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Postgraduate Certificate in Education
The most popular way for graduates to become a teacher is to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education ( PGCE).
PGCE courses focus primarily on developing of teaching skills, and not knowledge of the subject you intend to teach. As such, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s), usually to degree level, before you start training.
How long does a PGCE take?
Courses generally last for one or two years full-time. There are also some PGCE courses which take two years part-time.
Where can you do a PGCE?
PGCE courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. However, if it suits your circumstances better, you may be possible for you to earn a PGCE via flexible distance learning, or in a school by completing a programme of school centred initial teacher training (SCITT).
What qualifications do you need?
You must have a UK undergraduate degree or a recognised equivalent qualification. Your degree should relate to the subject you want to teach (if primary, that means the core subjects of the national curriculum, if it doesn't, you might be able to complete a pre-training course to get your knowledge up to the required level.
You must also have achieved a standard equivalent to at least a grade C in GCSE English language and mathematics. And if you were born on or after 1 September 1979 and want to teach primary or Key Stage 2/3 (ages 7-14), you need to have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in a GCSE science subject. There are also two year conversion courses available.
Is there any additional funding available?
Eligible trainees completing PGCE courses in England are entitled to receive a tax-free training bursary of £6,000-£9,000. The precise amount depends on the subject and course start date. Similar training bursaries are available in Wales, where eligible trainees receive £6,000-£7,000, depending on their subject. An incentive payment worth £1,200 is also available for some trainees who undertake secondary initial teacher training (ITT) through the medium of Welsh.
In addition to funding such as this, you may be eligible to receive taxable 'golden hello' payments (or teaching grants in Wales) worth between £2,500 and £5,000, depending on the subject, after successfully completing your induction period as a newly qualified teacher (NQT).
How do you apply?
The majority of PGCE applications are made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). However, some ITT providers require that you approach them directly. For secondary courses, you are able to apply to up to four different providers and for primary courses two providers, in order of preference. If you are unsuccessful with your first choice, your application will be passed on to your second, and so on. Visit the GTTR website for full details of available courses and how to apply.
When should you apply?
Generally speaking, the GTTR accepts applications from mid-September to June for courses starting the following September or October.
However, be aware that courses in primary teaching, PE and history are very popular and there is considerable competition for places. In these cases, to guarantee that your first choice of ITT provider will consider you, you need to apply by the end of November in the year before you wish to train.
For more information about teaching visit - www.tda.gov the Training and Development Agency for Schools
