Frequently Asked Questions
How long Does the Course take?
The PGCE will start at the beginning of September and be completed early in July. This is a full time, one year course.
How much does The Course cost?
The cost of the course is £9,250.
Is there any funding available?
Trainees are only eligible for a bursary or scholarship if they’re entitled to support under the student finance criteria. Trainees from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland should read Studying in the UK: guidance for EU students.
Applicants with a degree from outside the UK can contact Get into Teaching or their chosen training provider for more advice.
For 2021 to 2022, there are bursaries of:
There are also scholarships of £26,000 in secondary chemistry, computing, maths and physics. Scholarships also come with a package of additional benefits from the appropriate professional body.
Applicants with a degree from outside the UK can contact Get into Teaching or their chosen training provider for more advice.
For 2021 to 2022, there are bursaries of:
- £24,000 in secondary chemistry, computing, maths and physics
- £10,000 in secondary languages and classics
- £7,000 in secondary biology
There are also scholarships of £26,000 in secondary chemistry, computing, maths and physics. Scholarships also come with a package of additional benefits from the appropriate professional body.
What qualifications do I need?
Entry requirements for our Primary 3 to 7 and Primary 5 to 11:
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 (honours degree) or equivalent
- Passes at GCSE in English, Maths and Science at 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
- Although not obligatory, it will be useful for you to have had recent experience in a maintained school, in the appropriate phase. We can help you to arrange this if necessary
- A satisfactory DBS enhanced check
What Qualifications will I gain through your course?
Exeter Consortium works in partnership with South West Teacher Training, and through our partnership with this SCITT you will be awarded your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Through three written assignments for Bath Spa University, you will gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which is worth 60 Master's credits and could allow you to go on and gain a full masters if you chose.
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 will strengthen your application if you have recent, relevant school experience. 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! Come and have a chat if you have questions about this.
You will strengthen your application if you have recent, relevant school experience. 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! Come and have a chat if you have questions about this.
Where will the interviews be held?
Once shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview that will involve:
*a short presentation of a planned lesson
*a written task
*a panel interview
*opportunities to talk with a current trainee via telephone.
Successful candidates are greeted with a Welcome Pack which helps them through the preparations required to start the course. We pride ourselves on communicating regularly with successful candidates so that they feel like part of the Exeter Consortium community.
Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the office by phone or email and are welcome to chat informally with an adviser before submitting an application. We are committed to making interviews as stress-free as possible - recognising how challenging they can be! We find that candidates do really enjoy our interviews, finding out more about us and our programmes. All candidates are offered feedback as soon as possible following the interview.
*a short presentation of a planned lesson
*a written task
*a panel interview
*opportunities to talk with a current trainee via telephone.
Successful candidates are greeted with a Welcome Pack which helps them through the preparations required to start the course. We pride ourselves on communicating regularly with successful candidates so that they feel like part of the Exeter Consortium community.
Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the office by phone or email and are welcome to chat informally with an adviser before submitting an application. We are committed to making interviews as stress-free as possible - recognising how challenging they can be! We find that candidates do really enjoy our interviews, finding out more about us and our programmes. All candidates are offered feedback as soon as possible following the interview.
Who will conduct the interviews?
There will typically be two colleagues on our interview panel, including our Primary Programme Lead. We can also offer you the opportunity to chat to a current trainee.
What else can I do to strengthen my application?
- Arrange appropriate references (from two different sources)
- Research the programme
- Evidence recent school experience if applicable (paid or voluntary)
- Contact the office for initial discussion and possible visit
- Check all spelling and grammar on application (proof read)
- 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 'Apply' 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 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 2022?
- Fulfil the necessary paperwork requirements
- Complete the Disclosure and Barring Service Check
- Complete the Occupational Health report
- Make yourself available to attend the Induction Day event in July
- Organise a visit to your Home School after the Induction Day
How will my school placements work?
Our Primary Trainees spend much more time learning the craft in school than on most other training programmes. You will be in your Home School for the autumn and summer terms, and in a contrasting second placement for the spring term. There is release time from school to follow the Master's programme and General Professional Study training. You will be in school from Monday to Wednesday observing, teaching and working alongside your class teacher mentor, and you will have training on Thursdays and Fridays where you will come to our lead school, Exwick Heights Primary School or our Secondary school, West Exe School. Sometimes you will have study days at home.
During your block practice in the second half of the autumn and spring terms and also for most of the summer term, you will be in school full time, really learning the craft and working with a range of experienced teachers in school. You will have a Professional Visiting Tutor who visits you in school to support and quality assure your placement and progress. We also have members of the team who offer additional support when needed.
During your block practice in the second half of the autumn and spring terms and also for most of the summer term, you will be in school full time, really learning the craft and working with a range of experienced teachers in school. You will have a Professional Visiting Tutor who visits you in school to support and quality assure your placement and progress. We also have members of the team who offer additional support when needed.
WHAT DO OFSTED SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME?
Strengths of our training programme praised by Ofsted are:
- Newly qualified teachers are well prepared for their first teaching post
- Highly regarded by headteachers
- The partnership is overseen effectively by well-qualified leaders
- The welcoming nature of the partnership
- The responsiveness of partnership staff when trainees seek advice
- Personalised support that trainees receive means that trainees’ needs are met exceptionally well
- The partnership’s focus on ‘pedagogy not paperwork’ has been pivotal in supporting trainees to manage their workload
- Strong communication across the partnership and regular feedback mean that trainees develop into reflective practitioners
