Primary PGCE

Additional requirement information

GCSEs (and equivalents)

A minimum of level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent). GCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary's University.

For all 2023 Primary PGCE programmes (PGCE Primary General, PGCE Primary with PE Specialism and PGCE Primary part time) - two of the three GCSEs required for primary teacher training must be held at the point of application. Only one equivalence test will be accepted. Applicants must hold two full GCSE qualifications.

The Irish equivalent to GCSE is the Irish Leaving Certificate. In order to qualify to apply for the PGCE Primary programme you must already have a C grade or above (at Ordinary level) or a D grade or above (at Higher level) in all three subjects. The Science subject studied must be Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Home Economics and Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate level are not accepted.

International students must have a ‘pass’ in their high school or senior school examination in these subjects and evidence of this needs to be submitted to the University for approval.

School observation

At St Mary's, we would like all applicants to have made a fully informed decision about considering joining the teaching profession. As part of that decision making process, spending some time in school(s) observing what teachers do and beginning to give some consideration to how they manage learning can be really insightful and informative.

DBS check

Successful completion of a physical and mental fitness to teach and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists, which shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the list of people barred from doing the role are required.

Irish applicants

Make sure to check our information for candidates applying from Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Writing ability

The course is fast paced, and trainees need to come in ready to write at postgraduate (master’s) level. PGCE is awarded on receipt of 60 master’s credits. The first M level assignment is due at the end of October. A high standard of basic writing is required. ECs are not automatically given for students with a learning disability so this should be flagged at interview in order they can be signposted for additional support early on.

Placements

Trainees are required to undertake 120 days minimum in primary schools to gain PGCE with QTS. One placement must be carried out in KS1 (5-7 year olds) and one in KS2 (7-11 year olds).  Each placement must be at a different school. Placements are within one hour’s travel of the trainee’s term-time address.  We welcome trainees sourcing their first placement before joining us. All school placements must be completed successfully before proceeding to the next

ECT (Early Career Teacher) Induction

Qualifying with a PGCE entitles you to begin your induction as an early career teacher (ECT) or newly qualified teacher (NQT). The induction period is two years in England and one year in other countries of the UK and in Ireland.  You are advised to check specific induction arrangements with the teaching council for the country you intend to work in once you have completed your PGCE for up-to-date information prior to starting the course.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.