Independent PGCE

Course outline

The Independent Postgraduate Certificate of Education has been developed in close consultation with the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). Since 2002 it has been offering teachers in the independent sector, who have not undergone a period of formal teacher training, the opportunity to participate in a structured programme of professional development.

THIS COURSE IS WIDELY RECOGNISED AND WILL QUALIFY TRAINEES TO TEACH IN THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR, BUT IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO QUALIFY WITH QTS PLEASE LOOK AT EITHER OUR PRIMARY OR SECONDARY PGCE WITH QTS COURSES.

Course content

The PGCE is a 37-week school-based course, during which time you will work under the guidance of a mentor and receive weekly tutorials to review progress and set targets. It is available in most subjects and to all age levels. There are three residentials (nine days overall) to attend and these are supplemented by a weekly programme on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be assigned a University tutor who visits once per term to assess your progress and guide your development. You will be assessed by both your mentor and your tutor and there are three assignments to complete.

For teachers undertaking their first year of teaching we highly recommend your participation in our Ab Initio course in late August as an addition to the PGCE. This will provide you with some basic knowledge and skills to start teaching.