Schools and learning

The Postgraduate Route

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) in compulsory education and the Graduate and Registered Teacher Programme (GTP) are routes available to graduates to Qualified Teacher Status.

For those who wish to take the PGCE route, it is necessary that the individual hold a relevant degree. A degree in early childhood studies, for instance, would be suitable preparation for candidates wanting to specialise in early years teaching. It would be advantageous for those wishing to teach children up to 11 years if the degree covers one or more national curriculum subjects. In order to teach at secondary level it is required that the degree is in the subject, or closely related to the subject that is going to be taught. It is recommended that individuals check that their degree will be acceptable for entry to ITT (initial teacher training) in order to avoid disappointment later on. Although some degree programmes include ‘education’ as a subject, this does not necessarily mean that they are suitable as a route to QTS (qualified teacher status).

The normal duration of a PGCE or SCITT course is one year full time or two years part-time. SCITT courses are not available within Hertfordshire Schools, but you can find out more information about this scheme on the Training and Development Agency (TDA) website (link on the right).

You may be eligible for a £6,000 training bursary - this is not a loan and is tax free.

To find out more about PGCE courses and to request an application form or apply online, you should contact the Graduate Teacher Training Registry on 08701 122200 or via their website at www.gttr.ac.uk.

The Open University runs distance learning PGCE courses in some priority subjects. For more details, contact the OU directly on 01908 653231.