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Making a strong application is an important factor when achieving a place on a PGCE. Your personal statement offers the chance for you to make your application stand out, helping you to clearly and concisely demonstrate your suitability for the course.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement is your time to shine and is an important part of your university application. By paying close attention to the presentation and content of your personal statement, you can showcase your suitability and achievements, helping yourself to stand out from the crowd.

How to write your personal statement

By applying to teach, you are often applying for competitive programmes of study so don’t be afraid to sell yourself to make a great first impression. It is important to outline why you want to be a teacher and what you know about/why you want to study the subject that you would like to teach. Outline your relevant achievements, skills, knowledge and experiences.

Remember to be concise and do not repeat information that you may have included elsewhere in the application.

Things to include
Things not to include

How to finalise a personal statement

End your personal statement by leaving a strong lasting impression. What makes your personal statement unique? You. Write about your ideas for the future. What you would bring to the course. And what you want to get from the overall learning experience.

Before submitting your personal statement, make sure to show it your friends and family to get their feedback. This can help you to get a fresh perspective and capture any mistakes or topics you may have missed.

Allow yourself the time to fine tune your work before you decide to submit it.

classroom of secondary school students with teacher helping a pupil at a table

Further advice

Get in touch

If you are applying to Edge Hill University or would like any additional advice about writing a personal statement as part of your application for a PGCE, please contact our Course Enquiries Team on (+44) 01695 657000 or complete our online enquiry form.