Students into Schools programme
Our Students into Schools programme provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in local primary and secondary schools.
Running for over 20 years, the Students into Schools programme has supported thousands of University of Leeds students to develop their knowledge of education and build a wide range of professional skills that support their future careers.
Applications for Semester 2 placements are now open and we welcome you to apply.
Understanding placements
During a placement, you will attend a weekly session at a host school, supporting the teaching and learning of children.
Placements tend to involve a range of roles, including:
- working as a classroom assistant
- running interventions for small groups of target students
- utilising your subject knowledge to make learning more engaging
- running a fun and educational after-school club.
Students from all taught undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes can take part by volunteering alongside their studies. Depending on the course, you may be able to take part through a module for academic credit.
Modules
If your course allows, you can complete a Students into Schools placement for academic credit as part of your degree programme.
The current available modules are:
- MATH2002 Investigations in Mathematics
- CHEM3667 Chemistry into Schools
- PHAS3600 Physics in Schools
- PHAS5600M Advanced Physics in Schools
- GEOG3535 School and Educational Placements
- MODL2090 Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice
- MODL3130 Languages in Action: from Theory to Practice
- FOAH2020 Towards the Future: Skills in Context
On these modules you will be assessed on how you reflect on your experience in school and what it has taught you about the teaching and learning of your degree subject.
If you are unsure whether Students into Schools is an option on your course, contact the named module leader.
Students into Schools modules are not available through normal online enrolment – you will need to complete an application on MyCareer.
Benefits
There are lots of benefits to taking a students into schools placement, including:
- training in how to safeguard children
- experience of working closely with children and staff in an educational environment
- developing skills in time management, managing competing responsibilities, effective team working and communication
- helping you make an informed decision about a career in teaching – Students into Schools works with initial teacher training providers
- financial support – the programme pays for your DBS check and your travel to and from school
- enhancing young people’s education in communities that need it most.
How to apply
Make your application for the 2026-27 programme on MyCareer.
To apply, you will need to:
- Complete the application form, demonstrating why you are a suitable candidate.
- Provide the details of two suitable referees.
- Source a suitable DBS check.
You will be sent more detailed information once you have submitted an application.
If you need any help with your application, email the Students into Schools team at sis@leeds.ac.uk.
I started volunteering because I wanted to gain experience with children, as I’m aspiring to work with them in the future.
Get involved in Workshops
If you’re passionate about sustainability, education or another area you’d like to share with young people, we can support you to plan and deliver a workshop or series of activities in a local primary school, secondary school or sixth form.
Here are some examples of activities delivered in previous years:
- Surf Soc – taught children about the importance of keeping our rivers and beaches clean
- Sustainability students – delivered workshops on climate and the environment
- Girls Training Together – ran fitness and dance sessions with girls from years five and six, helping them build confidence.
- Women’s Rugby Union – introduced Year 6 girls to rugby.
- Nutritank – taught primary school children about healthy eating.
- Law Soc – delivered seminars with sixth formers, introducing them to key concepts and inspiring the next generation of lawyers.
- Cutting Edge – spoke to sixth formers about applying for medicine and showed them how to use suturing kits.
- Leeds Student Radio – spoke to college students and broadcast them on the radio.
Being able to offer help to non-university students and connect with them in a fun way was really great.
Contact us for more information
If you have any questions, email the Students into Schools team at sis@leeds.ac.uk.
You can also find out more about Students into Schools on MyCareer.