Applying for PGCE or Lead School Partner PGCE

If you're a graduate and interested in becoming a teacher, our step-by-step guide and the video below should help. But remember, if you do have any questions about applying, just drop us a line and we'll do our best to help you.

Please note the information below is for graduates interested in becoming a teacher; if you are interested in applying for one of our undergraduate programmes: Early Years - Primary Education (3-7) with QTS or Primary Education (5-11) with QTS please visit our Undergraduate Applications page.

Your application

Step 1: References

Before you start your application you will need to arrange for two referees to provide an online reference.

  1. Academic reference: A current or recent tutor. If you haven’t been to university within the last five years then you can use a reference from another professional. However, an academic reference does support applications, so it’s beneficial if you can get one.
  2. Professional reference: To comment on your character and suitability of yourself as a teacher.
  3. Salaried, School Direct programmes: One reference from an employer

Step 2: Choosing the right route

Before submitting your application, ask yourself:

“What would be the perfect route into teaching for me?"

You might already have a good idea of what you’d like to study, but it’s worth taking the time to research your options and choose a route into teaching that’s right for you.

Search for your preferred route using the search tool on the DfE website.

Step 3: Apply online

Once you’ve found the right training programme for you, you can apply online. The dates you can apply to your preferred choices may differ, but these dates will be visible when using the search option.

Changing your mind

If you decide to change your training programme, you will need to contact the training providers i.e. the university to discuss it. You can also change your training provider, however, to do this you will need to speak to DfE.

What happens next?

Once you’ve submitted your application, the training providers have 40 working days to make a decision, inform you, and if they’re interested, invite you to an interview. Find out about the University of Chester’s Interview Day for BA QTS and PGCE programmes.

That’s it! You’re ready to become a teacher.