PGCE & NQT

PGCE Courses

PGCE is a qualification that is required for people who want to become a teacher in UK state schools (This is not usually compulsory in Private/Independent schools). If you already have a degree, consider a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE course mainly focuses on developing your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) – usually to degree level – before you start training. - Department of Education


Eligibility for teacher training

Although different training providers may have specific recruitment criteria, there are some basic eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet to become a qualified teacher in England.

  • a degree

  • GCSE grade C / 4 in English and maths – and a science subject for primary trainees

  • any overseas qualifications through UK NARIC


Funding teacher training

There are three types of funding available for teacher training - depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three:

  1. Tax-free bursary or scholarship

  2. Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan

  3. Extra financial support if you're a parent, have an adult dependant or a disability

Explore below to find out more on the funding available. Alternatively, you could earn a salary while you train.

​*To be eligible for the funding, your nationality or residency status should be all of the following:

  • you’re a UK national or have ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay)

  • you normally live in England

  • you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years before starting your course

You can also apply if you’ve been given settled status (‘indefinite leave to remain’) because you’ve been the victim of domestic violence.

Check your eligibility - Department of Education; Student Finance England


Currently, the following universities offer a PGCE Mandarin specialism

1. UCL IOE CI

2. University of Oxford*

3. Manchester Metropolitan University

4. Goldsmiths University of London

5. University of Portsmouth*

6. University of Sheffield*

7. NML SCITT *

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​*You must have knowledge of an European language to be able to apply. In order to be eligible, consider taking a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.