PGCE Primary School Led
The PGCE Primary School Led programme is a postgraduate professional programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) leading to the academic award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
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Course overview
The University of Winchester is the accredited provider for PGCE School Led provision at a number of well-established school partnerships. We work very closely with our partnerships, developing and supporting your Initial Teacher Education curriculum and learning experience, which reflect the ethos and practice of the Institute of Education at the University of Winchester and of local schools.
We know how important it is that teachers are autonomous, innovative, critical and reflective practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enable all children to grow and learn.
Mastering how to teach well really matters. Our curriculum will enable you to develop strong subject knowledge, learn how to teach all primary subjects effectively, innovate, and meet the needs of the children you will teach.
We work closely with the school partnerships below:
- Ambitions Teaching School
- Bittern Park Teacher Training Alliance
- Godalming Learning Partnership
- Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust
- Halterworth Training School Partnership
- Newport Junior School - training with this provider is at University campus
- Perins Innov-8 - training with this provider is at the University campus
- St Ives Primary (Holt Heath)
- Wessex Teach
- Winchester School’s Partnership
To find out more about each provider please see the ‘Find Postgraduate Teacher Training’ search service offered by the Department for Education (DfE).
Although very limited, some providers offer a 'postgraduate fee-funded route into initial teacher training' - please search via individual partnerships.
If you have any questions about the course content, please contact the individual school partnership directly. If you have any questions about entry requirements and whether your qualifications will be accepted, please send us a message.
A sustained reputation for providing outstanding teacher education. Rated Outstanding in all areas in our 2024 inspection.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Blended learning between in school and on campus in Winchester
Course length
1 Year full-time
Apply
Typical offer
A first or second-class honours degree
Fees
See below
Course features
The course covers everything that student teachers need in order to develop the professional skills associated with high-quality teaching:
- Expert tuition in all primary school subjects,
- Understanding of how children learn and effective pedagogy,
- Meeting the needs of all learners, and
- Professional skills associated with high-quality teaching.
Course details
The majority of learning takes place in partnership schools, working alongside an experienced teacher mentor. You will learn in the classroom and through regular weekly training sessions, as you work towards the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The majority of training sessions are taught at the school partnership, by colleagues in your partner schools. In addition, a number of training sessions are taught at the University of Winchester, taught by University colleagues.
During your time in school, you will undertake two assessed placements, developing your understanding and skills through classroom practice. The placements are carefully planned and supported by a teacher mentor and University link tutor.
You will spend a further 20 days engaged in Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks, where you will develop a reflective approach to your practice and the ability to work flexibly, responsively, and effectively in the classroom,
Your QTS Status allows you teach any age range, however this programme prepares you to teach the 5-11 age range.
Applications are submitted via DfE Apply and you will apply directly to the school you are interested in studying with. You can apply to up to three training programmes when you submit your application, and this can include both University PGCE and School Led choices.
Accreditation
We are accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver Initial Teacher training programmes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The PGCE counts as 60 Master's credits, equating to 1/3 of a Masters.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module will develop critical understanding of what it means to be a teacher in the mid 2020s and some of the policy and societal issues that inform and shape the role. Key theories, or ‘big ideas’, underpin the module, forming strands of learning that will be explored during curriculum sessions. Students will be introduced to the professional expectations and responsibilities associated with being an educator. They will develop their understanding of key pedagogies, planning and assessment and the importance of reflective practice.
As part of this module student will receive additional, mandatory sessions relevant to their route
This module will introduce students to the structure, key concepts and specialist subject knowledge of curriculum subjects. Informed by research and contemporary policy, students will examine teaching approaches likely to engage children and promote learning. Students will explore one area of the curriculum for their assignment.
The module focuses on understanding child development and meeting individual needs. Students will engage in current issues relating to inclusion and additional needs and will develop some specialist knowledge of specific learning requirements. In addition, students will consider the role of other adults, parents and agencies in protecting children’s social, emotional and educational wellbeing.
Whilst on school-based professional placement, students will be guided and supported by a teacher mentor. Students will become familiar with the class and school policies and plan and teach groups and whole class lessons focusing on explaining and modelling, and establishing positive learning environments. They will progress to whole class teaching and rehearse and refine effective behaviour management and assessment strategies. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress. Students will engage in ITAP sequences as part of this professional placement.
Entry requirements
GCSE English language, mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of 4-3 is required.
- You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
- Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
- If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.
If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.
We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.
We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.
If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.
- Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant. If you interrupt your studies and return the following academic year you may be required to pay for a new DBS clearance check.
- If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
- You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
- All applicants are also subject to checks against the Secretary of State’s Teacher Prohibition Orders.
Childcare Disqualification
Student teachers who are enrolled on an initial teacher education programme at the University, including school-led programmes, which involve placement in a primary school or setting in its later years provision and/or early years provision (nursery and reception classes) need to be aware of the following requirements: Childcare Disqualification.
HOW TO APPLY
The way to apply for postgraduate teacher training in England has changed. You can now use Apply for teacher training, a new GOV.UK service.
Apply for teacher training is easy to use and gives clear guidance to help potential teachers make strong applications.
To learn more about the new service and to get help with your application, visit Get into Teaching.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions about the course or studying at Winchester, please get in touch using our Ask a Question form and we will get back to you shortly.
A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification). This can be in any subject.
GCSE English language, mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of CC or 4-4 is required.
- You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
- Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
- If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.
If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.
We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.
We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.
If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.
- Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant (£40 at the time of publishing).
- If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
- You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
HOW TO APPLY
The way to apply for postgraduate teacher training in England has changed. You can now use Apply for teacher training, a new GOV.UK service.
Apply for teacher training is easy to use and gives clear guidance to help potential teachers make strong applications.
To learn more about the new service and to get help with your application, visit Get into Teaching.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions about the course or studying at Winchester, please get in touch using our Ask a Question form and we will get back to you shortly.
Additional costs
2025 COURSE TUITION FEES
UK/Republic of Ireland/Channel Islands and Isle of Man
£9,250
Student Finance England provide tuition fee loans and maintenance loans for students training to teach. To find out more, please visit the Department for Education (DfE).
The Department for Education (DfE) also offer scholarships and bursaries to students training to teach. The amounts vary by subject being studied and the level of qualifications you hold. To find out more, please visit the Department for Education (DfE).
International Students
£16,700
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.17 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Disclosure and Barring Service
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placement.
Placements
In additional to daily travel to your main school, you will also need to attend at least one other placement that may be closer or further from your home than your main school. You will also be required to attend teaching at the University of Winchester, you will need to cover all the costs of travel yourself.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Winchester PGCE graduates have a high employment rate and are highly respected in the region and beyond. We provide support for applying for teaching posts as part of the course. Most of our students take up a position in teaching. Many local Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers are Winchester graduates. Occasionally, graduates pursue other careers using the range of transferable skills gained during study.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Winchester is renowned for Outstanding teacher training. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and I've been able to implement lots of ideas from the course into my teaching pedagogy. The placements reaffirmed my love for teaching and helped prepare me for the future - from broadening my experience, to developing skills in planning, to growing my confidence as a well-rounded teacher.
