Do You Need a PGCE to Become a Teacher?

If you're considering training to teach, you may have heard of the term PGCE. But what actually is a PGCE and is it really required to become a teacher?

In this guide, we’ll discuss what a PGCE is, how you can combine a PGCE with QTS and whether a PGCE is really worth it.

Apply for a PGCE with QTS today!

What is a PGCE?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a well-respected postgraduate qualification that combines teaching practice with university-style study.

Alongside developing your classroom skills through practical experience, you will explore:

• How children learn and develop
• Effective teaching strategies
• Behaviour management
• Curriculum design and implementation
• Giving effective feedback
• Pedagogical approaches

This academic element encourages trainees to become reflective teaching professionals who understand not only how to teach effectively, but why certain approaches have the greatest impact on pupil outcomes.

What is QTS?

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the professional qualification required to teach in most state schools in England.

To achieve QTS, trainees must demonstrate that they meet the Teachers' Standards and can effectively plan, teach and assess learning in a classroom environment.

Where QTS confirms that you are ready to teach, a PGCE helps to deepen your understanding of the profession and delve deeper into the ‘whys’.

Why choose a PGCE with QTS?

For many aspiring teachers, achieving a PGCE with QTS qualifications provides the best preparation for a successful teaching career.

Gain practical experience while you learn

As many current teachers will tell you, teacher training is much more than just studying theory.

A PGCE with QTS allows you to spend significant time in schools, learning from experienced teachers and gradually building your confidence in the classroom.

By the end of your training year, you'll have developed real experience teaching pupils across a range of contexts and abilities.

Develop a deeper understanding of teaching

Outstanding teaching is built on more than subject knowledge alone.

The PGCE element of your training helps you understand the research and theory that underpin effective classroom practice. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions throughout your career and support continuous professional development.

Enhance future career opportunities

Many schools recognise the value of a PGCE alongside QTS and the qualification is also widely recognised internationally.

This may provide additional opportunities for teachers considering working abroad in the future.

Stand out as a well-rounded educator

By combining practical training with academic study, a PGCE with QTS helps prepare teachers to be reflective and adaptable professionals.

These are qualities that schools increasingly value as education continues to evolve.

Apply for the September 2027 cohort today!

Is a PGCE worth It?

Yes, a PGCE is absolutely worth completing. A PGCE provides much more than a teaching qualification.

It offers the opportunity to not only develop a deeper understanding of education, but it also helps you build confidence in the classroom and gain a recognised postgraduate qualification alongside QTS.

While the training year can be demanding, many teachers find that the additional knowledge and expertise gained through a PGCE supports them throughout the whole of their career.

Why we believe in a PGCE with QTS

At Learn with FA1, we believe that great teachers deserve the strongest possible start to their careers.

Our PGCE with QTS programme combines the best of both worlds: practical, school-based training and high-quality academic study. Trainees benefit from expert mentoring, supportive school placements and evidence-informed teaching approaches, helping them develop into confident and effective educators.

Whether you're a graduate, a current teaching assistant, or a career changer looking for a new role with purpose, a PGCE with QTS can provide the knowledge, skills and qualifications to begin a rewarding career in teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PGCE the same as QTS?

No. QTS is the professional qualification that allows you to teach in most state schools in England, while a PGCE is a postgraduate academic qualification. Many teacher training programmes, including those at Learn with FA1, offer both together.

Can career changers complete a PGCE?

Absolutely. Many trainees begin their teaching journey after working in other professions and successfully achieve a PGCE with QTS through school-based training routes.