PGCE - Secondary

Why train to teach at Worcester?

At Worcester, we have an established and dynamic partnership with the schools in the region where you'll do your placements. They also keep us up to date with job vacancies, so not surprisingly, our employability statistics are pretty impressive.

The PGCE focuses on your development as a subject specialist secondary teacher. Expert tutors challenge and support you to achieve the very highest levels of subject knowledge, performance against the Teachers' Standards and academic achievement.

Whichever specialist subject you choose, you'll be taught in small seminar groups, and get plenty of academic and personal support from your tutors. You really get to know your subject and how to teach it.

Key features

• Placements in at least two different schools, giving you a breadth of experience and the chance to specialise while you develop self-reflection, self-criticism and self-confidence
• Opportunities to develop additional specialisms in areas such as special educational needs, technology-enhanced learning, and leadership
• Extra-curricular opportunities, such as conferences and special projects, to boost your chances of employment
• School Direct routes and the option to study Core PGCEs full-time or part-time
• The course lasts for 10 months and you may be eligible for an excellent tax free training bursary

How will you be taught?

At the heart of good teaching is the desire to promote learning, and the love of learning. Nothing is taught until it is learnt. To achieve this, the programme aims to develop teachers who are

• skilled and inspirational subject specialists
• confident and reflective practitioners
• effective communicators who can work in partnership
• informed intellectuals who promote a love of learning
• resilient professionals able to demonstrate high standards of personal conduct

Academic requirements: Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis. All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language and mathematics (or equivalent) (for 2022 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.