 

Placements are allocated based on suitability and availability rather than personal convenience. The University reserves the right to place students in any partnership school that fulfils course requirements.  

Students cannot be placed in schools where: 

• Family members work or attend as pupils 
• They have a close personal relationship with a member of staff 
• They already have a professional relationship with the school (for example, as a governor, teaching assistant, or sports coach)  

Students must not arrange their own assessed placements. Doing so, or withdrawing from a placement without permission, will be regarded as a failure to meet placement requirements and may require the placement to be repeated the following academic year.  

You can read the university's Placement Allocation Policy in full here:

Placement Allocation Policy [PDF]

Why Placements Can Change 

Placement offers from schools are provisional and may change at any time due to factors such as staffing changes, leadership changes, or Ofsted outcomes.  

Travel to Placement 

Students are responsible for arranging travel to and from placement, usually by car or public transport, although support may be available in some circumstances. Where more than one student is placed at a location, lift sharing may be suggested. 

Your placement details on InPlace will outline expected travel arrangements, and you should research all available travel options, including backup plans.  

If using your own vehicle for placement travel, you must complete the required Student Insurance and MOT Check Form via the Travel to Placement guidance.

Travel costs can be significant, so students should budget accordingly. Financial advice is available through the University’s Money Advice service, and some undergraduate students may be eligible for travel-cost support. 

If, after exploring all available options, you experience transport difficulties, contact the Education Placements Team at educationplacements@cumbria.ac.uk.  

School Placement Expectations 

The University aims to confirm placement locations approximately four weeks before the start date. Students should contact their school beforehand to introduce themselves and make arrangements for their first day.  

Before starting placement, ensure you understand: 

• Dress code requirements 
• School day structure 
• Arrival and departure expectations 
• Any additional guidance from the school or Cohort Leader  

As a general guide: 

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the school day begins. 
• Do not leave before 4:30 pm unless agreed by the school. 
• Students on London placements should arrive 60 minutes before the school day starts.  

Individual schools may have different expectations, so always follow the guidance provided by your placement school. 

DBS Certificate 

You will have completed an enhanced DBS check as part of your course. Although the University provides schools with your DBS number, schools may request to see the original certificate before allowing you to start placement. 

You should: 

• Bring your original DBS certificate on your first day 
• Keep it safe throughout your course 
• Be aware that replacing a lost certificate will incur a cost and could delay placement start dates  

Absence from Placement 

If you are absent from placement, follow the procedures outlined in the University's Attendance & Absence guidance. 

Disability and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) 

The University provides support for students with disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD). Student Services can offer advice, guidance, and assessment where appropriate 

https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Support/Disability/

Useful Resources 

Placement documentation for primary students (including SPAR documents):

https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/partnerships/placements/education/information-primary/i-am-a-student/ 

Mental Health and Wellbeing support:

https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Health-and-Wellbeing/ 

Programme Administration services:

https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Your-Studies/Programme-Administration/

Student Policies and Procedures:

https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Student-Policies-and-Procedures/

For full details, students are encouraged to review the University's Placement Allocation Policy and other relevant guidance. 

Placement Attendance

Your placement should be your top priority. You’re training to enter a professional role, so it’s important to manage any personal commitments in a way that doesn’t affect your attendance or performance.

Before your placement starts, make sure to:

• • Contact your school/setting to confirm the dress code, start and finish times, and any other important details (your Cohort Leader will guide you on this).
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the school day begins.
  • Stay until at least 4:30pm, unless you’ve agreed otherwise with your placement setting.

If you're on placement in London, you’ll need to arrive 60 minutes before the school day starts.

Reporting Absence from Placement

If you're unwell and can't attend your placement, you (or someone on your behalf if you're too ill) must do the following on the first day of illness:

1. Call your placement school at least 30 minutes before the school day starts to let them know you won’t be in and when you expect to return.

2. Report your absence via the Student Hub:

• • Go to the My Student Details tile in the Systems section.
  • Use the Self Certification tab to log your absence before 9:00am, if possible.

3. Also inform the following people if needed:

• • Anyone helping with your transport (or if you're giving someone else a lift), including taxi firms.
  • The Placements Team, if they arranged transport for you.
  • Your University Lead Mentor (ULM/UPT), they may be planning to visit you that day. You can find their name on your InPlace account.

Withdrawal from Placement

Students are expected to fully engage with all placement activities. If you are unable to start or continue a placement, you must follow the relevant University process.

Before Your Placement Starts

If exceptional circumstances mean you cannot attend your placement:

• Discuss your situation with your Personal Tutor.
• Complete a Request for Placement Deferral Form
• Send the completed form to educationplacements@cumbria.ac.uk
• Provide supporting evidence where required, including a medical note if your request is health-related.

The Placement Manager will review your request. If approved, your placement will be deferred. If not approved, you will be expected to undertake your allocated placement. Appeals are considered by the Programme Leader and Placement Liaison Manager.

During a Placement

If you are unable to continue your placement, you should discuss your circumstances with your University Lead Mentor (ULM) and/or Personal Tutor as soon as possible. You must then complete and submit an Extenuating Circumstances Form, together with appropriate supporting evidence. This is important in distinguishing between being awarded a deferred placement or a re-sit placement.

Where withdrawal is due to illness, a valid medical certificate or doctor's letter must be provided. Medical evidence should clearly state:

• The nature of the illness or condition.
• The dates you were unable to attend placement.
• Confirmation that the condition prevented you from attending placement.

Circumstances Normally Considered Valid

Examples of circumstances that may be considered valid include:

• Significant health problems supported by evidence from the University's Occupational Health Service or a detailed medical letter.
• The death or serious illness of an immediate family member, such as a parent, guardian, sibling, child, spouse or partner.
• Major household emergencies, such as a fire.
• The impact of a natural disaster, civil disruption or other major unforeseen event.

Circumstances Not Normally Accepted

The following are generally regarded as normal life events, avoidable circumstances, or routine student pressures and would not usually support withdrawal from placement:

• Minor illnesses such as colds or hay fever, unless symptoms are exceptionally severe.
• Normal placement-related stress or anxiety, unless supported by medical evidence of a diagnosed condition that is being treated.
• Non-serious domestic or personal disruptions, such as moving house, holidays, weddings, job changes, financial difficulties, travel problems or oversleeping.
• Work or employment commitments.
• Childcare arrangements.
• Failure to read University communications relating to placement arrangements.

Cessation of Placement Due to Professional Concerns

Students are expected to maintain professional standards throughout their placement. If a student leaves a placement without approved extenuating circumstances, or is required to leave because of unprofessional conduct, the placement will normally be recorded as a fail.

Examples of circumstances that may lead to a failed placement include:

• Leaving a placement due to personal disagreements with school or University staff.
• Refusing to accept professional feedback or support.
• Failing to engage with the professional standards, expectations and ethos of the placement setting.
• Circumstances that fall outside the University's Extenuating Circumstances process.

Before deciding to leave a placement, students are expected to work with University and school staff to explore all reasonable options for resolving any concerns.

Where a student is unwilling to follow the professional advice and guidance of their University Lead Mentor (ULM) and/or school staff, the placement may be ended and recorded as a fail on the grounds of unprofessional behaviour.

Any complaint following cessation must be submitted through the Student Complaints Procedure. Students must not raise complaints directly with the placement school.

Progress Review Meeting

Following the cessation of the placement, students must attend a Progress Review Meeting with Programme and/or Partnership Leads.

The purpose of the meeting is to:

• Discuss the circumstances surrounding the cessation of the placement.
• Confirm the outcome of the placement.
• Provide an opportunity for the student to raise concerns or grievances, including complaints relating to the placement school.
• Discuss next steps and available support.

Failure to attend or engage with this process may affect a student's ability to challenge the placement outcome at a later date.

Where a student does not attend, the meeting will be rearranged once. If there is a further failure to attend, the meeting may proceed in the student's absence. A copy of the meeting notes will normally be sent to the student's University email account within 72 hours.

Cessation of Placement and Placement Result

A cessation of placement is usually recorded as a Fail unless:

• An Extenuating Circumstances claim has been submitted and approved through the University's formal processes and ratified by the relevant Academic Board.
• The school ends the placement for reasons outside the student's control, for example an Ofsted inspection or staffing issues.
• Student break-in-learning during the placement. 

In these circumstances, students will normally be offered a deferred placement at a later date.

Further guidance is available in the Intervention Plan Guidance and-Forms, under the section "Should a student be removed from a school?".

Process for the Cessation of Placement

Where a placement is ended before it's expected completion date, a Cessation of Placement Form must be completed by the University Lead Mentor and/or Supervising Teacher and returned to the University.

If a student declines to sign the form or leaves the placement at short notice, the circumstances should be recorded on the form.

Deferred Placements

A placement may be deferred if:

• A Request for Placement Deferral Form has been approved and ratified by the next University Assessment Board.
• An Extenuating Circumstances claim is approved after the student has attended the first day of placement and ratified by the Assessment Board. 

Students will receive confirmation from the University, including details of when the deferred placement will take place.

Timing

A deferred placement will generally be timed to coincide with the next placement being undertaken with the rest of your year group / cohort. This depends on the availability of a suitable placement.  This means that your final placement will likely occur after the rest of your group / cohort has completed the course. 

Impact on Study

There will be a knock-on effect that you may need to complete your degree later than originally scheduled.

Travel and Costs

Deferred placements are covered by the Initial Teacher Education Placement Travel and Accommodation Policy:

• Travel expenses can be claimed.
• No placement fee is charged

Re-Sit Placements

A re-sit placement is required when a student has not met the requirements of an assessed placement and the decision has been approved and ratified by the University Assessment Board. This could include a student not submitting an Extenuating Circumstances Form for the placement. 

Students will receive written confirmation from the University detailing the re-sit requirements and placement dates.

Timing

A re-sit placement will generally be timed to coincide with the next placement being undertaken with the rest of your year group / cohort. This depends on the availability of a suitable placement.  This means that your final placement will likely occur after the rest of your group / cohort has completed the course. 

Impact on Study

There will be a knock-on effect that you may need to complete your degree later than originally scheduled.

Travel, Costs and Financial Support

Re-sit placements are not covered by the Initial Teacher Education Placement Travel and Accommodation Policy.

Students undertaking a re-sit placement:

• Cannot claim travel expenses.
• Are not eligible for financial support towards placement-related costs.

Final Placement Re-Sits

Students required to re-sit a final block placement, such as the Extending Placement or Sustained Enactment Phase (SEP), must pay a £2,000 placement fee.

The University will issue an invoice and provide payment instructions directly to the student.

Deferred vs Re‑Sit Placements: Comparison Table 

Category	Deferred Placement	Re‑Sit Placement
Reason for Placement	Approved Request for Placement Deferral or approved Extenuating Circumstances (after attending day 1)	Student does not meet the requirements of an assessed placement (fail decision ratified by Assessment Board)
Approved By	University Assessment Board	University Assessment Board
When It Takes Place	Usually aligned with the student's cohorts next placement, subject to availability.	Usually aligned with the student's cohorts next placement, subject to availability.
Impact on Degree Timeline	May extend degree finish date	May extend degree finish date
Eligibility for Travel Expense Claims	✔ Yes — travel expenses may be claimed if eligable	✘ No — travel costs cannot be claimed
Placement Fees	No charge	Final block/SEP re‑sit requires a £2,000 fee
University Communication	Student receives a communication, usually email, confirming approval and placement timing	Student receives a communication, usually email, confirming fail decision and placement timing
Examples of Triggers	Extenuating circumstances such as illness, personal crisis, etc.	Professional concerns, insufficient progress, failed assessment criteria

 

(Only available to Primary QTS students during the Extending Placement Phase.)

The University offers student teachers the chance to do placements further afield across the British Isles, giving you a wider range of experiences. These placements are available through an application process.

However, there are some rules we need to follow. The University must make sure that placements meet the Department for Education (DfE) requirements. These say that your practical teaching experience must happen mainly in England, or in schools run by Service Children’s Education.

Because of this, you can only do one placement outside England during your course.

Learning in Harmony Trust

If you're a North West student and successfully complete your developing placement, you may have the chance to do your extending placement in London with the Learning in Harmony Trust, subject to a selection process.

This opportunity is ideal for students who are:

• • Proactive and self-motivated
  • Comfortable working with pupils from diverse backgrounds

What to expect:

• • Briefings will be held on both Carlisle and Lancaster campuses early in Semester 1.
  • Interested students will be invited to submit an application of interest.
  • Interviews will take place during the first half of Semester 2.

Northern Ireland Placements

Only primary education students with a home address in Ireland or Northern Ireland can choose to do a placement there. If you take up this option, you’re expected to live at your home address during the placement and this placement is not financially supported by the University.

More info for primary undergraduate students is available here:

Northern Ireland Distant Placement Undergrad Information

More info for primary postgraduate students is available here: 

Northern Ireland Distant Placement Postgraduate Information

Travel and Accommodation Arrangements

If you're offered a distant placement, you'll need to be proactive and self-motivated in arranging and paying for your own travel and accommodation.

If your placement is more than 90 minutes away, the Institute may, in exceptional circumstances, contribute to the cost of accommodation.

If the University agrees to provide accommodation:

• • You’ll be asked to find suitable accommodation costing up to £50 per night. The University will book and pay for it directly (it must accept credit card payments).
  • If you can’t find anything within the £50 limit, contact the Placements Team for advice.
  • You’ll need to complete an Accommodation Request Form.

The University also offers short-term lets in its own accommodation. This is a good option for PGCE students, especially those from North West England or Northern Ireland, based on typical placement locations.

If you need accommodation, email the Placements Team at educationplacements@cumbria.ac.uk at least two weeks before your placement starts. Include details of the travel options you’ve looked into and ask for help.

Important information:

• • All accommodation must be agreed with the Placements Team.
  • You may be asked to pay a security deposit while staying in temporary accommodation.
  • If accommodation is provided, you can only claim travel costs from the accommodation to your placement, not for meals or other extras.
  • You’ll still need to pay for your usual accommodation (e.g. university accommodation, rent either at home or away).
  • If you’re staying with family or friends during your placement, you won’t be eligible for accommodation support.

Students may be expected to travel up to 90 minutes (one way) to reach their placement.

This travel time is calculated from either your home address or your campus, whichever is closer to the placement location. The journey time will be checked using an approved online route planner.

Car journeys - Google Maps

Public transport - Traveline

 

University Support with Travelling to Placement

If you're studying on an undergraduate Education programme, you might be able to get help with travel costs during your placement. Please note: this support does not apply to students on non-QTS route or doing re-sit placements, experiential placements or placements in Northern Ireland. Those using:

• Public transport (not taxi) - can claim back travel using the Public Transport Claims Guide section. You'll need to choose the most affordable travel option. For example, weekly or monthly bus/train passes often come with discounts.
• Car - can check their eligibility and claim allowance using the Mileage Claim Guidelines section of this page.

You're responsible for arranging your own travel to and from your placement. In some cases, the University of Cumbria may be able to provide transport if it is more cost-effective.

When transport is provided by the University the following conditions apply:

• Pick-up and drop-off will be from the campus where you're studying.
• If you need to change or cancel your transport, please let the Placement Team know at least 5 working days in advance (note: weekends do not count as working days).
• If you choose not to use the transport provided, you will not be able to claim money back for travel costs.
• If you make your own travel plans without telling the Placement Team, and we've already booked something for you, you may need to cover those costs.

 

Travel Claim Forms

If you’re an eligible Education student, you'll need to fill out a Travel Claim Form to get help with travel costs.

You can choose to claim:

• Weekly
• Every two weeks
• Monthly
• Or after your placement ends

All travel claims for the academic year must be submitted within one month of finishing your placement.

First-time claimants or anyone who has changed their bank details since their last claim must also complete a Student Bank Details Form. You'll find instructions on how to submit it on the Student Finance page.

 

Public Transport Claims Guide

If you're eligible, you can claim back the cost of public transport for travel to and from your placement school.

To do this:

1. You'll need to fill out a Travel Claim Form
2. Additionally, you will need to download the Public Transport Travel Claim Support Form and complete the appropriate tab/section for your placement type and specific dates.
3. Along with the above forms, scan and email all your travel tickets to placements@cumbria.ac.uk.

• • Please organise your tickets by date before scanning). 
  • If you have lots of tickets, it is best to put them all into one document (like a Word file) to make things easier.
  • Make sure the dates and prices on your tickets match what you have put in your claim form, this helps avoid delays.

 

For students based at the London campus:

1. You will need to create or use a Transport for London (TfL) Contactless and Oyster account to show proof of your journeys.
2. If you already have a railcard, link it to your Oyster card to save 1/3 on fares.
3. You can also apply for an 18+ Oyster Photocard for extra savings on travelcards.

When claiming for travel paid by contactless or Oyster card, please include a printout of your journey history showing your travel to and from placement.

Using a Personal Car for Placement Travel

If you're driving your own car to your placement, you're responsible for making sure your vehicle is:

Properly insured for placement travel

• Has a valid MOT
• Has up-to-date road tax
• You hold a valid driving licence

To claim travel expenses, you must complete the Student Insurance and MOT Check Form. A new form is needed each academic year.

The University may carry out random checks on student documents. If you're selected, you'll be contacted and asked to send your documents to the Placements Team. You will have 30 days to respond, if you do not, your travel expenses may be withheld.

 

Using a Hire Car for Placement Travel

In some cases, if there is no reasonable way for you to get to your placement, the University may cover the cost of a hire car through Enterprise Rent-a-Car. This is decided case-by-case by your Institute.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be 18 or older at the start of the hire period
• Have a full driving licence
• You can still use a hire car if you have points on your licence, unless you are currently banned from driving

If approved:

• The University will pay for the hire car for the agreed placement period
• You must be willing to share the car with other named students

The Placements Team will book the car for you and you will get an email with the details. You must return the car to the same Enterprise depot you collected it from - unless you have been given permission to return it elsewhere. If you do not follow this, you may have to pay a fee.

While using the hire car, please follow all traffic rules:

• No speeding
• Park legally
• Do not drive in bus lanes or restricted areas

If you get any fines (e.g. parking or traffic violations), you will need to pay them yourself, including any admin fees. You will be notified by email, and your programme team or Personal Tutor will be copied in.

Mileage Claim Guidelines

Please see the table below for eligibility to claim. Match your student residence (term time address) with the address your placement travel is based from (i.e. where you are staying for placement), to see what expenses you can claim outlined in the last column.

Student residence (term time address)	Placement based on travel from this address	Expenses that can be claimed
On campus / address local to campus	Campus / address local to campus	Mileage from campus to school
On campus / address local to campus	Home Address	Mileage from home address to school
Home Address	Campus or Home address	Mileage from home address to school minus mileage from home to campus

 

Details of the amounts that can be claimed are:

Student's Own Car	Hire Cars (where the driver is in receipt of a bursary)
Driver only - 35 pence per mile Driver plus one passenger - 55 pence per mile Driver plus two passengers - 60 pence per mile Driver plus three passengers - 65 pence per mile	Driver only - No contribution from the University Driver plus one passenger - 20 pence per mile Driver plus two passengers - 25 pence per mile Driver plus three passengers - 30 pence per mile

Any student giving a lift to another student can claim mileage from the passengers pick up point to school at the hire car plus passenger rate of 20p for any journeys ineligible under the travel claim guide. Students must have the prior approval of the Placement Team to claim this funding.

Passengers cannot claim for travel costs.

Fines
You’re responsible for paying any motoring fines (e.g. speeding, parking, bus lane violations). Fines usually range from £60–£85 You’ll get an invoice from the University if a fine is issued Your programme team or Personal Tutor will be copied in for awareness

Breakdown and Accident Information

If your hire car breaks down: Call 0330 053 0405 straight away.

If you're involved in an accident or the car is damaged: Please follow these steps:

1. Don’t admit fault at the scene (e.g. avoid saying “it was my fault”).

2. Check the damage and make sure everyone is safe.

3. Call the Placements Team as soon as it’s safe: 01228 279 289.

4. Contact Enterprise Rent-a-Car (use the branch number on your rental contract or call 0345 600 5923).

5. Report the accident to our insurance provider:

• • Call Zurich Municipal Claims Line: 0800 055 6767
  • Quote certificate number: NHE-08CA08-0013-52
  • Say you’re a University of Cumbria student

Or report online: Zurich Motor Claims

• • Use Roadside Reporting for quick reports
  • Use Detailed Reporting if you need more time to explain

6. Complete the Accident Report Form and email it within 48 hours to: incidentreporting@cumbria.ac.uk and placements@cumbria.ac.uk

If the damage isn’t covered by a third party, you may be charged up to £500 (the insurance excess).

Important Tips:

• Take photos of the car when you collect and return it.
• If you notice any scratches or marks when collecting the car, make sure they’re recorded and photographed.
• If damage is reported, you’ll be asked to provide photo evidence.

Using the Hire Car:

• You’re covered by University insurance for placement travel and limited personal use (e.g. going to the supermarket).
• Do not use the car for paid work travel.
• If damage occurs, you’ll need to confirm whether it happened during placement or personal use.

 

Travel Claims FAQs

1. Am I eligible to claim?

If you're on an Undergraduate Programme, you might be able to get help with travel and subsistence costs during your placement. Please note: this doesn’t apply if you're doing a re-sit placement or a placement in Northern Ireland.

 

2. How and when are claims paid?

All claims are paid by BACS to nominated accounts; students should register their bank details prior to submitting their first claim. To register bank details, students must complete a bank details form and send it to the University’s Accounts Payable Team at studentbank@cumbria.ac.uk Claims will be paid into nominated bank accounts on a Friday. Although the Placements Team endeavours to pay all claims within 4 weeks of submission, at peak times such as the end of placement, Public and Christmas breaks payments can be delayed. If payment dates fall on a Bank Holiday, payment will reach accounts the following working day.

 

3. When can I claim?

Students can claim weekly, bi-weekly or at the end of placement, but always within one month of their assessed placement completing and no later than Friday 24th July, 2026.

 

4. Where do I submit my Travel Claim Form?

All claims are to be submitted in electronic format (Travel Claim Form) directly to the Placements team. We are unable to accept documentation submitted in hard copy. On submission, students will receive an automated email confirming receipt to their UoC email account. Please do not send claim form(s) directly to the University finance department as this significantly increases the amount of time it takes to process and reimburse the claim.

 

5. I am having trouble completing my claim form, who do I contact?

The Travel Claim Form is designed to work on most devices including mobile and tablet. Should you encounter any problems, further guidance can be obtained by contacting the Placements Team on placements@cumbria.ac.uk

 

6. I have lost one of my tickets for public transport, can I still claim?

The Placement Team are unable to accept any claim without the relevant evidence.