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 2017/2018
Scholarships |
BURSARIES Trainee with 1st/PhD |
BURSARIES 2:1/Master’s |
BURSARIES 2:2 |
BURSARIES Other |
|
Physics |
£30,000 |
£30,000 |
£25,000 |
£25,000 |
£0 |
Maths, Computing, Languages, Geography |
£27,500 |
£25,000 |
£25,000 |
£25,000 |
£0 |
Chemistry |
£27,500 |
£25,000 |
£20,000 |
£20,000 |
£0 |
Biology |
- |
£15,000 |
£12,000 |
£10,000 |
£0 |
D&T |
- |
£12,000 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
English |
- |
£9,000 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
History, Music, RE |
- |
£9,000 |
£4,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
Primary Maths |
- |
£6,000 |
£6,000 |
£6,000 |
£0 |
Primary |
- |
£3,000 |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
What qualifications do I need?
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 opportunities, in total, to take these tests. 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 opportunities, in total, to take these tests. 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 the setting you wish to train in i.e. primary school experience for the General Primary programme. 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.
You are unlikely to be considered if you do not have any recent relevant school experience at all.
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 Education Learning Facilitator. 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 notify you within 5 working days via UCAS. 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 2018?
- Passing Numeracy and Literacy Key Skills Tests (within 1 month of interview date)
- Fulfilling the necessary paperwork requirements of the University/ SWTT
- Complete the Disclosure and Barring Service Check
- Complete the medical report
- Make yourself available to attend the Induction Day events in July in Exeter
- Organise visit to your Home School after the Induction Day
- Organise opposite Key Stage experience in order to complete pre-course task (we suggest in July), if you require assistance organising this please let us know in good time
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 second placement for the spring term. There is also release time from school to follow the Masters programme.
- SWTT courses provide two long placements in local schools during the year. The first begins in September and runs, with regular days out at the training centre, until December. The second placement follows a similar pattern, starting in January and finishing in June.
- @exeter PGCE courses you will be allocated a Home School, where you will start at the beginning of September when the staff return after the summer holidays (including training days). You will spend around 20 weeks in your Home School, with the longer placements in the first half of the spring term, and the whole of the summer term. Your second placement in a different setting takes place during the second half of the spring term. Your finishing date is to be agreed between you and your Home School.
