City of Leicester Training College for Teachers

The 1944 Education Act promised secondary education for all, but the sector was challenged by lack of a substantial teaching force. Emergency teacher training colleges were opened while longer term solutions were sought. The City of Leicester began to plan the first post-war two-year training college in the country, the City of Leicester Training College for Teachers. The course started in September 1945 with an intake of 54, but as no College building had yet been prepared students were asked to observe lessons in their local schools and remain at home. By January 1946 the Civil Defence Depot building in Humberstone Road had mostly been converted into suitable premises, although there were no student hostels and students were billeted in local homes.

At first only female students were admitted. The course was suitable for those wishing to become primary or secondary modern teachers. Compulsory courses in Principles and Practice of Education, the Science of Health and Physical Education and English Language were taken, alongside a choice of four modules from English Literature, History, Geography, Biological Science, Divinity, Handicraft, Art, Music, Housecraft, and Physical Education. Examinations were taken under the University of Birmingham and the Midland Training College Joint Board.

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