Entry requirements

For more information, please visit our website.

Months of entry

June

Course content

If you are a graduate working in a Secondary school but currently do not hold a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), this course is for you. The Secondary PGCE Route to Qualified Teacher Status for School Based Employees will enable you to gain QTS while continuing to teach in your own school. You will have a minimum of 3 years of sustained teaching responsibility to enable you to build on your current experience.

This specialist PGCE is designed for experienced, non-qualified Secondary teachers, providing a structured pathway to achieve QTS while continuing to teach in your school. Combining practical, school-based learning with academic study tailored to the individual, the course will enable you to gain 40 master’s-level credits alongside QTS. Its unique design ensures that you will develop professionally without stepping away from your role.

This PGCE is particularly suited to:

FE-qualified teachers in schools (e.g., those holding PGCE PCET)
Unqualified teachers already employed in schools
Individuals with international teaching qualifications / experience not currently recognised as QTS in Wales
HLTAs who have been teaching in the absence of a qualified teacher

This PGCE for School Based Employees addresses a critical gap in the Welsh education system. It will provide a vital pathway for experienced non-qualified Secondary teachers to attain QTS, aligning with the Welsh Government’s broader goals for educational excellence. By recognising and developing the existing skills of practitioner teachers, this programme aims to ensure a more equitable, skilled, and motivated teaching workforce.

You will follow a full-time one-year course, combining university provision and school-based learning. The PGCE is unique to you as it revolves around an individual learning and development plan (ILDP), which is agreed within the first phase of the course. You will develop as a teacher through a research-informed clinical practice approach.

We will welcome applicants from all subject areas.

Distinctive Features of the Degree

This PGCE is currently not available in other Welsh ITE providers (English medium / Welsh medium).
This is a unique work-based route, allowing teachers to remain in their current post, whilst working towards and achieving QTS.
It provides an alternative route into teaching that champions a model of initial teacher education that extends beyond mere professional compliance. The PGCE embodies the Cardiff Partnership’s vision by developing teachers through a research-informed clinical practice approach.
The PGCE is unique to the individual as it revolves around an individual learning and development plan (ILDP), which is agreed within the first phase of the course.
The HEI / School-led course content offers three distinct styles of professional development: HEI Led Professional Development; Lead School-led Professional Development (7 days); Clinical Practice School-led Professional Development.
A reduced teaching timetable allowing practitioner teachers the opportunity to use research and enquiry aligned with their assignments and areas of focus noted in their ILDP.
Gain 40 credits at master’s level.
Research-informed clinical practice where structured opportunities enable student teachers to use theory to interrogate practice and vice versa.
A supportive and collaborative culture of learning.
The model ensures the essential experience of working with and learning from peers specialising in their chosen subject / phase (2 age phases).
Practitioner teachers will be supported through their personal development of Welsh and pupils’ use of Welsh.
Research-informed clinical practice where structured opportunities enable student teachers to use theory to interrogate practice and vice versa.
Person-centred enrichment opportunities to build on strengths and develop innovative, collaborative, professional learning and leadership skills.
Offered to both English medium and Welsh medium practitioners.

Information for international students

For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on our website.

Fees and funding

For more information on postgraduate funding, please visit our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

PGCE
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Admissions Team
Email: askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Phone: 02920 416044

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Secondary Route to QTS for School Based Employees