Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
What is a PGCE?
A PGCE is a University or college based course, usually over one year, full-time. However some training providers offer part-time/ flexible PGCEs and also two year, full-time subject conversion courses to enable graduates from other disciplines to train to teach subjects at Secondary school
How do I apply for PGCE courses?
- Search and apply via Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)
- Read the GTTR's "How to apply" guide
- All routes through GTTR cost £19.
- Choose up to two Primary and four Secondary courses.
- The order of choice is important as applications are sent to one training provider at a time for consideration.
Closing dates for PGCE courses
Primary PGCE:
- Register and complete your application by mid November at the latest
- References and applications must be in by strict deadline of 1st December
Secondary PGCE:
- There is no set closing date for Secondary courses, but early application is strongly advised
Personal statement
- Your personal statement is the key to securing an interview for a place on a PGCE. Use our guide to PGCE personal statements to help you write yours.
- In addition to your personal statement you have around 20 lines to list your paid and unpaid work experiences. Include details of dates, job titles, employers and main responsibilities.
- The Teaching Agency website includes an interactive application assistant that will help you with your personal statement.
Funding your PGCE
- Trainees on PGCE routes may be entitled to a training bursary. The size of the bursary depends on the subject you train to teach and your degree classification.
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Anyone taking a Secondary Mathematics PGCE or School Direct course in England can apply for a £20k Scholarship from the Instituate of Mathematics/ Royal Statistical Society.
- All Saints Educational Trust makes individual financial awards for PGCE courses for students who meet certain criteria.
The Teaching Agency has more detailed information on the PGCE route to becoming a teacher and Prospects has more information about "Applying for a PGCE".
