Program Overview

Secondary Qualified Teacher Status and PGCE

Course Overview

This course is available to teachers who are currently employed in maintained or independent schools in England.

Start and Duration

• September 2025
• Full-time, 37 weeks

Level and Qualification

• Postgraduate
• PGCE

Campus and School

• Online
• School of Education

About the Course

This course is for those graduates who want to achieve Qualified Teacher Status to be able to teach in a Secondary School in England – independent, state-maintained and special schools in England.

Becoming a Secondary School Teacher

Teaching is still regarded as one of the most rewarding careers you can embark on. This is a career where you can have an incredible impact on the next generation of pupils.

Course Structure

The course lasts for 37 weeks and covers a full and demanding curriculum. Our curriculum covers all aspects of the Core Content Framework (CCF). You learn whilst working in the classroom, fully supported by a Mentor along with participating in a blended learning programme provided by a team of experienced practitioners working with the University.

Support

A particular strength of our course is the support that we are able to offer through what can be a challenging year. As students of the University of Buckingham you are able to access all the student support services that we offer, with specialists who are used to working with Distance Learners.

Entry Requirements

You must be employed as a teacher in a secondary independent or state school, be teaching your subject for a minimum of thirteen hours and know about four consecutive school years (teaching in at least two of them).

Qualifications

• UK degree
• GCSE in English Language or Literature, Maths at grade 4 or above or equivalent

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrate competence in literacy and numeracy
• Attend an interview
• Provide a reference from your headteacher supporting your application to undertake a PGCE
• Obtain the commitment from your school to release you for the second school placement and to provide a suitable mentor
• Provide a satisfactory criminal record check and show the physical and mental fitness to teach

Teaching and Assessment

The PGCE is a 37-week school-based course during which time you will work under the guidance of a mentor and receive weekly tutorials to review your progress and to set targets. You must teach for a minimum of 13 hours a week.

Residential Training

There are six days of residential training and two days of online learning which include subject-specific content. Trainees will participate in lectures, workshops, seminars and discussion groups led by experts in their field.

Assessment

You will be assigned a University tutor who will visit you once per term to assess your progress and guide your development. You will be assessed against the Teaching Standards and Core Curriculum Framework, which is embedded in the PGCE curriculum, by both your mentor and your tutor.

Course Fees

The fees for this course are:

• QTS Secondary (Sep 2025): £6,500
• QTS with PGCE (Secondary Sep 2025): £7,500

Additional Costs

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

Bursary Funding

If you need financial assistance for a course, please contact Shonali Mathur at: [insert email]. You will be asked to fill in a means-test form.

IAPS Members

IAPS members are eligible for a reduced fee. Please select ‘IAPS’ on the partnership section of the application form. For further details please get in touch using the contact details above.