Initial Teacher Education (Teacher Training)
Our PGCE for secondary teaching was awarded 'Outstanding' in the 2018 OFSTED inspection, so you know you'll receive excellent training to enable you to inspire the next generation
We work with local schools, colleges and academies to offer you two routes in secondary teaching. Applications for 2023 entry open from October 2022.
Our PGCE team are working partly remotely and we advise that you contact us by email in the first instance at ed-pgce@bristol.ac.uk. We will respond to your query as soon as possible; there may be delays due to an increased volume of email.
University PGCE - the traditional teaching route
- You receive training at the university and have placements in at least 2 schools;
- You are closely supported by school mentors and your university tutor during this time.
School Direct PGCE - school-led teacher training
- You are recruited by a local school;
- You know where your placements will be in advance;
- You will have the full support of the university, including a university tutor and access to all facilities.
Each route is designed to help you become an outstanding subject practitioner and enable you to work well in a range of schools. Compare the different routes to decide which one is right for you.
Who the PGCE is for
If you have a passion for your subject and you want to inspire the next generation, teaching could be the career for you. Our PGCE programmes are demanding and hands-on but you’ll be supported and guided to become an excellent qualified teacher.
To qualify fully as a teacher, you will continue to train for a further two years in your first teaching post. There is a new induction programme called the Early Career Framework, which all Early Career Teachers will have the opportunity to follow during their first two years as a teacher.
We welcome applicants from any backgrounds including graduates from Bristol, graduates from other universities and career changers. We want to see all of our students become excellent teachers and future leaders.
Why choose teacher training at the University of Bristol?
- Top 5 Good Teacher Training guide 2017
- 'Outstanding Provider Status'
- High employability rates
- Great reviews by our current and former students
- Designated specialist tutor
- 11-18 qualification
- Strong partnerships with schools
- Unique opportunities to consider global issues in your teaching
- Placement in a primary school before the programme starts to provide you with crucial context
- Opportunity to gain experience in a school for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Outstanding Ofsted Inspection 2018
Our initial teacher education programmes have been ranked as outstanding in every category by Ofsted.
Subjects
You will receive an excellent teacher training that combines theory with practice whichever route you choose. We offer teacher training for the following subjects.
-
English
Where would we be without words? And why do writers in English so frequently use alliteration? The English programme invites you to ask and answer these questions and more.
-
Geography
Geography isn’t just about maps. On our Geography PGCE you will discover how to help pupils find out about our world and the people it contains.
-
History
Important lessons come from history. Train as a history teacher and bring history to life for young people.
-
Mathematics
Our Mathematics PGCE trains you how to support those who struggle and how to challenge those who excel. Learn how to take your pupils from basic mental arithmetic to algebra and Pythagoras.
-
Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish)
Modern Foreign Language teaching is exciting, rewarding and challenging; our comprehensive and rigorous MFL course will equip you to meet all the challenges and to enjoy your career as a languages teacher.
-
Religious Education
Discover how to engage young people in exploring world religions and the different themes and topics within.
-
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Develop as a confident, effective practitioner who can teach science and your specialist subject in ways that deepen pupils' understanding and motivate them to take their study of science further.
School Experience Days
Find out more about NTSA School Experience Days for prospective trainees.
Initial Teacher Education leaflet
Download our 2022 PGCE leaflet (PDF, 519kB)
Black Bristol PGCE Scholarship Programme
Find out more about additional funding for Black and Mixed-Black Heritage UK applicants toward the cost of undertaking a PGCE course starting in 2023-24.
Contact us
Initial Teacher Education (PGCE and School Direct) Office
Phone: +44 (0) 117 455 9223 or +44 (0) 117 331 4492 We are partly working remotely and advise that you contact us by email in the first instance
Email: ed-pgce@bristol.ac.uk
School of Education
University of Bristol
35 Berkeley Square
Bristol, BS8 1JA