Post-Graduate Certificate in Education

A Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course focuses primarily on the development of your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, 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 year full-time or up to two years part-time.

Where can you do a PGCE?

PGCE courses are available at universities and colleges throughout the UK. It may also be possible to study for 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.

If your degree subject does not link closely to the subject you intend to teach, you may need to take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course (available in certain secondary subjects) to boost your subject knowledge, prior to starting your PGCE.

In addition, you need a standard equivalent to at least a grade C in GCSE English language and mathematics. If you want to teach primary or key stage 2/3 (ages 7 to 14), you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C in a GCSE science subject.

Is there any additional funding available?

Eligible trainees completing PGCE courses in England are entitled to receive a tax-free training bursary of £4,000 to £9,000 - the precise amount depends on the subject of your PGCE.

In addition to funding such as this, you may be eligible to receive taxable 'golden hello' payments (in certain secondary subjects), worth between £2,500 and £5,000, depending on the subject, after successfully completing your Induction as a newly qualified teacher (NQT).

You can find full details of funding for postgraduate teacher training and full details of additional incentive payments for new teachers in England on the TDA website.

Funding for Subject Knowledge Enhancement Courses

There is also funding available for those needing to take Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses prior to staring their PGCE course - these courses are aimed at people who want to teach mathematics, science, French, German, Design and Technology, ICT, Music and Religious Education, but need some additional subject knowledge training.

Courses last between two and 36 weeks.

Eligible trainees undertaking these courses will receive a supplementary tax-free bursary of up to £7,200.

Please visit the TDA webpage for SKE courses for more information about the eligibility criteria.

To qualify trainees must meet the normal conditions for initial teacher training (ITT) and be conditionally accepted onto a PGCE course which will lead to them being qualified to teach one of the subjects listed above to key stage 3 and key stage 4 or post-16.

For the latest information on course providers please call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.

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.

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 before the end of November in the year before you wish to train.

Further information

Please note that Lambeth are unable to arrange placements for PGCE students; you should contact schools directly to arrange a placement, should this be necessary.

For further advice from the Lambeth Education Access Team with regard to payment of course fees, please contact them on 020 7926 9307.

If you require further financial assistance, please contact Student Finance Direct on 08456 077577 or see www.studentsupportdirect.co.uk