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Applying for PGCEs and Postgraduate Teacher Training through GOV.UK

If you want to join a PGCE or Postgraduate Teacher Training course with us, you will need to apply through the Apply for Teacher Training service on GOV.UK.

Please note
Applications to undergraduate initial teacher training programmes are made through UCAS and not GOV.UK. 

How to apply

Applications are made online at www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training where you can apply for up to four programmes initially.

Courses will usually open for applications in October for entry the following September.

Places will be allocated as applications are received through the year so we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible in the cycle.

A pupil stands alongside a teacher while her work is marked in a primary school classroom.

Preparing your application

When you begin your application, you will be asked to create an account on GOV.UK or use an existing account if you already have one. Each time you sign into GOV.UK using your email address, a link will be sent to you to return to your application.

The online application system is split into a variety of sections which include:

  • Personal details and contact information – you will need to supply your name, email address, contact phone number and date of birth.
  • References – you will need to add two references.
  • Qualifications – add details of your degree, whether you have GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), as well as details of A levels and/or any other qualifications.
  • Work experience – summarise your employment history with details of all jobs since leaving school, as well as any unpaid experience working with children or in a school.
  • Personal statement – you will need to outline in up to 1000 words, what relevant skills you have, your experience of working with young people, why you want to be a teacher and why teaching is important. You should also include any relevant activities (such as first aid, sports coaching or volunteering). You can structure this in any way and we usually recommend your statement to be at least 500 words.
  • Adjustments – this is your opportunity to ask for any extra support if you’re disabled, have a mental health condition, or any educational needs, as well as any flexibility required around interview dates, such as caring responsibilities or employment.
  • Safeguarding issues – this is your opportunity to highlight any potential safeguarding issues, such as offences, reprimands and final warnings.
Discover how to write a strong personal statement

Submitting your application

When you have completed all of the above fields, you will have the opportunity to check through and review your application before submitting it. There is no application fee.

Offers

Once your application is submitted, we may ask you to attend for an interview.

An offer of a place may be unconditional (meaning a firm offer of a place on a programme) or conditional (meaning you have an offer of a place, as long as you meet specified conditions, such as minimum degree classification).

Once you have received decisions from all of your choices, you will have 20 working days to decide whether to accept a place. You must respond within this timeframe or any offers will be automatically declined.

You will be able to track the progress of your application at all times and must formally reply to your offers through the GOV.UK system when making a decision.

A teacher observes as two pupils use calculators during a maths lesson in a secondary school classroom.

Further information

If you have any queries about the application process or course availability, please do not hesitate to contact Course Enquiries by calling (+44) 01695 657000 or emailing [email protected].

Further information for prospective international students is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or you can email [email protected].