Applying for a PGCE : How to apply

Applying through the GTTR

The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)  processes most applications for places on PGCE courses, some distance learning courses, some further education (FE) courses and the majority of school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) schemes in England and Wales. All Scottish higher education institutions (HEIs), except the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), use the GTTR system. For initial teacher training (ITT) providers who do not use the GTTR system, you need to apply directly to the institution.

All applications are made online. You can apply from September 2011 for entry to courses starting in 2012. You are encouraged to talk directly to ITT providers about any specific queries you have regarding their courses. Telephone numbers are available on the GTTR website.

Deferred entry

There is no deferred entry system for full-time, one and two-year postgraduate teacher training courses. If you are planning to travel, contact the ITT providers to discuss your plans as some may agree to defer your place when they make an offer. If you accept a deferred place for 2013 entry, you must still meet all the conditions of the offer by August 2012.

Closing dates

Middle years and secondary applicants can apply up to 30 June 2012 for 2012 entry. Courses fill up quickly, particularly for popular areas such as history and PE, and many courses can be full as early as January. Applications are processed by the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)  in the order in which they are received and are dispatched daily to ITT providers from early October 2012. Therefore early completion of applications is strongly recommended for all disciplines.

For primary PGCE courses, the GTTR must receive your completed application and reference by 1 December 2011, but you are strongly advised to apply early. Competition for places is stiff, and candidates are often interviewed and selected before the closing deadline. However, ITT providers are still able to receive applications after 1 December if they have places available.

Give yourself plenty of time to ask your referee for a reference and to confirm that the referee will provide your reference online. You will not be able to submit your application until the reference is completed.

Late applications

If you are applying late, check that courses you are applying for are not full before you include them on the application. The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) online course search facility provides the latest course vacancy information.

If the GTTR receive your application after 30 June 2012, they will not send it to any of your chosen providers. You will be entered directly into clearing where you can then apply directly to ITT providers with places.

The GTTR accepts applications for PGCE courses in England and Wales. For more information about applying in Scotland and Northern Ireland, see teaching in Scotland and teaching in Northern Ireland. Also find out how to complete the form.

AGCAS

Written by Richard Wilcock and Lucy Ellis, University of Leicester

Date: 

June 2011

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