Primary PGCE: Entry Requirements

Selection Before Interview

Selection of candidates to be interviewed will be based on information supplied on the GTTR form; additional information will only be considered if it has been specifically requested by the Admissions Tutor.
Successful candidates should normally demonstrate that they already have:

• A commitment to and understanding of primary education, normally founded on at least 10 days of experience in primary classrooms in the two years prior to your application; broader relevant experience is valuable in addition. Your supporting statement should clearly show why you want to teach, what experience you have had and what you have learned from it. Your referee’s report should confirm your commitment. Please note, at least one year of school experience is needed for Flexible Pathways A or B.
• Suitable personal and presentational qualities, including a good standard of written English. Your application should be well presented. Your supporting statement should show that you can manage your development and learning. Your referee’s report should confirm your personal and presentational qualities.
• C-grade GCSEs in English Language* and in Mathematics*.

You should already have or are in the process of obtaining:

• A first or second class honours degree from a UK university. All subjects are acceptable. If you are in your final year, a successful outcome should be predicted by your referee. If you have a third-class or pass degree, please see (below) for guidance on how to compensate.
• A C-grade GCSE in combined Science* (dual or single award) or in Physics, Chemistry or Biology. Subjects that cover a narrower range of the National Curriculum, such as human biology or environmental science, are not acceptable.
• Two further C-grade GCSEs in National Curriculum subjects. The National Curriculum subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, ICT, History, Geography, PE, Art and Design, Music and Religious Education. One modern foreign language will also be accepted.

If you lack these qualifications you may take an Edge Hill University Equivalency test. You should pass any English or mathematics tests before you apply. You may apply before taking a science test if your application demonstrates that you have booked a test and/or begun a relevant course of study.

We accept all recognised equivalent qualifications. We often have many more suitable candidates than the number of available places, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible in the academic year. When selecting from those who meet the entry criteria we will give preference to the strongest candidates.

Degree Class Compensation

The Primary PGCE Programme at Edge Hill University is extremely popular and it is expected that applicants should “have achieved or are likely to achieve…a first or second class United Kingdom honours degree”. However we do recognise that there are a number of people who for one reason or another have not achieved this, but still have the potential to become excellent teachers. As such we are happy to consider applications from people in this position who, as well as meeting all the other entry criteria, can evidence additional study.

If you have a third class honours degree, you may compensate by obtaining 60 credits at Level 7 in any subject. You could obtain this through a Postgraduate Certificate or credits towards a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters Degree, or through any combination of Level 7 credits. Please note, this information is correct at the time of publishing. However, following recent changes in government guidelines on entry criteria for PGCE programmes, we are currently awaiting further clarification on this matter.

Edge Hill University offers a number of different postgraduate opportunities, many of which are offered on a part time basis. Further details can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/study/courses/masters.

We recognise that attending university or college whilst juggling other commitments is not always practical and that you may be tempted to look at some of the online flexible options you have seen advertised. We would however urge caution on some of these and only opt for reliable accredited programmes.

Whilst considering your options you should be aware that additional study will not guarantee you a place on a PGCE programme. You may want to consider your subject choices as a way of opening up your options either in your current career or as a way of accessing the wider education workforce.

All unsuccessful candidates will receive individual feedback and are welcome to re-apply the following year.