DipFES Teacher Training Leaflet
Qualification: Level 5 in Further Education and Skills
Provider: Orchard Hill College (Sutton) in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University
Location: Orchard Hill College – Sutton
Duration: 2 years, part-time
Start date: September 2026
The Diploma in Further Education & Skills (Dip FES) is a Level 5 qualification for teachers working in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector. The course is delivered by Orchard Hill College in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU).
The Dip FES is delivered as an in-service qualification, meaning that you must be employed or volunteering in the further and/or adult community education and skills sector, including further educational colleges, specialist post-16 providers, vocational settings, and public or private training organisations.
This course will enable you to develop and refine your teaching skills via an emphasis on practice-based learning, allied to a strong understanding of education theory and the principles of learning, teaching, and assessment. You will explore what it means to be a teacher through continuous self-reflection and evaluation that will build understanding of your professional role and responsibilities. The course will also focus on developing resources, managing the learning environment and multi-disciplinary working with colleagues in order to support high quality delivery of your specialist subject.
Scott joined Orchard Hill College 14 years ago after a career in sales, he progressed through roles including Learning Support Assistant and Senior Development Assistant. As his responsibilities grew, so did his ambition.
When the opportunity to study the DipFES (formerly Diploma in Education & Training) was offered, he didn’t hesitate. “When the course came up, I jumped at the chance.”
For Scott, the biggest shift was understanding the theory behind his practice. The qualification gave him a clearer grasp of teaching models, lesson structure and how learning is delivered. “It’s given my teaching the theory behind why and how we teach.”
What stood out most was how practical the course felt. Rather than learning theory in isolation, Scott was able to apply what he was studying immediately. “What you learn on the Friday, you’re using the following week in the classroom.”
Learning alongside Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) specialists and therapists also made the content highly relevant to his day-to-day work. Beyond teaching, the course strengthened Scott’s leadership skills, particularly in supporting and managing staff. With the experience and qualification behind him, he progressed into senior roles and is now a Curriculum Lead and Deputy Head. The course also boosted Scott’s confidence. It helped him see just how far he’d come and gave him reassurance that he was on the right track. Gaining the qualification felt like recognition of the work he was already doing well.
Chaniece joined Orchard Hill College with teaching experience but hadn’t previously been able to access formal training. Being offered the chance to study the DipFES marked a real shift. “My Head of College encouraged me to take the DipFES to assist in my professional development. Having access to this course has made a huge difference.”
The structure of the course has also been key. Sessions take place during working hours on Fridays, so staff aren’t expected to study on top of their existing workload. “It fits around my job and busy life whilst on the course.”
Chaniece enrolled to strengthen her knowledge and build confidence in her practice. Even in her first term, she’s already seeing the impact. A recent session on learning environments helped her think differently about adapting spaces to meet learners’ needs. “It’s about knowing how to make learning accessible for all students.”
The early focus on planning has been especially valuable. Understanding lesson structure, objectives and targets has helped her to be clearer about what students are learning and why. “Knowing students’ objectives and targets in every part of the lesson is really valuable.”
Her next step is clear, complete the DipFES and progress on to QTLS.
The course consists of four modules taken part time over two years:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| Year 1 | ||
| Module 1: The Enquiring Teacher
30 credits |
Module 2: The Inclusive Teacher
30 credits |
|
| Year 2 | ||
| Module 3: The Reflective Teacher
30 credits |
Module 4: The Independent Teacher
30 credits |
Students on this course have diverse and intersectional backgrounds and will work in colleges and other educational settings where they will have the responsibility and privilege of educating learners with a range of backgrounds, aspirations and needs. Our curriculum has been developed with learner cohorts at the centre, ensuring student teachers have high expectations for all learners and are equipped to promote excellent outcomes for all learners.
You will have weekly group tutorials (half days) delivered by the OHC teaching team, and will need to study independently outside of this. You will also be required to complete a minimum placement of 250 hours over the duration of the course, which includes a minimum of 150 hours of teaching post-14 learners and a minimum of 20 hours of alternative placement experience.
Within your workplace you will have a subject-specialist mentor who will help you develop your skills in the classroom. You will also have a pastoral mentor who will support your wellbeing.
You will be given access to a wide range of learning and teaching strategies. Modules may include seminars, lectures and group discussions and projects, with many utilising individual and peer presentation format.
You will be required to undertake ten teaching observations assessed by your tutor or mentor. These provide the opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and understanding, to improve subject specialist teaching and to receive and reflect on practical advice.
Assessment throughout the course takes a variety of forms, including academic essays/assignments, podcasts/vlogs, annotated bibliographies, presentations, microteaches, lesson observations and portfolios of practice.
As an outstanding specialist post-16 provider, Orchard Hill College is a sector-leading organisation in working with learners with additional needs. Our course tutors are experienced SEND educators as well as highly experienced in delivering teacher training within schools, further and higher education. Our core programme is enhanced by guest speakers from across the College as well as Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, whose expertise spans the full range of special educational needs as well as leadership and management and multidisciplinary working.
The course is delivered in partnership with CCCU, who are also the awarding body. As a CCCU student you will have access to a range of university resources including academic support, library and other learning resources, and the enhanced curriculum offer including student conferences and masterclass talks.
Since 2016, OHC and CCCU have co-delivered the Diploma in Further Education & Skills with a SEND focus to over 200 FE staff working across the sector. We are proud of our track record in supporting teachers in specialist settings to develop their professional practice and progress their careers.
The successful completion of this course equips you for employment as a teacher in the further education and skills sector.
This qualification also meets one of the eligibility criteria that may enable you to apply to undertake professional formation, which leads to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). Eligibility criteria for professional formation is stipulated by the Society for Education and Training (SET) and published annually. Visit the SET QTLS webpage for more information.
Your teaching career can take you on to a very rewarding and exciting professional journey involving learning and teaching, leadership and management, curriculum development, research and advisory roles.
You must have:
You must also be in a teaching role (paid or voluntary) where you are responsible for planning and delivering lessons, and have access to a minimum of 250 hours of placement across the two years, including a minimum of 150 hours of teaching and 20 hours of an alternative placement, with ten assessed teaching observations taking place over two years.
You must be able to successfully complete the written assessment requirements of the course at the appropriate academic level.
You will need to demonstrate at the interview your ability to benefit from the course and to meet the teaching requirement applicable to the course.
You will need to provide evidence of an enhanced DBS check prior to starting the course and/or undertake an enhanced DBS check immediately after starting the course
Fees for 2026-27 are £3,750 per year.
Course fees can be met through self-funding or via employer sponsorship.
Student finance is available for this course – you can find more information on the CCCU website or via the student finance pages on GOV.UK.
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