Guide to the PGCE – How to Survive and Thrive


Teaching is among the noblest professions in the world, and it’s not something you can just waltz into any time you want. It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to gain the right qualifications and become recognized as one of the nation’s many fine educators. For many, it means passing through the PGCE.


In this new article series, we will be offering advice to any prospective teachers thinking about or just about to embark on their PGCE adventure. Our articles will focus on the various ways candidates can not just survive their PGCE year, but thrive in it.

A Quick Introduction to the PGCE


To gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), many aspiring educators in the UK go through the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE, known as the PGDE in Scotland). For most, the PGCE is an intensive full-time course of theory and practical work experience covering a period of 12 months. That period extends to two years for those who take on the course part time.


Broadly speaking, the PGCE can be divided into three main types: Primary, Secondary and Further/Adult Education. Admission to the PGCE can be competitive depending on which subject in which you wish to specialise. Some courses like maths, physics and foreign languages are experiencing shortages of teacher applicants, so those can be easier to access.


What advice do we give to PGCE candidates?

It goes without saying that the PGCE year is not an easy one. Anyone going through it would benefit from some tips and strategies, and that’s what you’ll find below:

Consider financial aid
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Those of you specialising in an area in which there is high demand may receive bursaries to complete your PGCE. Many others, however, do not, and that can compel some to consider part-time employment to help tide them over. 

Read more...

Take the academic side seriously
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Some people are quite dismissive of theory, and particularly so in the world of teaching. “Real” teachers often accuse theories of being unrealistic, unworkable and totally useless in the face of 30 unruly teenage hooligans armed with protractors and pencils. Read more...
Get seriously organised
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You need to be organised both with your paperwork and your time. First, get yourself anything you’ll need to keep
notes, lesson plans and other paper-based material in good order. Whether you like digital or hard copies, organisation is key. Read more...
Complete accademic assignments effectively 
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Many teachers who pass through the PGCE point out that the academic assignments, while important, are best gotten out of the way at the earliest opportunity. Read more...
Get involved in school life
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Your school placement is more than just a practical work period. It’s a time to lay foundations, build connections, work on skills and gain invaluable insight and experience into multiple aspect of school life. Read more...
Ask for help when needed
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This one is pretty self-explanatory. Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help, whether it be to your colleagues,
mentors, friends or family members. Read more...
Don't expect to be perfect at anthing
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The PGCE is a period of teacher training. It’s critical that you remember that. Absolutely nobody expects you to get
everything right all the time, and nor should you make that your goal. Read more...
Maintain a healthy work - life balance
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Between academic work and school placements, you are going to experience fatigue and downright stress. You should therefore take at least one day a week to rest, take up a hobby, meet up with friends. Read more...

Don’t miss the series


In an eight-part series of follow-up pieces, we will explore each of the above aspects in more detail and share with you our insights into being a happy, successful and thriving PGCE candidate. The journey to the NQT year is short in time, but resplendent with experiences and lessons.


Finally, don’t forget that finishing your PGCE is actually just the very beginning of a long and fulfilling career in the dynamic and exciting world of education.