Teacher training : Training in schools

Postgraduate or Professional Certificate in Education (PGCE)

A PGCE is usually a one-year, full-time course based in a university with substantial school placements. Courses are offered at two levels: Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Professional Certificate in Education. The Postgraduate Certificate offers optional Masters level credits but both certificates lead to the same qualified teacher status (QTS). Search for courses and apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) . More flexible PGCE courses are also available with part-time study, modular and/or distance-learning options. Training offered through these routes can be applied for through GTTR or directly to the institution.

Further details can be found in applying for a PGCE.

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

SCITTs operate in England and are usually one year, full time. A consortium of schools designs a training programme with partners including higher education (HE) institutions and the local authority (LA). Although these schemes include significant academic study, they are highly practical and most of your time is spent in a base school. Successful completion leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) and possibly a PGCE.

Apply through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)  for most schemes but for a complete list see Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) . 

Graduate teacher programme (GTP)

The GTP allows you to qualify as a teacher while employed by a school in England or Wales. The training lasts one year, but it could take as little as three months, depending on your previous experience. During this year you are paid on the unqualified teacher scale. Successful completion leads to QTS and in some cases a PGCE.

Some employment based initial teacher training (EBITT) providers will help you find a school, while others will expect you to find a school before applying. A list of providers is available from the TDA. For GTP in Wales see Teacher Training & Education in Wales . 

Assessment-based training

This route allows candidates with substantial teaching experience to compile and submit a portfolio to demonstrate they meet the standards required to achieve QTS. Visit the TDA for more information on assessment-based training.

Teach First

Teach First  is a two-year programme in London, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the North West and the North East, within both secondary and primary schools. It is aimed at graduates with a 2:1 or above and 300 UCAS points. It combines working towards QTS and PGCE with leadership development training, coaching and mentoring.

Courses to boost relevant subject knowledge

Postgraduate-level teacher training courses (PGCE, SCITT, GTP), particularly at secondary level, require substantial subject knowledge. A pre-ITT subject knowledge enhancement scheme is available for subjects including secondary maths, physics, chemistry, design technology, information and communication technology (ICT) and modern foreign languages. See the TDA website to find a course in your region.

For diplomates and foundation degree graduates

• Registered teacher programme (RTP): The RTP allows you to study for a degree and qualify as a teacher while you work as an unqualified teacher in a school. Trainees must have completed two years in higher education. Visit the TDA or contact the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.
• Two-year degree in primary or secondary education: The main focus of this course is on shortage subjects including design and technology, mathematics and science. Apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) .
• Degree ‘top-up’ course and postgraduate ITT: Top up your HND to a degree and then apply for a postgraduate teacher training course such as a PGCE. Check the suitability of your subject for entry to PGCE courses.
• If you have a foundation degree, you need to get at least an extra 60 credits at HE level 3 to be considered for postgraduate teacher training. Primary study is eligible for this route. If you are considering secondary you will require 50% of your first degree to be in the subject that you intend to teach.