Train to teach in England
Our PGCE with QTS is distinct in combining the expected rigour and credibility of a university-led course with the practical advantages of being based in school for the entirety of your training.
As the course is delivered online, you can be based in a school anywhere in England, provided the school meets our selection criteria to ensure it can offer the right support.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
PGCE is an academic qualification. It will deepen your understanding of how children learn, and the psychology underpinning this. It will develop your subject knowledge and teaching skills so you'll be better equipped to adapt your lessons to different contexts and learners with varying abilities. The PGCE also leads to 60 master's level credits.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
QTS is the professional qualification required to teach in state-funded maintained schools in England. In many state-funded academies, free schools and independent schools it is also expected that teachers will hold QTS.
These are two different qualifications that we offer in one course.
Routes to initial teacher training
Choose your course
PGCE with QTS (Tuition-fee Funded)
Our PGCE with QTS (tuition-fee funded) is an Initial Teacher Training course, which certifies trainees to teach in state-maintained schools in England.
PGCE with QTS (Employed Route)
Our PGCE with QTS (Employed Route) is an Initial Teacher Training course, which certifies trainees to teach in state-maintained schools in England.
QTS Apprenticeship Route plus PGCE
Our QTS Apprenticeship Route plus PGCE is a nationally recognised work-based route into teaching and is available at primary and secondary level in England.
PGCE for Independent Schools
Our PGCE for Independent Schools is a teacher training course for trainee teachers.
Find the right route for you
Try our Taster Course to find the right path into teaching for you.
Learn more
For me, this course is all about being in the moment and being as practical as possible. You're in school five days a week. All your uni work, you do in your own time, which really suited me. I think getting as much experience in a school as I can is what's going to help me. You learn from those who have been in that situation for years.
Lucy Roberts, PGCE with QTS (Tuition-fee Funded), England, 2024
The apprenticeship through NITE was the ideal route for me as I had been employed as a teaching assistant in my school for a number of years, gaining valuable practical skills and knowledge that are beneficial in a teaching role. Completing the PGCE with QTS apprenticeship in the school where I am employed has allowed me to continue to build on the existing relationships that I have made with the staff and children whilst having the support of my colleagues throughout my training. The course has also allowed me to continue earning a salary while gaining my qualification. As a mother to three young children, I would not be in a position to afford to take a break from work to pursue other teacher training programmes.
Rebecca Donlan, Teacher Apprenticeship with PGCE (Primary), England, 2024
More information
Just looking for QTS?
If you have at least two years of teaching experience, you could gain QTS without further study through our assessment-only route.
Already a qualified teacher?
Get ready for your next step with our master's courses.
Information for schools
Across England, we collaborate with schools, leaders, and teachers to improve the quality of teaching and leadership.
Information for international schools
We work with many schools, school leaders and teachers to help improve the quality of teaching and leadership in schools around the world.