Initial Teacher Education (PGCE secondary)
Our PGCE secondary teacher training will open up an exciting new journey for students who want to train to be a teacher. At the School of Education, University of Bristol, we offer a wide range of subjects, and your teacher training will combine theory with practice, whichever route you choose.
We work with local schools, colleges and academies to offer you two routes in secondary teaching.
Our PGCE team are happy to help with any queries you may have about applying to study for your PGCE.
Please contact us by email in the first instance at ed-pgce@bristol.ac.uk. We will respond to your query as soon as possible.
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.
Lead Partner 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?
- Designated specialist tutor
- Students benefit from studying in a research-intensive university
- High employability rates
- Great feedback and testimonials from our current and former students
- 11-18 qualification
- Strong partnerships with schools
- Unique opportunities to consider global issues in your teaching
- Placement in a primary school during the programme to gain an understanding of teaching and learning before the secondary phase
- Opportunity to gain experience in a school for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
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.
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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.
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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.
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History
Important lessons come from history. Train as a history teacher and bring history to life for young people.
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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.
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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.
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Religious Education
Discover how to engage young people in exploring world religions and the different themes and topics within.
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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 Lighthouse Learning Partnership School Experience Days for prospective trainees.
International students
Important information specifically for international students who have applied for or are holding an offer for the PGCE.
Black Bristol PGCE Scholarship Programme
Find out more about additional funding available for Black and Mixed-Black Heritage UK applicants
Contact us
Initial Teacher Education (PGCE and Lead Partner) Office
Phone: +44 117 455 1093
Email: ed-pgce@bristol.ac.uk
School of Education
University of Bristol
35 Berkeley Square
Bristol, BS8 1JA