FAQs
How long does it take?
The PGCE will start at the beginning of September and be completed early in July.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the course is £9,000.
Is there any funding available?
Eligibility 2019/2020
Scholarships |
BURSARIES Trainee with 1st/PhD |
BURSARIES 2:1/Master’s |
BURSARIES 2:2 |
BURSARIES Other |
|
Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Languages, Geography |
£28,000 |
£26,000 |
£26,000 |
£26,000 |
£0 |
Biology, Classics |
- |
£26,000 |
£26,000 |
£26,000 |
£0 |
Secondary Maths |
£22,000 |
£20,000 |
£20,000 |
£20,000 |
£0 |
English |
- |
£15,000 |
£15,000 |
£15,000 |
£0 |
D&T, History |
- |
£12,000 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
Music, RE |
- |
£9,000 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
Primary with Maths |
- |
£6,000 |
£6,000 |
£6,000 |
£0 |
What qualifications do I need?
Entry requirements for our Primary 3 to 7 and Primary 5 to 11 programmes:
Qualifications
Personal qualities
We are looking for candidates who have what we think it takes to become good or outstanding Teachers. There are particular qualities that such teachers possess:
Other requirements
Qualifications
- Graduate Status or equivalent
- Passes at GCSE in English, Maths and Science at grade C / level 4 or above
Personal qualities
We are looking for candidates who have what we think it takes to become good or outstanding Teachers. There are particular qualities that such teachers possess:
- a passion for teaching
- an ability to form positive working relationships with children and adults
- an engaging and approachable nature
- strong organisational skills
- good interpersonal skills
- creativity and innovation
- an exciting approach to learning
- the ability to reflect on practice
- a positive and professional outlook
Other requirements
- Recent experience in a maintained school, in the appropriate phase. We can help you to arrange this if necessary
- Successful completion of professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy
- A satisfactory DBS enhanced check
Do I need to have passed the Literacy and Numeracy tests before interview?
You may apply to train with us before you have passed the QTS Skills Tests. If you are offered a place on the course at interview, this offer will be subject to you passing the tests within an agreed timescale – normally one month.
A word of advice! Do not under estimate the amount of revision required to pass these tests. Occasionally candidates have made the assumption they will ‘cruise’ through these tests and have not passed. You have three non-fee paying opportunities to take these tests. Thereafter there will be a £50 charge per test, however you may run out of booking slots at test centres! If you feel you might need a little extra help please let us know in good time so that we can offer you some support.
A word of advice! Do not under estimate the amount of revision required to pass these tests. Occasionally candidates have made the assumption they will ‘cruise’ through these tests and have not passed. You have three non-fee paying opportunities to take these tests. Thereafter there will be a £50 charge per test, however you may run out of booking slots at test centres! If you feel you might need a little extra help please let us know in good time so that we can offer you some support.
How much experience do I need in schools?
Your application will be significantly strengthened if you have spent some time in a primary school setting. The school or schools (more than one would be better) should be state schools, such as maintained schools or academies. You will find this experience really useful at interview.
You are unlikely to be considered if you do not have any recent relevant school experience at all. However, if you do not have any current experience we can help to organise this for you, so please do not let this be a barrier to your application and get in touch!
You are unlikely to be considered if you do not have any recent relevant school experience at all. However, if you do not have any current experience we can help to organise this for you, so please do not let this be a barrier to your application and get in touch!
Where will the interviews be held?
All interviews are held in schools across our membership; you will be asked to teach a short lesson episode for which you will have received information to allow you to plan. This will be delivered to a whole class, and will be observed. There will also be an observed group activity before a formal interview lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Who will conduct the interviews?
There will typically be two or three colleagues - at least one teaching representative from our Teaching School Alliance schools, usually a Headteacher, and our Primary Programme Lead. Administrative support will also be there on the day to answer any questions you might have and to check your documents.
What else can I do to strengthen my application?
- Arrange appropriate references which include your experience in school
- Research the programme
- Evidence recent school experience (paid or voluntary)
- Contact the office for initial discussion and possible visit
- Check all spelling and grammar on application (proof read)
- Complete your key skills tests qualification before interview, if possible
- Come to your interview well informed and prepared
How soon after I have submitted my application will I know if I have secured an interview?
Once your application has appeared on our UCAS platform we will contact you shortly after receipt. If your application meets our criteria you will also be contacted by phone to arrange an interview date, but please do feel free to contact us any time after submitting your application on UCAS if you need to.
If I am successful in securing a placement after interview, what do I need to organise before starting the programme in September 2019?
- Passing Numeracy and Literacy Key Skills Tests (ideally within 1 month of interview date)
- Fulfilling the necessary paperwork requirements
- Complete the Disclosure and Barring Service Check
- Complete the medical report
- Make yourself available to attend the Induction Day event in July in Exeter
- Organise visit to your Home School after the Induction Day
How will my school placements work?
- Primary school-based courses almost all of the time is spent in school, the Home School for the autumn and summer terms, and in a contrasting second placement for the spring term. There is also release time from school to follow the Masters programme and General Profession Study tutorials.
